The new generation VW Passat should arrive on the markets before the Škoda Superb, but it will only be available as a station wagon.
The Volkswagen Passat will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. At the same time, the biggest gift for fans could be the introduction of its ninth generation (B9), which could head to European markets in September. The Passat will probably overtake the Škoda Superb, with which it will be technically related.
In an interview with Automotive News Europe, Thomas Schäfer, the current head of the VW brand and former head of Škoda Auto, also revealed that the new Passat will only be available as a station wagon. The reason may be both the declining demand for sedans and the upcoming all-electric sedan ID.7. However, Škoda Superb should still offer traditional body designs, i.e. liftback and station wagon.
As we have already mentioned several times in the past, the technology of the new generation Škoda Superb and VW Passat will be practically the same, at least in terms of platform and power units. As Schäfer mentioned, Škoda was entrusted with the development, which should underline the greater emphasis on cooperation within the concern. Nevertheless, both models were to retain their unique character and, of course, a different design.
We still don’t have much concrete information about the design of the new Passat generation, although spy photographers have already managed to capture several camouflaged prototypes. However, the new Passat will most likely get a front end inspired by the eight-cylinder Golf, including a steeper grille and a specific light signature.
In the cabin, you can expect a minimum of physical buttons and a great emphasis on control via the large infotainment touchscreen. The instrument panel will probably also be digital. Combustion engines will probably appear under the hood for the last time, probably electrified to a greater extent. For example, a new plug-in hybrid is expected, which could offer a range of up to 100 km on a single charge. At the same time, its performance could reach up to 282 horses.
In conclusion, we can add that the production of the new Passat is moving to Slovakia from the German factory Emden, where the ID.4 model is produced, and the ID.7 electric sedan will also be produced here. The new Passat and Superb will complement the existing production of Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, VW Touareg or VW e-Up cars in Bratislava.
