The New Volkswagen Passat Highline Plus

Volkswagen is boosting the popular Volkswagen Passat and Passat Estate range with the addition of a new model, the Volkswagen Passat Highline Plus. Over the already generous equipment list of the Volkswagen Passat Highline, the trim level which replaced the SE in February 2008, the Volkswagen Passat Highline Plus gains chrome grille surround and louvres, Bluetooth telephone connectivity with touchscreen adaptor, as well as Volkswagen's RNS 310 satellite navigation unit. The Volkswagen Passat Highline Plus commands a premium of just £750 over the standard Highline with prices starting at £20,515 RRP' on the road' for the 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS.

Standard on the Volkswagen Touran Match model, the new RNS 310 unit is a CD-based satellite navigation system with integrated radio and MP3-compatible CD player. It has touchscreen operation with a five-inch colour screen for ease of use and visibility, an SD card reader, plus AUX-in slot for connection to external multimedia devices. This new system will shortly become available on other Volkswagen Passat models, priced at £795.

The Bluetooth touch adaptor works in conjunction with the factory-fit phone preparation and incorporates a dash-mounted cradle. The touchscreen adaptor has a 2.8-inch screen displaying clear icons which, once paired with a mobile phone, displays the phone book, text message alerts and caller ID. Calls can be answered or terminated using the multifunction steering wheel. The touch adaptor can connect to most Bluetooth-enabled phones, including the iPhone and Blackberry.

The Volkswagen Passat Highline Plus also includes all the features of the standard Volkswagen Passat Highline including ABS and ESP, six airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, semi-automatic climate control, cruise control and leather upholstery. The new specification level is also available with the same engines as the Highline. This means customers can choose from a 1.8-litre TSI 160 PS petrol, 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS, 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS with or without BlueMotion technology efficiency package, and the range-topping 2.0-litre TDI with 170 PS.

The Volkswagen Passat Highline Plus is available to order from Volkswagen Retailers now, ready for deliveries in January 2010.