The Jetta – whose latest version was tailored to the USA more than ever – is the most successful car in America with German technology. Now, that best-seller is being followed by the world premiere of a car in the next class up – another model that Volkswagen has specifically developed for the United States: the entirely new Passat. Larger, more comfortable, more efficient and with higher quality than ever. The car’s technology and styling came from Germany, while Volkswagen of America provided the conceptual direction. The saloon will be built in the new US plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Market launch begins in mid-August.

Even the base version is driven by a powerful 125 kW / 170 PS five-cylinder petrol engine (extra urban driving range with automatic transmission: 31 mpg). Other engine options: an extremely economical Clean Diesel (TDI) with 102 kW / 140 PS (43 mpg extra urban) and a six-cylinder petrol engine, the VR6 with 206 kW / 280 PS, which is paired with a standard dual clutch transmission (DSG). The alliance of VR6 and DSG makes the Passat a top-flight sports saloon (28 mpg extra urban; 0-60 mph in 6.5 s). Read the rest of this entry »

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The Passat from Volkswagen represents one of the very great success stories in automotive history, with over 15 million cars sold since the Passat was first launched in 1973. It is now available in over 100 countries across the globe. Now, at the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris (October 2-17), Volkswagen is presenting the world premiere of an entirely new Passat – as a saloon and an estate car simultaneously. The seventh generation of this bestseller will be available in initial European markets starting as soon as mid-November. Read the rest of this entry »