Shanghai VW set to launch new Passat sedan

Shanghai, March 20 (Gasgoo.com) Shanghai VW, one of Volkswagen's Chinese ventures, is set to launch its new Passat ("Lingyu" in Chinese) sedan model soon and put this flagship model to China's mid- and high-end sedan market by June this year, xinhuanet.com said today.

An earlier report said that Shanghai VW would give a facelift to its medium-sized car Passat to improve the interior space and comfort in the second quarter of 2009. The revamped Passat model, code-named B6.5 inside, will share the PQ46 platform with FAW-VW's Magoton model. By extending the wheelbase and bodywork, the revamped Passat will be longer than Magoton.

According to an insider from the joint venture, the new Passat Lingyu will come to the market with at least three engines for choice, including the 2.8V6, 2.0FSI, and 1.8T versions. The company has said its new Passat can reduce fuel consumption by 15% or so.

The 2009 Shanghai auto show will be held on April 22-28. Shanghai VW will also display its new models at this event on its doorstep. It remains to be seen whether the new Passat Lingyu will be unveiled at the upcoming auto show.  

In the second half of this year, Shanghai VW will launch an all-new B-class car Skoda Superb, which is also built on VW's PQ46 platform but may be longer than its European version.