Volkswagen is preparing to introduce the 2020 Passat
at the North American International Auto Show and now we’re learning more
details about the model as a handful of publications were recently invited to
take a spin in a pre-production prototype.
While Volkswagen has previously billed the car as
all-new, that isn’t exactly the case the model is actually a heavily updated
version of the current Passat. As Car and Driver notes, “it’s structurally and
mechanically the same as before, right down to the 2,804 mm wheelbase.”
However, the model will feature new styling inside and out. The exterior is slated to draw
some cues from the Jetta and there will be an optional R-Line appearance
package which adds 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, there will be an 8.0-inch
touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Power will be provided by a familiar turbocharged
2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. While it continues to produce 174 hp, it now develops 280 Nm of torque – an increase of 31 Nm. The engine is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission which sends
power exclusively to the front wheels.
While the four-cylinder lags behind the competition,
Volkswagen has reportedly decided against offering an optional V6. Fans will
certainly miss the optional V6, but its absence shouldn’t be too surprising as
the engine was quietly dropped from the 2019 Passat.
Pricing remains unconfirmed, but the 2020 Passat is
slated to arrive at U.S. dealerships in mid-2019.
