Volkswagen has revealed the 2020 Passat, a “redesigned” version of the popular midsize sedan for the US market.
Don’t be fooled by its new looks, as underneath is the same platform that’s been used by the Passat since 2011. The modern MQB architecture that underpins the European, Australian and Chinese Passat isn’t (and never has been) available for North American Passat customers.
Despite the car’s age, the revisions VW has made proves they still believe in the mid-size sedan market. Up front there’s an all-new front fascia, with standard LED headlights and a grille inspired by the Touareg and Jetta. Around the rear, ‘PASSAT’ has been spelled out along the bootlid, along with new tail-lights and revised panels. Wheel sizes span from 17 inches on the base model, to 19 inches on the flagship R-Line.
Inside, there’s a more refined cabin, with an air vent that spans the full width of the dashboard, updated instrument cluster and glass-covered infotainment screen. An 8.0-inch touchscreen is now standard, with SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The sole engine option available with the Passat is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, as the 3.6-litre naturally aspirated VR6 has been dropped for 2020. The four-pot produces 129kW (172hp) of power and 280Nm (207lb-ft) of torque, which is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
Standard safety equipment across the range includes forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features unclude adpative cruise control, lane-keep assist and auto parking assist.
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat goes on sale in US dealerships in summer.
