The luxury sedan car from the German auto major Volkswagen, Passat first launched in the Indian auto segment in 2007, but later discontinued in 2013 owing to the poor sales record. With the increasing demand of the luxury cars in the country, the company has made its mind to re-introduce this nameplate in India. This time, the car will reportedly be available in both petrol and diesel guise options along with the plug-in hybrid unit as well. A couple of months back, the company had brought up the 2.0-litre TDI version of the Passat for R&D and now a smaller 1.6-litre TDI Passat trim has been imported for the same purpose.
With this arrival of a new engine, even for research and development process, looks like, the carmaker is thinking of downsizing the powerhouse. However, there is no such official report on such matter but as the Audi, one of the subsidiaries of Volkswagen Group, has recently introduced the smaller 1.4-litre TFSI motor with the fresh A4 sedan against to ageing 1.8-litre TFSI, it may happen same with the Volkswagen's Passat engine lineup.
Volkswagen first displayed this new Passat sedan in India as hybrid GTE version at the 2016 Auto Expo. In the event, it features some exclusive identities including the blue accents on the grille, C-shaped LED headlights, revised front bumper and the new alloy wheels that separate it from the standard model. Moreover, if the same Passat will hit the Indian shores, it will be the first VW’s model to design upon the MQB platform.
This platform which uses the high-strength and hot-framed steel and aluminium will allow the new Passat to downsize its weight by almost 85 kg over its last generation. Currently, the car is enjoying its eighth generation and has already been on sale in the European market since 2014.
Coming to powertrain itself, at first, the Passat will be introduced with only a petrol guise option that is likely to come in the form of a 1.8-litre TSI motor, generating 180 hp which has also been featured in VW group’s Skoda Superb and Octavia. The engine will be coupled to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.
Diesel engine, on the other hand, might get offered in terms of 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre, both four-cylinder engines and tuned to offer enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. But it does not end here, if the 2017 Passat manages to get a good response, VW can also unveil a plug-in hybrid Passat GTE unit in order to cater to taken on the likes of Honda Accord Hybrid which has recently been launched in India. Well, the all-new Passat is likely to enter the Indian auto market sometime in January next year. Once landed up it will lock the horns with Toyota Corolla Altis and Skoda Superb.
Get latest and updated information about automobiles on our Google Plus Community Speed Gears.
