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New 2020 VW Passat is Not Based on MQB, Will Debut in Detroit

While many manufacturers are dropping all regular car models, VW decided to launch a new generation of its mid-size sedan. The only problem is that the all-new 2020 Passat is not so new under the skin because it's derived from the old one.
New 2020 VW Passat Is Not Based on MQB, Will Debut in Detroit 8 photos
Photo: Volkswagen
2019 Volkswagen Passat (Chinese model)2019 Volkswagen Passat (Chinese model)2019 Volkswagen Passat (Chinese model)2019 Volkswagen Passat (Chinese model)2019 Volkswagen Passat (Chinese model)2019 Volkswagen Passat (Chinese model)2019 Volkswagen Passat (Chinese model)
This is disappointing, as the old Passat dates back to 2011, and even then, its architecture was falling behind the European model. But VW did promise a U.S.-specific model, and they are going to deliver.

CNET was invited to VW's Proving ground in Arizona where it sampled the 2020 Passat. It's just a test prototype, still covered in camouflage, but a bunch of things has already been confirmed.

For starters, the 2020 is about a month away from being revealed at the Detroit Auto Show. It's going to go on sale next summer and will only offer one engine, the 2.0-liter turbo.

The output of this TSI unit is the same as the outgoing model, 174-hp, but torque has been increased to 207 lb-ft (280 Nm), up 23 pound-feet. An automatic sends power to the front wheels. There's no AWD option and, crucially no V6 either. The 3.6-liter united was dropped this year, and there's no replacement planned.

By the sound of things, VW is applying the same formula as with the 2019 Jetta, something which you can probably tell just by looking at the design. The suspension of the Passat is being slackened off for better comfort and less of that autobahn handling.

The new sedan will also come standard with a new 8-inch screen featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite radio. Also, all four trim levels will boast LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection. Unfortunately, because of the outdated platform, the adaptive cruise system still won't work below 15mph, unlike most of its rivals.

While many publications sampled the same prototype, there's one incongruence. Because VW didn't give them any numbers, some say the car is bigger while others claim it's the same size. But from what we understand, the 2020 Passat had to grow a little due to crash test standards. And while legroom has gone up, rear headroom suffered because of the raked roof.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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