New B8 Passat engine possibilities...

[prn31]

Has this guy got his facts mixed up or does he know something the rest of us don't?!

Volkswagen Passat Alltrack first drive review

"Australia hasn't seen the new all-new Volkswagen Passat model yet.

And don't hold your breath just yet, because it won't hit Australian showrooms until well into 2016."

I suspect that the regular petrol and diesel Passat models will be released next month and that we will have to wait until 2016 for the popular Alltrack model.

Maybe its a supply issue or possibly a VWA "drip feed" release policy for the new Passat? You would imagine that dealers are clamouring for a new Passat Alltrack to sell....

[Buzy_Robot]

Yeah, I think you're right prn31. I'd suggest a case of poor proofreading and fact gathering on the part of the journalist who wrote the piece. The lastest issue of "Das Auto" arrived in the mail today and there's a feature on the B8 Passat clearing stating it will be released this October. I wonder if the first shipment is on its way or if they've already reached our shores?

[Lindsay]

I popped into my friendly local dealer today to inquire about the new Passat. The first guy I talked to simply said "it has not been released yet" to which I said yeah yeah but it's been out for twelve months in Europe, surely you must have some info. Once he saw my Passat in the car park the sales manager came over and pulled me into his office. He told me all he could remember re specs. He could even pull up what models/colours he would be getting in first (first shipment is in a "secure warehouse" in Melbourne) but he could not find the email he got with more info but I gave him my email for him to get back to me. This is what he wrote:

Hi Mark,

Thanks for dropping in earlier, I have found the information on the New Passat that I have been given. A lot of information is commercial in confidence, but I can share the following:

There will be 2 Petrol models, both powered by the same 1.8 litre, 132 KW engine, with 2 specification levels. I cannot give you too much information on exact specification, other than the base model will be cloth interior, whilst still maintaining a similar overall specification to the current 118 TSI Passat.

The next model in the petrol does get a Vienna leather interior, along with the expected upgrades in features & trim.

There will only be one diesel version, this will be a higher specification than the petrol & include a number of the “Hero” features of the overseas model Passat, along with a higher level (Nappa Leather) Seating trim.

There will be 3 option packs, with one available on the base model, two on the mid range petrol & Diesel versions.

As discussed earlier, we have no idea of pricing as yet, but we are more than happy to communicate this once we have received the pricing & full specifications from Volkswagen Australia.

Thanks again for your enquiry & I hope that Gowans Volkswagen can assist you further when the New Passat launches. Unfortunately, I will not be able to assist in this process, as I will be finishing with Gowans Volkswagen before the launch, I have included [salesman's] email address & contact number if you wish to discuss the vehicle further & hope you find the information provided useful.



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[Buzy_Robot]

Aha! Thanks for sharing Mark. Be interesting to see what's offered in those option packs. I'll need to figure out if I want to trade-in my B7 125TDI sedan for a mid-range petrol or top-range diesel. I'll test drive both and then have a chat with my local VW dealer who gave me a commendable deal almost 3 years ago.

[Lindsay]

Yes I am most interested in these option packs! The dealer seemed to think there was an R-Line option originally, even googling a pic of one for me. He was most excited! He also thought the petrol and diesel Highline would come with the digital instrument cluster, but couldn't be sure. My bet is that it would be part of an option pack. I hope the LED headlamps are standard fare..
I was surprised at the return to cloth seats for the poverty pack, but then I prefer the cloth seats in my (my0 B6 to the early leather version.



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[Riker]

Further to the discussion on whether there would be a performance or R version it seems on one day Passat program director Nause says 'there are no plans' then the next he says 'my lips are sealed'...... Interesting....! Worldcarfans VW Passat R..?

[tigger73]

Hmmmm new Passat R400 anyone???

[limiteded]

Well it seems that VW Aust are reactive in their offerings, not proactive, so the more people that want & talk about either the TDI 176 4Motion or the 206TSI 4Motion to the dealers & enquire to VW Aust, the more likely it is that one of these models may come here

[Steve]

Last year I had a deposit paid for a B8 wagon ages ago, but turned that into a deposit for an Amarok when I decided I wasn't interested in waiting until 2020 (or thereabouts) for VW to make another interesting Passat. Basically, I had written into the contract that I was only interested if the car had a petrol engine with more than four cylinders and had all wheel drive.

About five minutes after I signed the paperwork, the state sales manager walked in to the shop and we talked about what I was hoping would be made. He said he'd pass it on, and actually called me a while later to say that he spoke with VW Australia and passed on what I was interested in - so they have at least one EOI for something more interesting than what's currently offered. I told him that the ultimate would be an R25 - an RS3 engine in a Passat wagon

In my case, VW's persistence in not "poaching" sales from Audi has backfired. I'd have been all over another interesting Passat but I'm not interested in the RS4 and can't afford an RS6. My C63s wagon is being built in December - that should scratch the itch

[Buzy_Robot]

Yeah, not holding my breath for a true performance car here because the numbers wouldn't add up. It would be a niche product at best which could cannabilse sales from such offerings over at Skoda and Audi. What irks me is that New Zealand has 7 variants of the B8 Passat on offer including the Bi-TDI 500Nm R-Line! Alas, the medium car segment is relatively small and subdued in Australia, so economically speaking it makes sense for Volkswagen Australia to offer a limited range of variants with the new Passat. Direct competitors like the Ford Mondeo, Toyota Camry, Mazda 6 and Subaru Liberty are also limited in the number of variants on offer to us, so the Passat will follow the same business model. A Bi-TDI 500Nm R-Line Passat at over $60,000 would be left sitting on dealer lots which is just not viable. Perhaps that engine will be reserved for the next CC? Despite this glaring omission, I'm still looking forward to next month's release.