2019 Volkswagen Passat unveiled in China

ABU DHABI: The new Volkswagen Passat was officially unveiled on October 12, 2018, in China. This is the second-generation Volkswagen Passat NMS (New Midsize Sedan), which has been introduced in China. Although not official, the new model could be a preview for the next-generation Passat destined for the North American, South Korean, Chinese, and the Middle Eastern markets. The Volkswagen Passat NMS is unique to these markets compared to rest of the world.

Externally, the new model for China and in the future for the United States looks stylish and reliable with a lot of interesting design solutions. The front-end features LED headlamps, huge grille with an abundance of chrome, and a massive bumper with aerodynamic chips, fog lights and a narrow air intake slot. At the back of Passat 2019, the sedan flaunts horizontal tail lights with LED filling, dynamic direction indicators, and a strict trunk lid.

The overall dimensions of the body are 4933 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2871 mm, a width of 1836 mm, and a height of 1469 mm. The switch to the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform is largely the reason behind the physical resizing. Due to the enhanced dimensions of the body, the interior of the new Passat is more spacious with rear 40/60 seat splits.

The equipment list includes a premium dynamic audio system, an advanced multimedia system with a 9.2-inch touchscreen, virtual instrument panel with full-color 10.25-inch display, adaptive cruise control, heating, ventilation and massage function, a platform for wireless charging smartphones and the likes. The car has two options of tires- 17- and 18-inch. The driver must look at features like the electric adjustment of driver's seat, multi-function steering wheel with a slightly trimmed rim, engine start/stop button, and a keyless entry system.

The new car will be offered with two petrol turbo mill options- 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI mill that comes in two states of tune –one with 186 PS  and 330 Nm and other with 220 PS of top power and 350Nm of peak torque. The only transmission option here is a seven-speed DSG automatic. Later on, a plug-in hybrid version will be introduced, combining a 1.4-litre TSI mill with an electric motor output of 211 PS of maximum power and 400 Nm of peak torque.

Production of the new Volkswagen Passat NMS has already started at the SAIC-Volkswagen plant in China. But sales of the new generation model will begin in the local market in late October or early November 2018 at 190000-300000 Yuan (AED 100850-159250). It remains to be seen how similar the UAE Volkswagen Passat NMS will be to the Chinese model.