While the European 2019 Passat is still a few months
away from its official introduction, in China, Volkswagen and partner company
SAIC have prepared the redesigned 2019 Passat NMS.
Despite some similarities with the European
iteration, this model believed to be the global Passat
NMS, which is also sold in the United States. However, it’s too early to say if
the North American version will benefit from the same design updates, or if the
manufacturer is planning something different.
The D-segment sedan looks to be inspired by both the
Arteon and the China-only Lavida. Notice the larger grille that dips into the
front bumper, similar LED headlamps, reworked taillights and rear bumper. It
also gets the ‘Passat’ lettering on the boot lid, right under the ‘VW’ logo.
At 4,993 mm long, 1,836 mm wide,
and 1,469 mm tall, the car has a larger footprint compared to the North
American iteration. Its wheelbase is longer, too, at 2,871 mm.
Made in China, for China, by the Shanghai-Volkswagen
(SAIC) joint venture, this Volkswagen Passat will launch with two engines
options: a 186 hp or 220 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter unit, although a plug-in
hybrid derivative is said to come in the near future. Pricing should start at
around 210,000 yuan (US$ 32,612) locally when it goes on sale this fall.
