The new Passat for the US market is built on the predecessor's platform, not on the modular MQB architecture, as is the case with the European version of the model.
Externally, the Passat resembles the new generation of the Jetta, which debuted exactly a year ago also in Detroit. The sedan received horizontal elements on the massive radiator grille, visually combined with modified LED optics.
The new model is equipped with a refined four-cylinder gasoline engine producing the same 176 hp (torque increased from 250 N·m to 280 N·m). The engine works in conjunction with a six-speed automatic transmission. In particular, engineers applied a new electronic control unit for the power unit and a modernized torque converter. They decided to abandon the version with the 3.6-liter VR6 engine.
The list of equipment includes a blind spot monitoring system, automatic braking with pedestrian recognition, as well as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.
The European version of the new Volkswagen Passat is expected to debut in early February.
