The first details and photographs of the all-new Volkswagen Passat show that the lines between VW and Audi brands are to remain blurred for the foreseeable future. The new Passat has grown up, well to be exact it has grown in most directions: length up by 62mm; width up 74mm; height up 10mm and the wheelbase has increased by 6mm.

VW has taken cues from its recent concept cars to create a handsome saloon. The new VW face and large rear badge ensure that a VW look is retained, but the body itself bears more than a passing resemblance to certain Audi models, especially around the C-pillar.

Details such as pricing are still scarce as the car is not likely to hit UK shores until summer 2005 (after a Geneva Motor Show debut). We do know that four engines will be available at the time of the UK launch: two petrol units and two diesels. The petrol engines both use the FSI technology (as tested in the VW Golf this year), with 115bhp and 150bhp options. The 1.9-litre and 2.0-litre diesels headline figures are 105bhp and 140bhp respectively. The Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) will be available soon after launch on the TDI models, with a 6-speed auto' for the petrol models. The option of four-wheel drive will also be available at some later date.

Shane O' Donoghue - 22 Dec 2004