During a special event in Hamburg, Germany, Volkswagen AG has taken the wraps off the 2019 facelift for its 8th-gen Passat sedan and estate/wagon sold in Europe. The cars will arrive in showrooms in late summer.
Exterior changes are few this time around. The new bumper has a more prominent relief, and the lighting throughout now takes advantage of matrix LED technology. Top trims now ship with adaptive headlights in base, and the brake lights have boomerang-shaped LED patterns inside that change their shape when the car is braking.
Interior options include multiple USB Type C ports, an improved digital dash, and an infotainment system with numerous web-based apps that you can use to shop online, diagnose and troubleshoot the car, etc.
The European version of the VW Passat also offers a wide range of driver aids such as the lane control, semi-autonomous driving, cruise control, and emergency brake.
The engine palette now incorporates a new TSI 1.5 unit with 150 hp / 112 kW. Pricier options include gasoline engines with 190 hp / 142 kW and 272 hp / 203 kW, as well as diesels ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 liters in size and from 120 to 240 hp (90 – 180 kW) in terms of output.
The TSI 1.4 engine is considered outdated and is no longer available, except as part of a hybrid trim that now offers 70 km (43 mi) NEDC-rated range.
Photo: Volkswagen