This eighth generation Passat is everything that people loved about the sixth and seventh generation but even better. The new Passat's design combines stylish clarity with a high degree of power and the result of which, is a design that is not just fashionable but also contemporary. Volkswagen has reinvented the Passat as a car that is expressive, one that will leave a mark on its era.

Although the Passat is now 2mm shorter than the previous model, its wheelbase gains an additional 79mm. The front and rear wheels are now larger and positioned further out to the sides, making it possible for Volkswagen to shorten the body overhangs significantly. Coupled with athletic edges and creases, the car is distinctly sporty yet highly refined. This is further enhanced by the new wheel designs in 17-inch and 18-inch sizes.

Volkswagen is launching the Passat with all-LED rear lights as standard. The functionality of these LED rear lights can be seen during braking when its horizontal light signature switches to the vertically oriented brake light signature, produced by three vertical lines. This visual signal change makes the brake lights more perceptible, thus increasing traffic safety.

Two TSI engine variants from the EA888 engine family are available and they are compact, lightweight and remarkably fuel efficient, with up to 17 percent lower consumption than its already efficient predecessor. The Passat has also gone through a weight loss programme, shedding a total of 85kg from improvements in areas such as the chassis, power units, electrics, vehicle body and trim. Also, for the first time in a Passat, aluminium is used in the body structure.

The enhancements continue in the interior. Volkswagen interior designers have developed the Passat's cabin to be more avant garde, distinctive and multifaceted than ever thanks to precisely executed details and innovative technologies.

The latest generation Volkswagen infotainment system found in the new Passat facilitates an extremely high-degree of connectivity in order to link up external devices. Its diverse interfaces include connecting to smartphones and their apps via MirrorLink. MirrorLink makes it possible to integrate numerous Android apps or functions into the infotainment system. In addition, the systems have been given much faster processors and new higher resolution displays. It also has Wi-Fi hotspot functionality built-in, so that a single internet connection can be shared by all occupants.

Four different versions of the Passat will be offered to customers in Singapore. The 1.8 TSI Comfortline and 1.8 TSI Highline are equipped with a 180bhp TSI engine but the Highline model has additional features including a panoramic sunroof, reverse camera and the 'Discover Pro' 8.0-inch touchscreen navigation system. Buyers looking for an ever higher level of performance can opt for the Passat 2.0 TSI Exclusiveline, which has a 220bhp TSI engine. This model also gains extra equipment such as ventilated front seats, a Dynaudio sound system, Park Assist and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). The sportiest trim available is the Passat 2.0 TSI R-Line, which has R-Line bumpers in a striking, sporty look, a distinct front grille with R-Line logo, chrome-plated trapezoid tail pipe trim panels, side sill extensions and a black gloss diffuser. The Passat R-Line also comes with steering wheel paddle shifters as standard.

Prices inclusive of COE (correct as of press time)

Passat 1.8 TSI Comfortline - $152,800
Passat 1.8 TSI Highline - $161,300
Passat 2.0 TSI Exclusiveline - TBA
Passat 2.0 TSI R-Line - TBA