Volkswagen shared some sketches this week of the next Passat ahead of its Detroit Auto Show debut in January. Though some exterior changes are evident, they're not significant; in general, this model is expected to deviate very little from its predecessor, probably because of the market's increasing disinterest in sedans in favor of SUVs.
Car publication Auto Blog, who saw the car in the flesh but wasn't allowed to take pictures, said that the teased images accurately portray the real deal which is basically a "bigger, taller Jetta."
VW stated that every body panel has been upgraded for the new model, despite its resemblance to the last generation. In fact, VW kept this version on the same platform as before which means the sedan won't be getting the VW Digital Cockpit. Instead, the car will sport just an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The grille was redesigned a bit to emulate that of the Jetta, but the new LED headlights simply look like a better version of the originals.
Also like the last generation, the 2020 Passat will be powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine with the same horsepower, though the torque jumps up to 207 pound-feet.
Volkswagen is planning on offering five different trim options for the model, including a sportier R-Line rendition that wears some 19-inch wheels.
After the model makes its appearance at the Detroit Auto Show (Jan 13-28) next month, it's expected to be available for purchase in the first half of the year. The MSRP of the 2019 model was US$25,295 (RM106,000), so you can expect a price tag around that ballpark.
