Volkswagen will unveil their new Passat sedan at the NAIAS in January 2019. This Passat is different to the one on sale in India and Europe. In fact, Passat in the US, was exclusively developed for the US markets, and was first launched in 2011. It is called the Passat NMS (new-mid sized sedan).
Passat NMS is on sale in the US, China, Middle East and South Korea. Everywhere else, we have the Passat B8 on sale. Now, the first official teasers of this new Passat NMS have been released by Volkswagen USA.
Much more sportier to look at, at least in the teasers shared, the new 2019 Volkswagen Passat gets a much larger, and bolder grille in the front with LED headlamps and DRLs flanking on each sides. The front bumper is also a lot more aggressive than before. From the side, the car looks much more sleeker, thanks to the coupe’ish stance of the new Passat. Rear looks much wider, with bigger LED tail lamps. The trunk is all new, and now comes with integrated spoiler. Chrome exhaust tips are also visible in the teasers.
Interiors of the new Passat get a host of driver and passenger comfort and infotainment features. It receives a instrument cluster with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with a Head Up Display unit. It also gets a panoramic sunroof, flat bottomed steering wheel, ‘Nappa’ leather or ‘Vienna’ leather upholstery, blue ambient lighting, dual zone automatic climate controls, electrically adjustable seats and a total of 9 airbags.
Park Assist, electronic stabilization program, ABS, anti slip regulator, tyre pressure monitor, fog lamps and a host of other safety features are also offered on the new Passat with the car receiving multiple distance sensors and rear parking camera as well. 2019 Passat is built on the same platform as older Passat. Which is a bit disappointing as it means that underneath, it is still a 9 year old car.
Powering the new Passat will be 2 liter four cylinder petrol engine generating 176 PS and 280 Nm. Transmission will be taken care by a 6 speed automatic gearbox, which will power the front wheels. The more powerful option, 3.6 liter VR6 engine delivering 283 PS and 349 Nm has been dropped due to stricter emission norms in the US.