Photo Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Passat

The 2011 VW Passat will start from £18,470, rising to £26,955 for the range-topping Passat Sport 2.0 TDI 170PS DSG Bluemotion. Unlike mainland Europe, the UK won’t receive 4MOTION models due to lack of demand.

With 15m sold since 1973, VW sold on average 1,106 Passats daily, excluding Chinese-built Passat. The new 7th-generation Passat will be sold in 100 markets, across the world.

Volkswagen expects the 138bhp 2.0 TDI to be the best selling engine, and it will be offered from £21,562 in saloon form and £22,874 in wagon guise. For the first time, Volkswagen UK is expecting the estate variant to outsell the sedan by 53%/47%.

The attractive Passat, which is 37 years old, is somewhat larger than the model it replaces, with the cabin space remaining similar to the previous model. The interior has seen a range of improvements, with new dials, an analogue clock and a mass of trim finishes which are similar to those found in the flagship Phaeton saloon.

While there is an array of petrol engines, the diesels are expected to account for the majority of sales, and all engines come standard with stop/start and battery regeneration. The most fuel-efficient engine is a 1.6 TDI will return 68.8mpg and emit 109g/km, with an estimated range of 1,000 miles, making the Passat the most fuel-efficient car in its class.

A duo of 2.0 TDI engines will also be available, generating 140bhp and 170bhp. A 6 speed manual is standard, while a 6 speed DSG automatic is be optional.

Three trim levels will be on hand: S, SE and Sport. Entry-level S will obtain electrically adjustable/hated door mirrors, x4 electric windows, x6 airbags, air conditioning, ESP, alarm, height adjustable passenger/driver’s seat w/lumbar adjustment, front armrest, whiplash-optimised head restraints (WOKS), electric parking brake w/hill start assist, 3 spoke leather steering wheel w/audio controls and iPod/AUX/MP3 input.

Mid-spec SE gains Bluetooth, electric folding, auto-dimming exterior mirrors w/interior auto-dimming rear view mirror, climate control, 8 speaker audio system/DAB digital radio, chrome window trim, rain and light sensor and a driver fatigue detection system.

Range-topper Sport will get RNS 315 touch-screen satellite navigation, tyre pressure monitoring system, sports suspension and front fog lamps.

Options like alloy wheels, metallic paint, heated front & rear seats, bi-xenon headlights w/LED day-time running lights (which contains 15 LED’s), leather interior and upgraded sound system will be offered.