Volkswagen's Passat

India's first locally assembled model

Volkswagen, Europe’s largest car maker announced the launch of the brand in India with the unveiling of its first locally assembled Passat Sedan., on Wednesday, Sep 5. The very well equipped Passat TDI 2.0 litre Highline will be currently available in two versions in India. These are priced at Rs. 22.35 Lakhs and Rs.24.35 Lakhs, respectively.

Speaking at the launch of the Passat, Mr. Jörg Müller, Managing Director of the Volkswagen Group Sales India Private Limited and President Volkswagen India Private Limited, said, “We are excited to be in India and we are sure that the Passat will set the pace for our future product launches in India. He further added, “India is a key market for our overall strategic growth plans and we hope that the launch of the Passat will affirm our commitment to provide the latest technology and high value to discerning Indian customers.”

The Passat which made its market début for the first time in 1973, numbers among the world’s most famous automobiles and is globally the most successful Volkswagen car after the Golf and the Beetle. Today, six generations and more than 14 million of this successful vehicle have been sold world-wide. From its dynamic European styling, its unique balance of comfort and functionality to its authentic and invigorating German driving experience, the Passat embodies the best of German engineering. With its enviable combination of shape, functionality, design and ergonomics, the Passat offers one of the most refined driving experiences. It has been designed to meet and even surpass the standards of some of the world’s most prestigious sedans.

Andreas Prinz, Managing Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars at Volkswagen Group Sales India Private Limited said, “The Passat embodies the best of Volkswagen’s engineering, design and technology. We are proud to announce our entry into India with the Passat, a globally successful product. With the Passat launch, we hope to build a long-standing relationship with the discerning Indian car-lover through our high standards of excellence and after-sales service.”

The powerful 2.0 litre TDI diesel engine with an output of 103 kW (140 bhp) is one of the most successful engines in the Volkswagen range. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic DSG gearbox. Advanced occupant safety is one of the key features of the Passat which comes equipped with 8 airbags which include side airbags for the rear passengers, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP). The Passat offers a comfortable driving experience with latest features such as the “Press and Drive” starting function, automatic driving light control with “Coming and Leaving home” function. The “Climatronic” air condition with 2-zone temperature control, leather upholstery, electric and manual sun blinds in the back, 6-disc CD changer, alloy wheels and a rain sensor give the Passat the perfect impression of a real luxury sedan. It is also the first vehicle in this class to have a push-button-operated Electromechanical Parking Brake (EPB).

The top version will come equipped with additional state-of the-art features like front seats with electric 12-way adjustment, bi-xenon headlights with headlight cleaning system, electric sliding / tilting glass roof, parking sensors at front and rear, anti-theft warning system and multi-function steering wheel with operating facility for gear-change, multi-function display and radio.

The Volkswagen Group had earlier this year set up its new subsidiary, Volkswagen Group Sales India Private Limited to run the operations in India. The company has initially established its dealer network in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore and will gradually expand to other Indian cities. Volkswagen intends to set up more than 10 Volkswagen dealerships across the country by the end of 2008.