China-bound 2022 Volkswagen Passat revealed

KUALA LUMPUR: Last year, we heard that Volkswagen has decided to bring the ninth-gen Passat sedan by the end of 2023. But before that, the German automaker is planning to roll out yet another update for the ongoing model in the Chinese market where it is still going strong as compared to the US and European markets.

While the facelifted Passat is expected to make its way to the world's most populous country later this year, the leaked images of the new version are making the rounds on the internet. The images have been published by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. 

The high-quality leaked photos of the 2022 Volkswagen Passat give us a clear view of its front and rear fascias. Upfront, we can see a glitzy grille featuring a honeycomb pattern with chrome housings. The new grille is teamed up with restyled LED headlights and a new bumper redesigned for an all-new stance. At the back lies the most obvious change, which is a full-width light bar alongside the same faux exhausts.

So far, no details are available on the updated Passat’s interior changes. Standard features list of the ongoing model includes a digital instrument panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, power-adjustable front seats, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision warning, and park assist. Customers can also opt for heating and ventilation features for the seats, along with perforated leather upholstery. 

Volkswagen is likely to offer the new Chinese-bound Passat with the same engine options, including a 2.0-litre TSI engine in two different tunes making 186 PS and 220 PS, respectively. Both mills are coupled with a seven-speed DSG transmission. Another engine on offer is a 1.4-litre TSI unit with an electric motor, offering a total system output of 211 PS and a peak torque of 400 Nm.

In the local market, the sedan received an update in 2020 that included new exterior styling, a reworked cabin, and a few added kits. It is on offer in two trims - Elegance and R-Line, both powered by a 2.0-litre turbo mill. The former is priced at RM 181,856, while the latter retails for RM 203,411.

Source: Motor1

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