A middle class is no longer always a sedan, station wagon or liftback. Consumers increasingly prefer taller models and so SUVs are pushing the more traditionally shaped models out of the automotive world. Ford has discontinued the Mondeo, Renault is saying goodbye to the Talisman and Citroën has turned the new C5 X into a crossover-like one. However, Volkswagen is developing a new generation of the Passat, a car that still has at least one known body style. We can now show you the new Passat from all angles for the first time!
The Volkswagen Passat has been one of the pillars on which the Volkswagen empire has leaned for decades, but the model’s relevance is shrinking. SUVs are also gaining ground at Volkswagen, with the Passat seeing buyers flock to cars like the Tiguan. Volkswagen recently decided to cut the Passat Sedan from the range and we do not expect the next generation Passat to get such a four-door version. The new Volkswagen Passat therefore only seems to come as a Variant and it is the new Passat Variant that we can now show you in camouflage suit.
Volkswagen Passat Variant (spy shots)
The current generation Passat (B8) appeared on the scene in 2014 and was facelifted in 2019. It was the first MQB-based Passat, but not the last. Volkswagen parks the new Passat on a further developed version of that modular basis. Indeed: MQB and no MEB. That also means that there will be no fully electric version of the new Passat. An electric Passat equivalent that will be carried under the ID label will of course follow in due course. Does the new Passat completely miss the electrification boat? Well no. Like the current model, the new Passat will also be available with plug-in hybrid technology. We expect there will be more to choose from than just one plug-in hybrid powertrain. The current Passat is only available as a GTE, while its younger brother – the Golf – is already available with several plug-in hybrid powertrains. Don’t be surprised if the new Passat gets the same 204 hp and 245 hp plug versions. You can also count on more conventional petrol and diesel engines. Exhaust pipes are visible at the bottom of the buttocks of this snapped test sample.
Volkswagen ID. Space Vizzion Concept
As far as design is concerned, Volkswagen is walking a fairly conservative path with the new Passat, but a lot does change compared to the current model. The Passat will probably get a front with strong Golf influences. Both the front and the back of the Passat Variant in these photos are still fanatically in the stickers, but there are already some interesting design elements to be seen. Especially at the back. Although Volkswagen tries to fool the viewer through a set of fake rear lights, something of the actual units is already showing through the sticker work. It therefore seems that Volkswagen is giving the new Passat Variant visually knotted taillights. This makes the Passat Variant very similar to the ID. Space Vizzion Concept to look like. Also viewed from the side, this test model shows similarities with that study model. The new Passat also gets the more ‘voluptuous’ shoulder line of that show car.
We expect the new Volkswagen Passat on the market in 2023, so just a little patience.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl