VOLKSWAGEN Middle East has launched the brand new Passat, bringing peerless German engineering and new levels of affordable luxury and innovation to the region. With more than 19 million Passat cars sold worldwide since 1973, the 2012 model is larger, more comfortable and sets benchmarks in safety, technology, space and luxury. "A revolution in its category, the new Passat brings luxurious but affordable German-engineered motoring to the Middle East," said Stefan Mecha, Managing Director, Volkswagen Middle East. "Competitively priced, the introduction to the model range starts at SR93,900, bringing with it high-end innovation and improvements in space, economy and efficiency. "Volkswagen sedans have proved to be very popular in the region, and we are confident of similar success with the new Passat," he added. "It's an important car for us - it's been perfectly matched to the needs of the Middle Eastern market, and we're looking forward to offering sedan car drivers something new, fresh and exciting." Available with a 2.5 litre 170hp five-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic gearbox, the new Passat range includes 16, 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels, electric seat adjustment, leather seats, a Fender sound system, radio-navigation system, front fog lights with static cornering lights, automatic climate control, ambiance lighting and keyless access engine starting and locking system. Offered in four trim levels - S, SE, SEL and SPORT - there's a Passat for every need. The entry level model - the S - is designed specifically for corporate customers, and features ABS and ESP safety systems, driver and passenger head curtain and side thorax airbags, a Bluetooth system with voice command, multifunction steering wheel with audio and phone controls, cruise control, radio with MP3 and CD player, a 60/40 folding rear seat, armrests in the front and rear and electronic vehicle immobilization. Refreshed exterior styling belies the fact that the new Passat is the largest ever, measuring 4.868m in length. – SG
