New Passat offers a Trailer Assist tow option

The long anticipated new Volkswagen Passat is regarded as a game changer by the brand and is now presented more like an executive car than a popular mid-sized family transporter, writes Trish Whelan.

Offered in both saloon and estate versions, the New Passat comes with a lower body, longer wheelbase and bigger wheels. At 42, it is the longest continuous model in the Volkswagen range.

It now offers 20 percent better fuel economy, and has shed 85 kgs in weight compared to the previous model. Another key difference between the B7 model (of which just a few remain) is that the new model is wider than before - a driver could reach across to the front passenger door in the B7; but this is not possible now in the new car.

Another key feature in the B8 car is the return of petrol to the range. This is because Volkswagen have noticed a slight swing back to petrol, particular on their Golf, for those who live in urban areas and whose annual mileage doesn't warrant buying a diesel car. But they expect the top seller to be the 1.6 TDI diesel with 120hp (from €29,690). Some 65 percent of those taking out finance, use VW's PCP option.

Most retail customers have opted for the Highline grade, even though the entry level Trendline now comes with Bluetooth and a touch screen.

Engines include 10 direct injection turbocharged petrol and diesel engines covering a power range from 120hp to 280hp. All meet Euro 6 emission standards. For the first time, the Passat will be offered with a plug-in hybrid drive (115kW TSI petrol engine plus 80 kW electric motor and externally chargeable battery). With a system power output of 211hp, it will be Volkswagen's most powerful plug-in hybrid; it's all-electric range is 50km.

At the Passat's recent launch, some of the latest technologies available were explained in detail. They include Trailer Assist which automatically steers for you when you are reversing a trailer, boat or caravan. This optional feature will make life easier for those who need to tow, especially members of the farming community. This feature will be offered from 'Week 22' of launch as the price is still under negotiation with the factory. *You don't need to have the Park Assist feature to have Trailer Assist, and customers can order a tow bar without opting for Trailer Assist.

The Area View feature generates a 360 degree round view of the car and is displayed via the infotainment system. Four cameras use 180 degree lenses in the radiator grille, exterior mirrors and tailgate. The feature enhances your view dramatically and you can view any of the four screens displayed. This is also an optional extra.

New Passat rear

Another optional extra is Park Assist which can identify a space and manoeuvre the car into it. This is the latest version of the technology, and allows you drive the car into a selected free slot; it means customers can now parallel park, perpendicular park and head-on park, ideal in a tight shopping centre car park.

Volkswagen Ireland's Operations Director Paul Burke (pictured below with the New Passat) expects the car will be 'hugely popular' this year selling around 3,000 units; half of this number have already been pre-ordered. He said there is a 65 percent loyalty to the brand among customers. Passat is the Volkswagen Group's best selling car, world-wide.

Paul Burke