Volkswagen Philippines president and chief executive officer John Philip Orbeta (left) and VW Philippines Chief Operating Adviser Klaus Schadewald stand beside the Passat during its preview last Friday. (motioncars.inquirer.net)
Volkswagen Philippines previewed the all-new Passat, ahead of its official debut in October.
The new model is the latest in a series that began 42 years ago as a hatchback. After more than 22 million vehicles in the Passat series, the all-new eighth generation makes its way to the Philippines once again.
Coupled with decades of unparalleled Volkswagen engineering and design heritage is the Passat’s recent achievement of being crowned the 2015 European Car of the Year. With such a formidable portfolio that comes with the Passat, it should be no wonder that Volkswagen Philippines is confident that this luxury midsize sedan will dominate its segment in the Philippine market, and as such bolster Volkswagen’s stature as the top-of-mind premium brand.
“The introduction of the award-winning Passat will become the biggest product launch of the year for Volkswagen Philippines. With its formal unveiling on Oct. 21, The Passat will be offered at a price range between P2.25 million and P2.75 million,” said John Philip Orbeta, Volkswagen Philippines’ president and CEO, during the Passat press preview night at Volkswagen BGC last Sept. 4.
Targeted for executives and businessmen, the Passat, has been earning favorable reviews for its passenger and cargo space, refined and quiet ride, powerful engine, and top safety scores. The Passat offers impressive performance with German-tuned driving dynamics and a responsive and efficient 2.0 TSI engine generating 220 PS, managed by the 6-speed dual-clutch Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission.
The Passat goes straight from Germany to Volkswagen showrooms in the Philippines complete with design and technological touches that would make it an ideal executive car. These include LED headlights, 18in. alloy wheels, Adaptive Chassis Control, 12-way electric front seats, a navigation system, rear view camera, Active Info Display gauges and a panoramic sunroof.
The Passat will be introduced in the Philippine market in two variants: The “Business Edition” and “Highline” lines. Both variants feature technological, infotainment and safety innovations such as the 3-zone Climatronic Air Conditioning, Park Distance Control, XDS Differential Lock, “Keyless-Go” Entry, 8-speaker Audio System, and iPod, USB, Bluetooth Connectivity.
For more information on the Passat and other Volkswagen models, visit www.volkswagen.com.ph, like the Volkswagen Philippines Facebook page, or drop by one of the dealerships/satellite offices located at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Quezon Avenue in Quezon City, Greenfield District Service Center at Sheridan Street in Mandaluyong City, Molito Lifestyle Building in Alabang, Muntinlupa, and North Reclamation Area in Cebu City. / Motion Cars