New Volkswagen Passat to cost from £22,215

The conspicuously unadorned exterior styling continues the clean and unembellished design language evident on other recent Volkswagen models. It provides the new car with what Volkswagen design boss, Walter d’Silva, describes as a technical inspired appearance that is characterized by short overhangs, subtle crease lines within the body, thin panel gaps and a minimum of detailing.

The technical link is further enforced by distinctive LED tail lamps, which are standard across the range. The headlamps feature either a halogen or LED main beam function, depending on the model. Dynamic Light Assist, which automatically adjusts the high beam without dazzling on-coming traffic, is available among a long list of options.

While its exterior styling reflects a traditionally evolutionary approach, the interior of the new Passat represents a significant break over the old model. In keeping with Volkswagen efforts to provide its new mid-range model with a more upmarket positioning, it receives a stylish new dashboard facia and associated trims that boast higher quality materials than those of the old Volkswagen Passat.

Despite the reduction in external dimensions, Volkswagen claims the eighth-generation Passat possesses greater leg-, head- and shoulder room than the seventh-generation model, both front and rear.

Saloon versions offer up 586-litre boots, 21 litres more than previously, while the estates boast an additional 47 litres, totalling 650 litres. This can be extended to a capacious 1780 litres when the split fold rear seats are folded away.

In place of standard analogue instruments, buyers will be able to option the new car with a configurable 12.3-inch TFT colour monitor that goes under the name Active Info Display. That option will be available later in 2015.

In another first, the new Volkswagen also gains an optional head up display unit that uses a separate glass panel mounted within the top of the dashboard to project relevant information into the driver’s line of sight. The Passat also receives the latest Modular Infotainment System options, including Volkswagen’s Car-Net remote application for in-car connectivity.

Central to the Passat’s premium aspirations is a range of new radar and/or camera based features. Volkswagen has confirmed the new car will offer upgraded versions of the 360 degree Area View and Park Assist functions – the latter allowing the car to automatically park itself forwards into perpendicular spaces.  A new Trailer Assist feature also provides assistance when reversing with a trailer for more precise parking.

Among a long list of safety technology included either as standard or optional is Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, which warns of traffic in your blind spot; Traffic Jam Assist, which automatically accelerates and slow the car in heavy traffic up to a predetermined speed.

Also offered is Emergency Assist, which can potentially stop the car when the driver is injured or incapacitated, and the latest generation of Volkswagen’s Front Assist system with City Emergency Braking – which optionally combines both radar and camera sensors to add pedestrian detection. VW's standard five trim levels, dubbed S, SE, SE Business, GT and R-Line will be available.

The new Passat comes with a wide range of new or upgraded four-cylinder direct injection petrol and common rail diesel engines – all complying with EU6 emission standards. The lack of sales of petrol versions of the seventh generation Passat in the UK is behind a decision to import only diesel versions of the eighth generation.

The engines are mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch gearbox with automatic stop/start and brake energy recuperation functions. Alongside standard front wheel drive, selected engines will also offer the choice of either standard or optional 4Motion four-wheel drive via a Haldex multi-plate clutch.

Diesel options include a trio of 2.0-litre units in 148bhp, 187bhp and twin-turbocharged 237bhp guises. The former offers combined consumption of 68.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 106g/km, while the latter, which possesses a solid 369lb ft of torque at 1750rpm and will be sold exclusively in 4Motion four-wheel drive guise, provides 0-62mph acceleration in 6.1sec and a 149mph top speed.

In June next year Volkswagen plans to introduce an even more economical 1.6-litre four-cylinder common rail diesel engine to the line-up, under its BlueMotion banner. With 118bhp, it is claimed to provide the new Passat with an average consumption of 78mpg with CO2 emissions of 95g/km.