New Delhi, Oct 10 (UNI) Volkswagen, Europe’s leading car manufacturer, today announces the launch of the much awaited luxury sedan Volkswagen Passat at a starting price of Rs 29.99 lakh. Launching the New Passat, Steffen Knapp, Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt Ltd said that its has new Modular Transverse Matrix platform (MQB) platform and is powered with an efficient 2.0 L TDI diesel engine mated to a 6 speed automatic-DSG gearbox. He said, “Generating peak power of 130kW (177 PS) and a torque of 350 Nm ranging from 1500–3500 rpm, the New Passat will undoubtedly be a trendsetter amongst car enthusiast in India, redefining luxury and safety in the category with Park Assist for hands-free parking and 9 airbags.” The newly launched Passat will host several premium luxury features including 9 Airbags, Hill Start Assist, Auto Hold, Reverse camera with 360⁰ area view, Park assist, App connect, ‘NAPPA’ leather seats, Dynamic chassis control, 3 zone Auto AC, Electric adjustable front seat, Full LED Headlamps with DRLs and LED tail-lamps and easy open boot among others. Mr Knapp said, “We are extremely pleased to launch the technologically advanced New Passat in India offering our customers a carline that is equipped with superior safety features and driving dynamics that the brand Volkswagen is known to offer across the industry. The Passat is renowned world over for its sheer performance, iconic style & rich heritage. With the launch of the Passat we will now have a portfolio with remarkable carlines across leading vehicle segments in the country.” The Passat is the first sedan to be based on the MQB platform in India and is up to 70kgs lighter as compared to the predecessor yet offers improved rigidity. It also comes with premium features such as Park Assist which assists the driver by automatically carrying out the optimum steering movements in order to reverse-park on the ideal line. All the driver has to do is operate the accelerator and the brake while the steering movements are undertaken by Park Assist, ensuring that the driver retains control of the car at all times. The Passat is equipped with the powerful and efficient 2.0L TDI engine mated to a 6 speed automatic DSG transmission that offers superior fuel efficiency of 17.42 kmpl (as per ARAI) and a fuel tank that offers a capacity of 66 litres. The engine delivers peak power of 177 PS/ 130 kW. UNI ADP SHK 1620