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View Full Version : FIRST OFFICIAL IMAGES OF NEW PASSAT ESTATE ARE RELEASED



stuart
10-06-2005, 07:09 PM
http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/images/mainsite/newpassatest.jpg



Volkswagen has issued the first pictures of the new Passat Estate, ahead of its launch in Germany in August and its UK debut in November.

The new model shares its front design with the saloon, which means it has the same imposing ‘V’ shaped chrome grille, but from the B-pillar back the body is very different. In profile, the car has a more dynamic design than before, with a window line that rises towards the D-pillar. The angle of the tailgate is also less vertical, while fast-acting LED bulbs are used for the rear lights.

However, the more streamlined appearance has not been achieved at the expense of luggage capacity. Maximum volume in the cargo area is 1,731 litres, compared with the 1,600 litres of its predecessor. The newcomer is 1.9 cm taller than before, at 1.52 m, 9.2 cm longer at 4.77 m and 7.4 cm wider at 1.82 m.

Adding to the practical character of the new Passat Estate is optional self-levelling hydropneumatic rear suspension, while a rail system in the boot floor allows more flexible securing of heavy items.

Like its saloon counterpart, the new Passat Estate features four-link rear suspension and transversely-mounted engines. Many technical highlights will be available, including a Bluetooth telephone unit and a benchmark 600W RMS Dynaudio sound system, plus, two firsts in this class: a standard-fit electronic handbrake, and a 2Zone Climatronic system.

A wide range of power units will be available at the model’s UK launch: 1.6-litre FSI 115 PS; 2.0-litre FSI 150 PS; 2.0-litre T-FSI 200 PS; and 3.2-litre FSI V6 250 PS petrol engines with homogenous direct injection, plus 1.9-litre TDI 105 PS and 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS diesels with high pressure Pumpe Düse unit injection. A 2.0-litre TDI 170 PS will follow later.

Volkswagen’s revolutionary DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) will be available on TDI models, with six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission available on 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre FSI engines.

More than 4.3 million Passat Estates have been produced over five generations, and the latest model is set to continue this success. UK prices and specification details of the new model will be released closer to the new model’s launch date.