Unveiled: Volkswagen Passat B8 facelift

ABU DHABI: At last, the Volkswagen Passat has been finally revealed, with improvements in design and new technological updates. The new version will be sold in various guises. This includes a sedan, wagon, and an Alltrack variant.

Coming to the exterior changes, the Passat has a more aggressive front end. Slimmer headlights along with angular fog lamps add to this characteristic, while the traditional three slat grill has made way for a two slat one. Lighting duties are upgraded to an all-LED setup, the optional intelligent Matrix headlights are also on offer. Changes at the rear are not so significant. This includes a slightly redesigned bumper, with trapezoidal shaped exhaust trim, and a new taillight cluster. There are also animations programmed into the system that activates while locking/unlocking of the car, similar to Audi.

The interior is reminiscent of the previous generation. The signature analogue clock is done away with, replaced by the hazard light switch. Technological advancements see a major leap. It is the first car by the company to be equipped with the Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB3). It will be launched with three sizes: Composition Media 6.5-inch with no navigation, Discover Media 8-inch with first level navigation, and Discover Pro 9.2-inch with full navigation. The MIB3 is an 'always-on' system with a dedicated SIM card. Constant connectivity is required for the new mobility products digital platform, dubbed as Volkswagen We. A second 11.7-inch screen is used for the instrument cluster. It has better graphics and functionality.

Powering the new Passat is a range of petrol TSI and diesel TDI engines. Hybrid variants are also on offer for those looking for green efficiency. Petrol versions are fitted with either a 1.5-litre unit, making 150 PS, or a 2.0-litre unit producing either 190 PS / 272 PS. The oil burner diesel range kicks off with a 1.6-litre engine producing 120 PS, or a 2.0-litre engine producing 150 PS / 190 PS / 240 PS. The hybrid machine has a 1.4-litre TSI engine putting out 156 PS, while the electric motor makes 115 PS. The combined output is 218 PS. The battery has also been beefed up to 13 kWh (over 9.9 kWh), this means that the range increases to 55 km (20 km more than the previous version). Depending on the engine, you can opt for manual or dual-clutch transmissions with front/all-wheel drive.

The new Passat is also the first Volkswagen to feature partial autonomous driving at cruising speed (up to 210 kmph). It has assistance systems like Park Assist System, Trailer Assist, Front Assist, Pedestrian Monitoring, Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, Emergency Steering Assist, predictive cruise control, and Travel Assist.