Volkswagen PH previews all-new Passat midsize sedan

Volkswagen Philippines revealed the all-new Passat in a special preview at its showroom in Bonifacio Global City.

The new Passat is VW’s premium midsize sedan offering. It adds a worthy  executive transport to VW’s current Philippine stable of sport utility vehicles, multipurpose vehicles and sporty hatchbacks.

Passat is one of Volkswagen’s storied nameplates, having been introduced in 1973. That first hatchback was followed by numerous generations, culminating in the eighth-generation car that will be available in October.

More than 22 million Passats have been sold worldwide. The new car was awarded the 2015 European Car of the Year.

The Passat sedan features handsome lines, tight shutlines all around, and the solid door feel of a German car. VW Philippines says that the Passat is aimed at executives and captains of industry, offering ample passenger and cargo space, refined and quiet ride, and top safety ratings.

The Passat is powered by a 2-liter TSI turbocharged gasoline engine generating  216.99 horsepower. The transmission is a six-speed dual-clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG) transmission. The suspension system features available adaptive chassis control and the highly effective XDS differential lock that helps to eliminate torque steer.

Diesel variants may follow after a few months.

Passat will come in two variants: the Highline at P2.25 million and the Business Edition at P2.75 million.  Standard for both variants will be three-zone climate control system, park distance control and keyless-go system. The eight-speaker audio system will feature device connectivity via USB ports and Bluetooth.

The top-of-the-line Business Edition will feature LED headlamps and taillamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior contains 12-way electric front seats, rearview camera, active info display gauges and a panoramic sunroof. The navigation system will reportedly be one of the best in the  industry.

“The introduction of the award-winning Passat will become the biggest product launch of the year for Volkswagen Philippines,” said John Philip Orbeta, Volkswagen Philippines’ president and CEO.

Exterior/interior color combinations of the Passat are: crimson red/St. Tropez, oryx white or iridium grey metallic/titanium black, and deep black pearl or black oak brown/natural brown. Volkswagen’s midsize sedan will be officially available starting October 2015.

Photos by Jason K. Ang