Volkswagen India will launch its new-gen 2017 Volkswagen Passat premium sedan in India on October 10. The announcement comes days after Volkswagen said that it has commenced production of the 2017 Volkswagen Passat in India at the Volkswagen Aurangabad plant.

The Volkswagen Passat premium sedan will be an important offering for Volkswagen being a flagship as well as being based on the MQB platform, which also underpins the 2018 Volkswagen Polo. Volkswagen had already showcased the plug-in hybrid version of the new-gen Passat at the 2016 Auto Expo in India. We have already driven this model, the Volkswagen Passat GTE. The eighth-generation Volkswagen Passat unveiled globally in 2014. The 2017 Volkswagen Passat will compete with the likes of Honda Accord, Skoda Superb and the Toyota Camry in the premium sedan segment.

Volkswagen Passat

The 8th generation Volkswagen Passat gets a whole new design, comparable to the previously showcased GTE, and has been on test for some time. The new Passat will dimensionally slightly different from its predecessor and will 2mm shorter than the outgoing model although the wheelbase extended by 79 mm, this indicates that the Passat will get more in terms of cabin space and boot. The new body structure and the platform material means that the Passat is now 80 kilos lighter than the outgoing model.

In terms of performance, the Passat will powered by a 178 hp, 2.0-litre TDi motor mated to a 6-speed DSG automatic gearbox. There is still no word, however on a petrol variant, or a manual transmission option.

Once launched the Volkswagen Passat will compete with the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry, both of which are available with hybrid options. Begging the question as to whether VW will bring the GTE to India, although VW is still to say anything on the matter.