Volkswagen Passat To 'Partially' Drive Itself At Geneva Motor Show

• Travel Assist will give the Passat the ability to drive itself up to speeds of 210kmph.
• Also gets a new infotainment system and a capacitive steering wheel. 
• All-electric range has been increased as well to 55km.

Volkswagen is taking a step into the future at this year's Geneva Motor Show with the new Passat. Both the saloon and estate versions will be equipped with Volkswagen's new “Travel Assist” function that give the cars a partial automated driving function from 0-210kmph. This has been made possible with the new IQ.DRIVE system, making the Passat the first Volkswagen to drive itself. Assisting this system will be a capacitive steering wheel which detects touch by the driver and accordingly adapt the interface. This system is coupled with “Emergency Steering Assist” that assists the driver while performing evasive manoeuvres.

The updated Passat will also get the third generation Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB3) system and App Connect. This allows wireless integration of iPhone apps via Apple CarPlay. The system can now stay permanently online with the help of an integrated SIM card. This allows for the neatest trick of them all - users will now be able to use their smartphone as a “mobile key” for opening and starting the Passat.

(American-spec Passat Facelift)

A few other additions include the new, interactive 'IQ.LIGHT' LED matrix headlights from the Touareg, improved electric range of 55km for the Passat GTE PHEV, and a better Digital Cockpit. Volkswagen will soon reach the 30 million sales milestone for the Passat worldwide and the 30 millionth car will be the new, enhanced 8th generation model. VW is expected to open bookings for the new Passat in European markets by May. Expect the market launch to take place in Germany in September 2019. As for India, it’s highly unlikely that these updates will make it to the India-spec Passat in the near future.

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