2017 Volkswagen Passat launched at Rs 29.99 lakh

Volkswagen India have launched the 8th generation Passat luxury sedan, at a price of Rs 29.99 lakh. The top-of-the-line Highline variant costs Rs 32.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Underpinning the new Passat is VW’s popular MQB platform, also shared with the Superb, Kodiaq and Tiguan. The wheelbase is longer at 2791mm, while the car is also wider, which is sure to increase room inside the cabin. It is also 70kgs lighter than the model it replaces.

A host of features include LED headlamps with DRLs, tail lamps, three-zone automatic AC, 9 airbags, ESC, hill-start assist, ABS, electrically adjustable front seat, 17-inch alloys and panoramic sunroof. You can choose from colours like Black Oak Brown Metallic, Oryx White Pearl Effect, Deep Black Pearl effect, Atlantic Blue Metallic, Mangan Grey Metallic and Pyrit Silver Metallic.

Sitting pretty under the huge bonnet is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine that produces 177hp and 350Nm of torque – all of which is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Skoda’s Superb, Toyota’s Camry and Honda’s Accord have a new opponent to welcome in the ring.