Volkswagen releases sketches and details of next-gen Passat

German automaker Volkswagen has released sketches and details of the next-generation Passat premium sedan.

The sketches bear a close resemblance to the pictures of the car that were leaked on the internet last month. The Passat gets a restyled front end with a new grille, bumper and narrower headlamps with LEDs. At the rear there is a slimmer pair of tail lamps, new bumper and twin exhausts.

The Passat will use Volkswagen's expanded MQB platform which underpins a range of cars including the Golf and Skoda Octavia. It will come with a range of petrol and diesel engines producing between 120 and 280 PS. Making its debut will be a 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine that pumps out 240 PS and 500 Nm of torque. It will be mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission and an all-wheel drive system. The company claims that it is capable of returning 20 km per litre of fuel.

There will be a plug-in hybrid version as well which will have a 1.4-litre TSI engine and a 102 PS electric motor. The combination of both the engine will give it a total power output of 204 PS. The electric motor alone is said to be good enough to give the car a range of 50 km.

The Passat is expected to be loaded with equipment including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display and infotainment system that features Wi-Fi connectivity.

Volkswagen will introduce the Passat in global markets later this year.

Source: Autobild, Auto Motor und Sport