VW Passat gives you the boot ? by foot

The German company took the wraps off the seventh generation mid-sized model which uses as little as 4.2 litres per 100km at the Paris Motor Show.

Adopting a similar front end design to the range topping Phaeton limo, the new Passat is essentially a heavily upgraded version of the last model with new technology and a fresh skin.  The new car, which was presented in Paris as both a sedan and a wagon, will be available in Australia next year.

It will be available with a clever new system called Easy Open, which is great for people who have their hands full. Instead of putting down your shopping and click the key fob, this system means that all you have to do to get the boot to open when standing behind the vehicle is move your foot past a motion-sensor.

Volkswagen says the new Passat is up to 19 per cent more efficient than the previous model.  It uses stop/start technology, which automatically turns off the engine at idle, fitted as standard to the turbo diesel models and offering the system, along with battery regeneration as options on petrol engines.

There are ten engines in the new range, starting off with a 77kW 1.6 turbo diesel that uses just 4.2L/100km and 1.6-litre turbo petrol unit using just 5.8L/100km and running through to a petrol V6 with 220kW and a fuel efficiency rating of 9.1L/100km.

VW is offering two special versions of its 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine. One is called the MultiFuel and can run on a fuel mix containing up to 85 per cent ethanol. The other is called the EcoFuel and can run on natural gas. Neither are expected to come to Australia in the short term.

VW has added some top level safety gear including adaptive cruise control with a function that automatically brakes to avoid a crash below 30km/h, while special headlights that can automatically dip the high-beam when an oncoming car are also available. A navigation system that detects roadsigns and presents them on the centre screen is also available as well as automatic parking.

The company says it modelled the new Passat’s nose on the Phaeton adding straighter lines and a three-bar chrome grille. The chiselled look is complemented by more a more pronounced shoulder line. 

It has dual reflector headlights and is also available with optional distinctive daytime running lights each using 15 LEDs. New look LED tail-lights and crease running from the window line to just above the tail-light give the rear end a fresh appearance.

VW has upgraded with interior with new seats, a revised dashboard and new switchgear, bringing it into line with the newly introduced Touareg.  There is now an electronic parking brake and, when fitted with keyless entry and start, a Start button.