After the original teaser image, Volkswagen has now officially revealed its new luxury sedan. Major highlights of the new car include a reduction of up to 20 per cent in fuel consumption and 85 kg less weight.
According to Volkswagen it is its highest volume model series sold internationally with 1,1 million units sold in 2013.
Following along this trend, the eight-generation will also be sold in both sedan and estate versions, although as before, the estate version will not be available in South Africa.
The new Passat features a longer wheelbase and app-based entertainment for tablet computers for rear-seat passengers.
The new series will be available with no less than 10 direct injection turbocharged engines. These will include a range of petrol and diesel units. All cars will come with stop/start technology as well as a regenerative braking mode. A plug-in hybrid will also be offered with an electric-only range of up to 50 km.
A spokesperson for Volkswagen South Africa confirmed the local launch date for the new Passat will be finalised before the end of the year.