New VW Passat Starts UK Tour

The British division of Volkswagen announced today it will begin showcasing the new Passat model to small businesses and fleets at business parks across the country, as part of a nationwide tour. The 50-day road show will begin January 24 in Aylesbury and will show potential customers how the seventh generation Passat would operate as a company car within their business.

Furthermore, visitors to the road show will be welcomed with complimentary refreshments and have a chance to explore the new Passat, while trained Volkswagen representatives will explain details of the contract hire and finance packages available, as well as having information on company car tax and BiK implications.

“As well as an elegant new look on the inside and out the new Passat can, for the first time, be specified with air-conditioned seats and Automatic Distance Control (ADC) that can automatically slow the car to a halt should it encounter traffic,” the company explains in a statement.

“In addition, the new Passat can be fitted with an automatic fatigue detection system that monitors the driver’s inputs and automatically emits an audible and visual warning to recommend a break if required,” the statement continues.

In terms of performance, the entry-level 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS is capable of exceeding the economy of the outgoing BlueMotion model with a combined economy of 65.7 mpg (4.3 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 114 g/km.  In turn, the new BlueMotion model, due to go on sale in mid-2011, will return some 68.8 mpg (4.1l/100km) and emit 109 g/km of CO2.

The first examples of the new Passat went on sale earlier this month with prices starting at £18,875 for the saloon and £20,175 for the estate.