2019 Volkswagen Passat customised for the Chinese market

MANILA: Chinese auto market welcomes the all-new Volkswagen Passat NMS with a customized corporate makeover that is not witnessed in the present-gen Passat available in both Europe and the U.S. It is being speculated that it might serve as a next-generation 2020 model bound for the U.S. next year.

The 2019 Volkswagen Passat Chinese model runs on VW Group's MQB platform. Longer and wider than the regular Passat, the newcomer features a dimension reading 4,933 mm long, 1,836 mm wide, and 1,465 mm tall. This all-new Passat, therefore, is 61 mm longer, 2 mm wider and 7 mm shorter compared to its predecessor that we all are familiar with.

A more substantial wheelbase of 2,871 mm is noticed in this makeover version, thus offering a more legroom at the rear. This has been designed keeping in mind the Chinese auto market requirements, where long-wheelbase versions of standard SUVs and sedans are commonly spotted hitting the road.

The all-new Passat introduced in China will derive its power from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI mill, offering two different power readings: 186 PS & 220 PS. The two variants will be mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. Though officially not confirmed anything, a plug-in hybrid version of the 2019 Passat might also be launched in the future.

At the front, it’s easy to notice strong Arteon influences in the grille design. The grille is bordered by a new set of headlamps. At the rear portion, the sculpted taillights and two exit exhausts present are also influenced by the flagship Arteon design. The design-conscious Chinese model features a lower roofline to make it look visually more appealing.

On the inside, it is quite technologically savvy and cosy. Massive touchscreen infotainment system integrated with the instrument cluster, a new dashboard, full-LED technology, wireless charging facility, advanced air conditioning system, power seats featuring diamond-patterned leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, collision warning feature, adaptive cruise control, etc are available inside the cabin of the Volkswagen Passat NMS (New Midsize Sedan).