Volkswagen Passat production starts in India

Volkswagen India has begun producing the MQB Passat luxury sedan at their Aurangabad factory, which is run by Skoda. The 2017 Passat is Volkswagen’s first MQB platform-based luxury sedan in India. Skoda already has multiple MQB platform based luxury sedans for the Indian market such as the Octavia and the Superb, both built at Skoda’s Aurangabad factory. This also explains why Volkswagen is assembling the Passat at Aurangabad instead of Chakan.

The launch of the MQB Passat will happen shortly, and the car is likely to be priced slightly above the Skoda Superb. Expect to pay about 30 lakh rupees (ex-showroom) for the new Volkswagen. In terms of positioning, the 8th generation Passat will take on the Superb, the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord.

It’s meant to be an understated car offering everything that the likes of the Audi A6s and BMW 5 Series’ of this world offer, but at a much lower price tag. The latest Volkswagen will be a diesel-only car, and is assembled through the CKD (completely knocked down) kit route.

Yes, Volkswagen has chosen to sell the MQB Passat with a single engine-gearbox combination even though Skoda offers both petrol and diesel mills in the new Superb. On the Passat, the 2 liter TDI turbo diesel engine making 174 Bhp-350 Nm will be standard fare, along with the tried and tested 6 speed DSG dual clutch automatic gearbox.

The car will be front wheel driven. In markets abroad though, Volkswagen offers the Passat with an all wheel drive layout. Internationally, the car is also available with petrol and petrol-hybrid options. Expect Volkswagen dealers in India to open bookings for the MQB Passat shortly. The launch of this car is likely to happen in the next few weeks, in the middle of India’s festive season.

Meanwhile, here’s word from Mr. Stephen Knapp, Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars,

We are happy to bring back one of our most successful premium luxury products to the Indian market, the Volkswagen Passat. With the introduction of the Passat we extend our portfolio, encompassing a wide variety of products from a hatchback to a luxury sedan. The Passat exudes style, timeless design, exemplary performance, and is symbolic of a luxurious lifestyle. We are proud to introduce this car with an iconic heritage to the Indian market.