Volkswagen has unveiled a new iteration of the Passat sedan specifically for the Chinese market. Positioned alongside the similarly sized Magotan, the Passat Pro is not Volkswagen's sole midsize sedan offering in China, as it also competes with the recently introduced Magotan, a collaborative effort between VW and local automaker FAW.
This fresh sedan, showcased in images released on the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology website as part of its homologation process in China, is the result of Volkswagen's joint venture with SAIC. Unlike its European counterpart, which boasts a variety of powertrains including gasoline, mild-hybrid gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options, the Chinese variant of the Passat Pro simplifies matters with two gasoline engines. The entry-level 1.5-liter engine delivers 158 horsepower, while the larger 2.0-liter option churns out 217 hp. Both engines are paired with automatic transmissions and front-wheel drive, diverging from the European model's availability of all-wheel drive.
In terms of design, the Passat Pro closely mirrors the wagon-only Passat model prevalent in Europe. However, it is notably larger, measuring 197 inches in length, 72.8 inches in width, and 58.6 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 113 inches, slightly longer than its wagon counterpart. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches, and the sedan weighs between 3,483 and 3,703 pounds, depending on engine and trim specifications.
As for the rationale behind the "Pro" moniker, details remain undisclosed, but it is evident that the four-door Passat Pro does not exhibit a more exhilarating design compared to its European or previous NMS Passat iterations. While interior images have not been released, it is plausible that the cabin shares similarities with the European Passat and the China-exclusive Magotan, possibly featuring an additional screen for the passenger.
Considering its suitability for the US market, the Passat Pro's potential is debatable. Despite lacking a particularly exciting design, similar to the Camry, its appeal may lie more in reliability than aesthetics. Historically, Volkswagen has struggled to match the bulletproof reliability associated with models like the Camry. Furthermore, the existing presence of the smaller Jetta in the US market suggests that the Passat Pro might not find a significant niche, especially when enthusiasts express a desire for the regular Golf alongside the GTI and R variants.