Volkswagen Passat returns with fresh line-up for 2021

The Volkswagen Passat range has had a mild makeover for 2021 as the Germany car maker confirms the European model sold in Australia has a solid future beyond the current lifecycle.

The US version of the Passat is due to be phased out in North America, however the global Passat – the model sold here – is a staple of the Volkswagen range and one of its biggest selling models in markets outside the USA.

European Passat production was paused for much of this year due to the coronavirus crisis, as well as the need for the Passat to undergo new real-world fuel economy and emissions testing – which halted most car assembly lines at various times over the past 18 months.

Headline changes for the Passat in 2021 include a 162TSI version of the 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine in the sedan, wagon and Alltrack, as well as the return of the 206TSI Passat R-Line all-wheel-drive, which is, in effect a VW Golf R hot hatch in a Passat sedan or wagon body.

Volkswagen will also introduce a new price-leader model, called The Business, powered by 140TSI version of the 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, priced from $46,950 plus on-road costs. Metallic paints adds $800.

The next model up is the Elegance, available in sedan or wagon with a 162TSI engine, starting from $51,790 plus on-road costs for the sedan and $53,790 plus on-road costs for the wagon.

The Passat R-Line wagon costs from $63,790 plus on-road costs and is powered by the 206TSI engine.

Meanwhile the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack has also received an overhaul for 2021, starting with the 162TSI model from $46,990 plus on-road costs for the base model and a rather large jump to $58,790 plus on-road costs for the premium model, which gains a panorama sunroof, digital widescreen instrument display, vented seats, premium audio, and matrix headlights, among other tech.

All new Passat models will come with Volkswagen’s full suite of advanced safety tech, wireless Apple Car Play and wireless Android Auto,

Volkswagen says most models in the revised Passat range will arrive in Australian showrooms in the first half of next year.