What's all this about?

Even before the new Passat is launched Volkswagen is already widening the scope of variants on offer by way of a plug-in hybrid that will have plenty of performance but little in the way of CO₂ emissions.

So how is it different to the standard Passat?

The most obvious external cues will be the modified and unique front grille, which incorporates a charging panel to the right of the Volkswagen logo, and it's topped by a thin blue band just like the smaller Golf GTE. Subtle GTE badging on the side wings and a C-shaped daytime running lamp motif also tell you what it is but other than that it looks just like the standard Passat.

What else makes it so different?

The Passat GTE is a plug-in hybrid meaning that its lithium-ion battery can be charged up by either a wall point or public charging station and driven electrically for up to 31 miles via the front-mounted 115hp electric motor. Once that charge depletes, or more power is required, the 1.4-litre four-cylinder direct injection petrol engine kicks in. This engine produces 156hp at 5,000rpm and is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

And the benefit of all this is?

By making these two motors work in tandem, Volkswagen has been able to deliver some impressive performance figures. From a standing start, the Passat GTE can reach 62mph in eight seconds and go on to a top speed of 138mph, while in electric mode a top speed of 80mph can be achieved before the petrol engine kicks in.

There's good news from an emissions perspective too with Volkswagen claiming a CO₂ output of just 45g/km and over a combined driving cycle the Passat GTE can return 141mpg. And not only will it be cheap to run it'll do the distance too thanks to a 50-litre fuel tank, which, along with a fully charged lithium-ion battery, will be able to deliver a driving range of up to 622 miles.

When does it go on sale and how much will it cost?

Volkswagen says that both saloon and estate versions are expected to go on sale in the second half of 2015 although there is no official confirmation on pricing just yet. We would expect it to carry a reasonable price premium over the standard Passat model, which it has just been announced will retail at £22,215.