The New Volkswagen Passat Revealed (2014)

The eight generation Volkswagen Passat has been unveiled before its official launch at the Paris Motor Show in October. It will go on sale towards the end of the year with the first cars being delivered early in 2015.

The new Passat has seen around an 85kg weight reduction which depending on the model has helped to improve the fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent. The footprint of the new Passat is slightly smaller, the saloon model is two millimetres shorter than the previous model, yet the wheelbase has increased by 79 mm longer at 2,791 mm and it is 14 mm lower at 1,456 mm, and 12 mm wider at 1,832 mm. The interior promises more interior space, with improved leg and shoulder room. The boot has increased by 21 litres for the Saloon and 47 litres for the Estate model.

The interior will feature new technology including the introduction of an optional Active Info Display featuring a 12.3” TFT panel to replace the instrument cluster, a heads-up display; the latest Modular Infotainment System, including the Car-Net remote app; a further-developed 360-degree Area View function.

The new Park Assist system will now automatically park the Passat forwards into perpendicular spaces. It also includes a Trailer Assist system, which provides assistance when reversing a vehicle with a trailer attached - without the need for any modification or adaptation of the trailer.

There will be a new line of engines including a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre, bi-turbo diesel which deliveries 240 PS/ 500 Nm from 1,750 rpm, this engine will only be available with a seven-speed DSG gearbox and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. Shortly after launch there will be a plug-in-hybrid edition, with the potential of a 31 mile range under electric power only.

Safety equipment includes Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert; Traffic Jam Assist to aid stop-and-go driving. Plus Emergency Assist, which can potentially halt a vehicle when the driver is incapacitated; and Front Assist system with City Emergency Braking, which optionally combines both radar and camera sensors to add pedestrian detection.