Chinese Market 2015 VW Passat B8 Caught Unclothed

by Cameron Aubernon

Published: May 1st, 2014

chinese market 2015 vw passat b8 caught unclothed

For European and Chinese customers awaiting the 2015 Volkswagen Passat B8, the following spy photos should hold them until the sedan’s debut at the 2014 Paris Auto Show in October.

CarNewsChina reports the Chinese model in the photos will have a wheelbase 10 centimeters longer than the European version, but both will otherwise be identical. The MQB-based sedan in Europe will see power from an assortment of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines, as well as a rumored V6 pushing over 300 horsepower under the hood of a high-performance model.

Meanwhile, the longer Chinese version — to be produced by the FAW-VW joint venture as the Magotan — will make its debut the following April during the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show, and will only come with gasoline powerplants due to cities prohibiting diesel fuel use in passenger vehicles. Local consumers should expect to pay anywhere from 200,000 yuan to 350,000 yuan ($32,000 – $56,000 USD) once the B8 arrives in dealer showrooms; no word on what Europeans will pay for their B8.

#ChineseMarket #EuropeanMarket #FAW-Volkswagen #MarketLocalization #MQB #Paris2014 #PassatB8 #Shanghai2015 #Volkswagen

Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

More by Cameron Aubernon

Comments

Join the conversation

6 of 11 comments

Thegamper on May 01, 2014

I recall a time when VW made slightly quirky but unique and interesting designs and had interiors that topped your average camcord by a long shot. I have to say, just about all of VW's current designs are totally uninspiring, perhaps even going so far as to say that VW has the blandest design in the US auto market. I still like a few of their vehicles, but by and large most of the cars they make are forgettable. Its a shame.

Like Reply
- FormerFF on May 01, 2014
  
  Seriously, VW, what's with the bland styling? The new Jetta and this car look like a late 80's design at best.
  
  Like
Arun on May 01, 2014

I love my VW and I have to say - what is so different about this when compared to every other VW out there? Sure there is some different sheetmetal - and this is a redesign according to VW?! Sheesh!

Like Reply
- See 2 previous
- Vbofw on May 01, 2014
  
  Not much is new. This is not a full model refresh. It's a LWB to suit China's tastes (ironic as most Chinese I know don't have exceptionally long legs!). In the case of the North American Passat, the MQB transition will effectively be your standard mid-cycle refresh.
  
  Like
- Lorenzo on May 01, 2014
  
  @vbofw Okay, the longer wheelbase is a bit harder to spot, and maybe it has more rear headroom. Chinese don't need to have long legs to appreciate more room in the back seat, but if the Chinese you know don't have long legs, then you don't know Yao Ming.
  
  Like
- Th009 on May 02, 2014
  
  @vbofw The current European Passat is not MQB-based, it's a facelift of the B6 model (as previously sold in the US as well) and still carries the same 3C type designation. If this is MQB-based (and it should be) then it's a full redesign, in spite of conservative styling.
  
  Like

Recent Comments

MaintenanceCosts RAM! RAM! RAM! ...... the child in the crosswalk that you can't see over the hood of this factory-lifted beast.
3-On-The-Tree Yes all the Older Land Cruiser’s and samurai’s have gone up here as well. I’ve taken both vehicle ps on some pretty rough roads exploring old mine shafts etc. I bought mine right before I deployed back in 08 and got it for $4000 and also bought another that is non running for parts, got a complete engine, drive train. The mice love it unfortunately.
Statikboy I see only old Preludes in red. And a concept in white.Pretty sure this is going to end up being simply a Civic coupe. Maybe a slightly shorter wheelbase or wider track than the sedan, but mechanically identical to the Civic in Touring and/or Si trims.
SCE to AUX With these items under the pros:[list][*]It's quick, though it seems to take the powertrain a second to get sorted when you go from cruising to tromping on it.[/*][*]The powertrain transitions are mostly smooth, though occasionally harsh.[/*][/list]I'd much rather go electric or pure ICE I hate herky-jerky hybrid drivetrains.The list of cons is pretty damning for a new vehicle. Who is buying these things?
Jrhurren Nissan is in a sad state of affairs. Even the Z mentioned, nice though it is, will get passed over 3 times by better vehicles in the category. And that’s pretty much the story of Nissan right now. Zero of their vehicles are competitive in the segment. The only people I know who drive them are company cars that were “take it or leave it”.