IAB Report - New VW Passat not coming to India before 2015

At the launch of the VW Polo facelift in New Delhi yesterday, Mahesh Kodumudi, President and MD of VW India, spoke concisely to Indian Autos Blog about the new Passat, which began selling in Europe on the 10th of July.

Kodumudi understandably was not very forthcoming with specific details. Asked if the car would launch this year or in 2015, he said -

We are considering it (2015 Passat) very seriously, but I don't see it (the launch) happening this year in India.

The eighth generation Passat sporting sharper and bolder lines, and appearing wider and lower than the car it replaces, was launched in Berlin on the 3rd of July.

Based on the VW MQB platform, the new Passat is radically different compared to its predecessor. It weighs up to 85 kg lighter than the outgoing car and is powered by a range of 10 engines, which are up to 20% more fuel efficient, and deliver between 120 PS and 280 PS, firing petrol and diesel.

The 2015 VW Passat offers spades of electronic assistance systems like Front Assist plus City Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring, Emergency Assist, Trailer Assist and Traffic Jam Assist. Radar-based assistance programs cannot be introduced in India due to prohibitive laws on private radar usage.

In Europe, prices start from 25,875 euros (around INR 21.01 lakhs) for the sedan.

Competitors: Toyota Camry, Skoda Superb and Honda Accord

Expected price: INR 20-25 lakhs (ex-showroom)