Aimed squarely at the upper-middle class sedans, the new Passat is being offered with two petrol engine options, the 180 hp 1.8-litre TSI and a 220 hp 2.0-litre TSI. The 1.8 is capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in 7.9secs to a top speed of 232km/h while returning 135g/km of CO2 and a claimed fuel efficiency rating of 5.9L/100km. The 2.0 will do the 0-100km/h in 6.7secs to a top speed of 246 km/h and return 6.4L/100km of efficiency and 149g/km of CO2.

Both models are offered with two trim levels, with the 1.8 having the Comfortline and Highline, while the 2.0 is offered in Exclusiveline and R-line when it goes on sale in October. The station wagon Variant model will join the sedan brethrens by the end of this year. The 1.8 Comfortline is priced at S$152,800 w/COE, while the 1.8 Highline is at S$161,300 w/COE.

All models have new LED head and tail lamps, keyless entry and start, electrically-adjustable front seats, three-zone climate control, nappa leather upholstery and rear view cameras. Safety features include six airbags, a new post-collision braking system and an anti-driver-fatigue alert system.

Distinguishing the various trim levels, the Highline adds a sunroof and a touchscreen navigation system with a reversing camera, plus MirrorLink for Android smartphone connectivity.

The 2.0 Exclusiveline adds an electric trunk lid, vented massage seats, an audio system with more oomph,  Dynamic Chassis Control, semi-automatic parking assist as well as bigger wheels. The 2.0 R-Line model features a sporty body kit and gearshift paddles, although it does away with the vented massage seat and parking assistance and has the standard audio system.

For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.sg