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More Torque, New Sheet Metal, and Value to Boot: The 2020 Passat

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat is set to make its public debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month, but the carmaker just released some important details about this midsize sedan ahead of its official unveiling.

This may come as a disappointment to some, but the latest Passat is a refresh of the model that’s been on sale since 2011. Unlike many of the latest VWs, which are built on the firm’s nearly ubiquitous MQB architecture, this car rides on the same foundation as before, and for good reason. Steve Warrick, manager of the Passat model line said, “There was nothing wrong with the platform,” adding that customers haven’t been complaining about shortcomings or clamoring for new features.

Now, that’s not to say things haven’t changed on this car. “We touched every piece of sheet metal except the roof,” noted Warrick, meaning the Passat has a fresh new look that’s more aggressive than before. Engineers also tweaked certain underbody mechanicals, altered the powertrain and simplified its trim structure, slashing the number of orderable model combinations from 17 down to just five.

The only engine that will be offered is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, just like in model-year 2019, though it has been tweaked. Running on the fuel-saving Budack-cycle (that’s B-cycle for short), the reworked powerplant should deliver more torque than before, a full 207 pound-feet, compared to 184 for the outgoing version. A horsepower rating has not been released just yet, but it will likely be similar to the 2019’s rating of 174. A six-speed automatic transmission is the sole gearbox available.

Keeping pace with a rapidly changing industry, the latest Passat will offer plenty of advanced driver-assistance technology. Items like blind-spot monitoring, LED headlamps, voice control and more are all standard. There’s also a redesigned infotainment system and adaptive cruise control system, both of which should be much more user-friendly.

The reason for this conservative approach is simple; it’s a value play. The current Passat is fundamentally sound, offering loads of backseat room and trunk space with more-than-respectable driving dynamics and refinement. For a relatively small outlay of cash, Volkswagen should remain competitive in the cutthroat midsize-sedan segment, which is rife with solid choices like Honda’s all-around-excellent Accord, the brand-new Nissan Altima and of course, sporty Mazda6. Totally redesigning a car can easily cost billions of dollars, for much less than that the Passat should still give rivals a run for their money.

It’s almost surprising to see an automaker redesign its family four-door these days given that several large companies are planning to vacate the segment. “It’s a hallmark product for us in the U.S.,” explained Pietro Zollino, executive vice president of group communications at Volkswagen. They have no plans to stop offering the Passat, a nameplate that’s been available in America for around 40 years with some 1.7 million sold.

The 2020 Passat should be available at Volkswagen’s 650 U.S. dealerships this summer. Pricing, fuel-economy information and other details about this vehicle will be released closer to its on-sale date.

The post More Torque, New Sheet Metal, and Value to Boot: The 2020 Passat appeared first on VWVortex.



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