The facelifted Volkswagen Passat for the United States has been revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Of course, we must point out that the model offered in North America (as well as the one revealed for China in October 2018) is different to the European-spec Passat – which itself is expected to be facelifted soon – sold here in South Africa.
Indeed, the model we know runs on the VW Group’s familiar MQB platform, while this US-spec version remains on the older PQ46 architecture.
The updated US-spec model features standard LED headlamps and taillamps, along with more prominent Passat badging that runs the width of the bootlid. It runs on 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, although 18- and 19-inch items will also be available.
The cockpit features a horizontal design, incorporating air vents that flow across the dash. A new instrument panel has been added, along with a fresh glass-covered infotainment touchscreen arrangement.
The facelifted Passat for the North American market soldiers on with the Wolfsburg-based brand’s familiar 2,0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but now linked to the front wheels via a torque-converter automatic transmission.
“Passat is the only midsize sedan to offer German driving dynamics at an affordable price and has long resonated with buyers for its combination of comfort, reliability and driving dynamics,” said Scott Keogh, CEO of the North American region at Volkswagen. “With this new model, we’ve stepped up the style factor and upgraded the technology to make it even more attractive. In addition, we’ve made desirable convenience and driver-assistance features more accessible.”
