Volkswagen Passat tech specs announced

The all-new Passat is 85kg lighter than its predecessor; it features LED or halogen headlights while the interior space is improved with more leg and head room as well as increased luggage space.

In terms of performance, the Passat is fitted with a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre, bi-turbo diesel engine delivering 176kW and 500Nm of torque at 1 750rpm. This engine will be available with a new seven-speed DSG gearbox and 4Motion all-wheel-drive. A plug-in hybrid model will also be offered with the potential to travel 50km/h on battery power alone.

Other interesting technology features offered by the new Passat includes the Active Info Display which replaces the instrument cluster with a fully configurable interactive 12.3-inch TFT display, a heads-up display, the latest modular infotainment system, including the Car-Net remote app, a further developed 360-degree area view function and the latest Park Assist. This newly developed Park Assist includes the option for the car to park itself forwards into perpendicular spaces. The family also features Trailer Assist which provides assistance when reversing a vehicle with a trailer attached—without the need for any modification or adaptation of the trailer.

Other safety technology includes Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, Traffic Jam Assist ,Emergency Assist and the latest Front Assist system with city emergency braking which optionally combines both radar and camera sensors to add pedestrian detection.