What is it?

While Ford is trying to assuage America's 'bigger is better' mentality with an ever more European (read: compact) line-up, Volkswagen is super-sizing: meet the XXL Passat. Yes, this is the American market car, built in Tennessee and a whopping 99mm longer. Width goes up, too.

Why's it here?

Volkswagen wants to sell more cars in America, so has taken the 'space and value' approach with the new Passat, which is due on sale in August. Prices will start at just $20,000, which is in the VW Polo leagues - equating to about £13,000. Every panel is different compared to the European car, though the interior styling is the same and much of the extra length is given to rear passenger space. Think Skoda Superb levels.

There's even a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine option, though most North American buyers will opt for one of the two petrol units: a 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine or, less so, a 3.6-litre V6.

Show stopper or floor filler?

Well it certainly fills some floor space, the big lardy hunk of mid-size sedan. In America this is tantamount to a Korean saloon launch, so nobody's cutting time short from the Porsche stand to see the VW Passat. However, making a spacious, cheap and high quality saloon is a canny move from VW, and it's likely to sell well.

Mark Nichol - 10 Jan 2011