New 8th Generation Volkswagen Passat

The new eighth-generation Volkswagen Passat has gone on sale. The new car, which boasts a brand new design, new engines and a host of new technologies, has a starting price of just €27,295 for the 1.4-litre 125bhp TSI petrol model in saloon guise. Pricing for the diesel range, starts at only €28,940 for the now, more powerful, 1.6-litre 120bhp TDI version. The estate model starts at €29,225 for the 1.4 125bhp TSI and only €31,200 for the 1.6-litre 120bhp TDI.

There is a choice of two petrol and three diesel engines across the range for the new Passat. The 1.4-litre 125bhp TSI petrol is joined by a 1.4-litre 150 TSI which employs Volkswagen’s Active Cylinder Technology, which shuts off two of the engine’s four-cylinders when not required, which has a significant fuel-saving effect. This starts at €35,145 in Highline trim.

The diesel engine line up consist of the 1.6-litre TDI in 120bhp (106g/km / Tax Band A3), a 2.0-litre TDI with 150bhp (108g/km / Tax Band A3), and a 2.0-litre TDI with 190bhp (106g/km / Tax Band A3).

There are three trim grades in the new Passat, Trendline, Comfortline and Highline with class leading features and technologies across the range.

Trendline features Air Conditioning, a 5-inch touch screen infotainment system, Bluetooth, an electric parking brake, Front Assist including City Emergency Brake, leather steering wheel and keyless engine start system ‘Keyless Go’.

Comfortline adds 16-inch ‘Sepang’ alloy wheels, a 6.5-inch touch screen infotainment system, Park Distance Control front and rear, cruise control, a leather multi-function steering wheel, ‘Climatronic’ 3-zone automatic air conditioning, front fog lights, an interior ambient lighting package and rain sensing wipers.

The top of the range Highline adds 17-inch ‘London’ alloy wheels, Adaptive Cruise Control, Top comfort seats in Alcantara / leather, Heated front seats, electrically folding exterior mirrors, rear tinted windows, interior ambient lighting package ‘Plus’, dark red tail-lights with LED technology and an interior chrome trim.

Commenting on the arrival of the new car, Volkswagen Ireland’s Operations Director Paul Burke said, “this is a hugely important car to us, second only to the Golf in terms of volume. The new model is a real step-up in terms of quality and refinement. This is now a car that will compete will head-on with more expensive executive offerings.”