Localization levels on the India-spec B8 Passat will be higher.
Ahead of its launch in the Australian market, the 2016 VW Passat was snapped by a reader of CarAdvice in Sydney. The model snapped was the sedan, fitted with a 2.0-liter TDI BlueMotion diesel engine, which is what India will receive next year. Australia will also receive the Passat in an estate bodystyle.
The MQB-based B8 Passat is now 85 kg lighter than its predecessor, yet 12 mm wider and 80 mm longer in wheelbase. Boot capacity has also increased by 21 liters to 586 liters. The B8 Passat also shares over 50 percent of its components with the new 2016 Skoda Superb, which too is expected to launch in India next year.
Under its hood, the 2016 Passat is available in Europe with five TSI and three TDI engines, with various permutations involving manual and DSG transmissions, and front-wheel drive and 4MOTION all-wheel drive technologies. As reported earlier, India is likely to get a DSG paired to the 2.0-liter TDI engine with a front-wheel drive layout only.
Also read: VW Multivan Panamericana Edition – Frankfurt Motor Show 2015 Live
VW India is reportedly working on increasing the localization level on the Passat, in order to price it better. Reports state that the company is also deleting certain hardware, like the EU6-compliant emission norms, for the Passat to be better suited for the Indian market.
[Spyshots from - CarAdvice]
