2017 Volkswagen Passat Spotted Testing In India

The Volkswagen Passat has always been a potent sedan when it came to spending around Rs 30 lakh on a car. While it sold in good numbers in markets across Europe and North America, the Passat never managed to take a stand against the premium car marques from other parts of Germany in India. However, come 2017 and VW will launch the all-new Passat in the Indian market to try and lure customers away from the expensive likes of the BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and offerings from its own subsidiaries, the Skoda Superb and the Audi A4.

The all-new Passat was spotted on Indian roads multiple times, both camouflaged and undisguised, over the last few months. From the outside the new-gen Passat manages to be refreshing and subtle at the same time. It has lost 2mm from its height but has gained 79mm in its wheelbase, which will surely help in increasing the cabin and boot space. While it is longer and will inevitably come loaded with a lot more tech than the previous gen it replaces, engineers have managed to make it 80kg lighter than its predecessor.

The test mule spotted had a 2.0-litre TDI engine under the hood, which was accompanied by two turbochargers. The great thing about turbocharging an engine is that it delivers two-fold goodness, in terms of reduced emission ratings and more power. This engine is tuned to churn out 240PS of power and a healthy 500Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a seven-speed DSG auto box, powering all four wheels of the car. Petrol engine fans need not worry as the new Passat will also be offered with a 1.8-litre TSI motor, tuned to produce 170PS of power and 249Nm of torque.

Just like the Toyota Camry and the upcoming Honda Accord, the VW Passat will also have a special variant with hybrid powertrain. While the electric motor alone will produce 115PS of power, the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine will produce 156PS of power. The total output of the hybrid powertrain tops out at 218PS of power and 400Nm of torque.

The Passat will not only try and create a space for itself in the market, but also give customers a ticket to stand out from the crowded roads of BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes and Audis. On price point, we expect the new Passat to undercut all its German rivals by a considerable margin, and offer a lot more comfort, luxury and power at the same time.