The North American International Auto Show is seen as the annual showcase for car manufacturers to reveal their plans for the US market – and so it was no surprise to see Volkswagen set the stage with the world debut of the new Passat.
The vehicle will be larger than ever and features three drivetrain options: a 2.0litre TDI clean diesel; a 2.5litre petrol engine; and a 3.6litre VR6 petrol engine. The diesel version will deliver 43mpg on the highway and have a range of around 800miles.
The new Volkswagen Passat.
Indeed the clean diesel model has some impressive statistics managing to deliver 320Nm of torque while using a nitrogen oxide storage converter to meet 50 state emission requirements.
Elsewhere, the 2.5litre five-cylinder petrol engine offers 240Nm of torque and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, while the 2.5 multi-port engine is paired with a six-speed automatic. The 3.6litre offers 350Nm of torque and an estimated 28mpg highway. Gear shifting meanwhile, is controlled by a six-speed DSG with an automatic dual-clutch system that instantly engages and disengages without needing a clutch pedal.
Volkswagen hopes that the new Passat and the new Jetta will be its sale leaders in the US market and help it to significantly increase market share.
