New Passat Launch

PARIS MOTOR SHOW 2000 - Just entering it's fourth model year, the wildly successful Passat sedan is about to undergo a cosmetic freshening. The B5 based family car has significantly contributed to the German brand's recent revival in the North American market, so Volkswagen has been very thoughtful in the implementation of the mild redesign

The new car, liberally adorned with chrome components, appears to be making a decided move upmarket. Using the D1 showcar as the most obvious stylistic inspiration, Volkswagen intends to further distance itself in perceived value from core competitors including the Accord, Camry and Taurus.

Styling cues were added for the purpose of making the car appear larger to the casual observer. A lower chrome-accented weight line and smaller frontal light translate into larger perceived size.

Inside, the changes are less obvious. A modestly altered instrument cluster now features gauges with satin silver surrounds. While most of the dashboard seems unaltered beyond this, the car's centre console is significantly reworked. Wider and with a largely different combination armrest/ storage bin, Americans might be particularly pleased with the improved cupholder design.

Engine choices will remain the same during the early days of the new model. The familiar 1.8T and 2.8-liter V6 will soldier on. Pricing should remain the same as currently announced 2001 models. Then, in the fall of 2001, a new flagship 280hp 8-cylinder (two VR4 motors connected at the crank and dubbed the W8) model will be introduced. This new W8 model will be priced less than $40,000 and will include everything as standard equipment including 4motion all wheel drive, high intensity discharge headlamps, slightly different exterior treatments, navigation and more.

The new Passat will make its worldwide debut at the Paris Auto Show. Following that, Americans will have their chance to see it at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next January. Cars should begin arriving in North American dealerships in early spring of 2001. VWvortex will be driving the new facelifted model in Italy this October, so be sure to check back for our first drive impressions and feature article then.

all Volkswagen Group communications and photos reproduced with permission of Volkswagen UK