B8 Passat Australian Launch

[Buzy_Robot]

2016 Volkswagen Passat spied in Sydney ahead of Australian launch

[Buzy_Robot]

While we wait for the B8 Passat's Australian release, there's a recent review from New Zealand which flags a few features we'll be missing (eg. the new activeinfo display because it's not ready for right hand production). Hopefully that's not the case with the Australian version:

Is the Volkswagen Passat TSI Highline worth the hype? | Stuff.co.nz

[Riker]

Further to the above NZ article from August I went to my local VW dealer this arvo after a morning of cinema's with the Mrs & child. Purpose, to find Golf R wagons for a looksee. After drooling over a Limestone Grey R wagon I took the opportunity to discuss the new Passat & models we will be getting. I made sure I relayed interest in a Passat with a good engine/drivetrain option (aka: Golf R bits) to appeal to B7 V6 4-motion & B6 R36 owners as they are starting to look at updating. The dealer reply was that at release we'll see only two modest models but he then said 'watch this space' as VAG is well aware of interest in a good engine/drivetrain Passat as they have in NZ with the R-line 4-motion.

While we wait for the B8 Passat's Australian release, there's a recent review from New Zealand which flags a few features we'll be missing (eg. the new activeinfo display because it's not ready for right hand production). Hopefully that's not the case with the Australian version:

Is the Volkswagen Passat TSI Highline worth the hype? | Stuff.co.nz

[limiteded]

Spoke with a Dealer in Sydney today & it looks like Launch is the end of the month as some of the sales consultants were being 'trained' by VWA on the 22/10.
Still no prices

[Cossor]

I assume no new diesel Passat to be released until situation resolved.

[Buzy_Robot]

I assume no new diesel Passat to be released until situation resolved.

That depends on whether or not the diesel engine in the B8 Passat is EA 189 or EA 288. From what I can tell it's Euro6 compliant, so might be fine after all. Could end up being a very limited and subdued model launch if all they can offer at release are the petrol variants. Who knows - maybe it won't be launched until all issues are sorted and the backlash dies down?

[Buzy_Robot]

It's finally here! Shame Volkswagen Australia have not updated their website to reflect the release.

2016 Volkswagen Passat pricing and specifications

2016 Volkswagen Passat Review | CarAdvice

Volkswagen Passat - Driven: Volkswagen’s Passat rolls in | GoAuto

New VW Passat from $34,990 – Car Reviews, News & Advice - carsales.com.au

2016 Volkswagen Passat Price And Features For Australia

Now let's see how much my VW dealer will give me for my MY13 125TDI Passat as trade-in!

[Steve28]

Fully optioned 140 with luxury package and R-line looks promising, just a shame it will be without the 176 BTDi and 4WD.


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[Albatraozz]

Looks like I might be ordering the 140TDI Highline. I've noticed in a lot of reviews they were complaining of a brittle ride. Does that sound right to you guys?

Also does Lane Assist keep you within your lane during freeway journeys or is it only an emergency feature that acts when it detects something is wrong?

[DarkStar69]

It does in EU models but whether it makes it out here in our Aussie models or ends up on the cutting room floor is yet to be seen. May YouTube reviews show it is action, an example is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVUj40-dXwg @ around the 13 minute mark.