Photo: Volkswagen
Volkswagen showrooms in the UK will soon welcome customers that are looking to spend upwards of £22,215 on a brand new Passat saloon or estate model. This eagerly anticipated Mk8 Passat is based on the same platform as the Golf and promises to be a benchmark setter. Both are expected to arrive on October 7th, their debuts coinciding with that of a Ford rival, the all-new Mondeo, which starts at £20,795.
At a glance then, the American-badged model is noticeably cheaper than its German rival. But the two are actually more closely matched if you look into detail. All UK Passats come standard with a diesel engine, a 120 PS 1.6-liter TDI available with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG. There won't be a petrol model until late 2015, and even it's going to be a plug-in hybrid with 31 miles (50 km) of electric range.
Most customers will, however, go for one of the two 2-liter TDI engines, which deliver either 150 or 190 PS. Even the most basic models will come with VW's Post-Collision Braking System and mis-fuelling prevention. However, the new Passat only really becomes worth buying from the SE trim level, which gets standard assist, adaptive cruise control, selectable drive models, better seats and front and rear parking sensors.
Top-spec Passat GTs costing from £25,305 also come with navigation, heated Alcantara seats, three-zone climate control and 18-inch wheels.
One thing the 2015 Passat offers right now that new Mondeo doesn't is a twin-turbo engine. Volkswagen's new mill is called a 2.0 BiTDI 240 and comes standard with DSG and all-wheel drive. Fitted only to flagship Passat GT models or ones with the R-Line look, the 240 PS engine costs a staggering £34,510 with a sedan body or £36,040 as an estate. In return, for BMW money, you can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds. However, we suspect very few people want to spend that much money on such a car.
German-spec Passats get standard LED headlights from mid-grade Comfortline (equivalent to SE) and higher. On the Mondeo, this is a £1,050 option, no matter the trim level. Of course, the buying decision should be an informed one, which is why we suggest reading the atatched press release with full pricing information below. After that, make sure to check out our story on 2015 Mondeo UK pricing.
Most customers will, however, go for one of the two 2-liter TDI engines, which deliver either 150 or 190 PS. Even the most basic models will come with VW's Post-Collision Braking System and mis-fuelling prevention. However, the new Passat only really becomes worth buying from the SE trim level, which gets standard assist, adaptive cruise control, selectable drive models, better seats and front and rear parking sensors.
Top-spec Passat GTs costing from £25,305 also come with navigation, heated Alcantara seats, three-zone climate control and 18-inch wheels.
One thing the 2015 Passat offers right now that new Mondeo doesn't is a twin-turbo engine. Volkswagen's new mill is called a 2.0 BiTDI 240 and comes standard with DSG and all-wheel drive. Fitted only to flagship Passat GT models or ones with the R-Line look, the 240 PS engine costs a staggering £34,510 with a sedan body or £36,040 as an estate. In return, for BMW money, you can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds. However, we suspect very few people want to spend that much money on such a car.
German-spec Passats get standard LED headlights from mid-grade Comfortline (equivalent to SE) and higher. On the Mondeo, this is a £1,050 option, no matter the trim level. Of course, the buying decision should be an informed one, which is why we suggest reading the atatched press release with full pricing information below. After that, make sure to check out our story on 2015 Mondeo UK pricing.
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