12 January 2015

New VW Passat now on sale

The new eight-generation Volkswagen Passat has gone on sale with a new design, new engines and a host of new technologies, writes Trish Whelan.

The range includes two petrol and three diesel engines. The 1.4 125bhp TSI petrol is joined by a 1.4 150 TSI with the brand's Active Cylinder Technology which shuts off two of the engine's four-cylinders when they're not needed; this has a significant fuel-saving effect.

The diesel engine line up consists of the 1.6 TDI in 120bhp (106g/km / Tax Band A3), a 2.0 TDI with 150bhp (108g/km / Tax Band A3), and a 2.0 TDI with 190bhp (106g/km / Tax Band A3). DSG automatic models are also available.

Three trims are Trendline, Comfortline and Highline.

Trendline features air conditioning, a 5-inch touch screen infotainment system, Bluetooth, an electric parking brake, Front Assist including City Emergency Brake, leather steering wheel and keyless engine start system 'Keyless Go'.

Comfortline adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a 6.5 inch touch screen infotainment system, Park Distance Control front and rear, cruise control, leather multi-function steering wheel Climatronic 3-zone automatic air conditioning, front fog lights, an interior ambient lighting package and rain sensing wipers.

The top Highline adds 17-inch alloy wheels, Adaptive Cruise Control, Top comfort seats in Alcantara/leaher heated front seats, rear tinted windows, dark red tail-lights with LED technology and an interior chrome trim.

Commenting on the arrival of the new car, Volkswagen Ireland's Operations Director Paul Burke said "This is a hugely important car to us, second only to the Golf in terms of volume." He added that the new model is 'a real step-up in terms of quality and refinement' and said the car will compete head-on with more expensive executive offerings. Its main rival will be the new Ford Mondeo.

Priced from €27,295. Diesels are from €28,940. The estate model starts at €29,225.