Spied: 2017 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI spotted in India
Volkswagen is readying the new-gen Passat which will debut in India next year. The German car manufacturer has already started testing the premium line sedan in India. The eight-generation Passat was unveiled two years ago. Volkswagen also showcased the GTE plug-in hybrid version of the new Passat at the 2016 Auto Expo.
In its latest avatar, the new generation Volkswagen Passat gets a revolutionary design change from its previous iteration. The test mules that have been spotted do not sport any camouflage. The Passat now measures 2mm shorter and has an extended wheelbase of 79mm, which VW claims offers a more spacious cabin and boot. VW has also managed to shave off 80kg from the Passat.
The GTE plug-in hybrid comes with a 115PS electric motor and a 156PS 1.4-litre turbo-charged petrol engine mated to a 6-speed DSG gearbox. The combined power outputs for the system are 218PS and 400Nm. VW has also stated that the plug-in hybrid also qualifies the EU 6 emission norms. Read our detailed first drive review here.
The particular test mule that we spotted has a 2.0TDI badge. Additionally, it did not feature the LED DRLs that the GTE variant gets. We believe this particular version will be positioned below the GTE. It will come equipped with a new twin turbo four-cylinder diesel engine that puts out 240PS of peak power and generates an impressive torque of 500Nm. This motor is mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox, sending power to all four wheels. The other engine that will be offered in the Passat is the 1.8 TSI that makes 170PS and 249Nm of torque.
The new-generation Volkswagen Passat hits Indian showrooms by early 2017 and will rival the the Honda Accord, Skoda Superb and the Toyota Camry in the premium sedan segment.