We have already witnessed six generations of the Volkswagen Passat ever since it was first introduced in the year 1973 and are yet to get our hands on the seventh one, which is expected to be launched by February 2011. We at ZigWheels decided to garner the pre-launch speculations among different auto enthusiasts and Passat lovers.
"I am already in love with the way the car looks and to know what’s hidden under the beautiful looking car, I visited the Volkswagen dealership at West Delhi. The diesel model is what appeals me the most; it's expected to be launched with automatic transmission along with 2.0L V6 engine. I am really looking forward to it," said Amit Sharma, resident of Delhi.
Though internationally there have been 10 options for engines introduced, but most likely only two models will be hitting the Indian shores. "Launching February-March 2011, the Passat will be available only in two models, 1.8TSI petrol and the 2.0 litre turbo diesel motor," confirmed Rahul Dogra, team leader, Volkswagen, Ring Road, Delhi.
When asked what the general queries from people are, Dogra had a prompt answer to give. "Oh! The customers are super anxious and eager about the automatic transmission diesel engine. They are enthusiastically waiting for this slightly more aggressive and powerful diesel model and so are we."
Something similar was voiced by dealers in Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. "The news about the seventh generation of the Passat is already in the market. People are anxiously waiting for the diesel engine," said Vikas MJ, sales manager, Volkswagen, Downtown, Karnataka.
The 1.8TSI petrol engine will deliver 160PS at 5,000 rpm making a decent 250Nm of torque between 1500 and 4200 rpm. On the other hand, the 2.0 litre turbo diesel will churn out 140 PS at 4200rpm generating a healthy 320Nm of torque at1750 rpm.
