Unfortunately the BlueMotion model that raised some eyebrows in Europe will not be part of the line-up at first, and the popular R36 will be discontinued because of the global trend of consumption and emission reduction. A choice of diesel and petrol engines will be available, including a V6 AWD that will top the line.
The new B7 series Passat was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September and is an elaborate restyle of the B6 model that was released in 2005. Actually most of the drivetrain and platform components are the same as in the previous generation Passat, making this car a B6.5. However, the body is essentially all-new, only the roof and doors are the same in the sedan, while the interior has been completely refurbished.
There will be an increase in gadgetry and luxury on offer, including an "Easy Open" trunk/hatch release that allows the driver to kick the space beneath the rear bumper to open the luggage compartment.
Improvements include a Park Assist II, which can park a Passat in a smaller space than before, an anti-dazzle headlight function called "Dynamic Light Assist" that detects oncoming traffic and alters the beam, a blind-spot warning feature called "Side Assist" and a front camera to detect and display speed limit signs.
The base engine will be an Audi-sourced 1.8-litre TSI gas unit producing 160 HP and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. Fuel consumption will be reduced by about 10 percent from 7.7 to 7.0 l/100km (30.5 to 33.6 mpg). A 2.0-litre turbodiesel powerplant will produce 167 hp and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. The range is topped by a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine with a DSG gearbox and all-wheel drive.
Pricing for VW's third-highest selling model in Australia will probably be situated in the current range of 38,990 to 57,990 AUD (39,550 to 58,825 USD).
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