Volkswagen launched their sleek new Passat in Dublin on Monday, a car that follows in the footprints of all the successful models that have gone before it.

This is the eighth-generation Volkswagen Passat and has gone on sale in Ireland this week. Clearly, this is mainstream car that will have the competition looking over their shoulders for the coming years and comes just in time for the 151 plate.

The new car, which boasts a brand new design, new engines and a host of new technologies, has a starting price of €27,295 for the 1.4-litre 125bhp TSI petrol model in saloon guise. Pricing for the diesel range, starts at only €28,940 for the now, more powerful, 1.6-litre 120bhp TDI version.

The estate model starts at €29,225 for the 1.4 125bhp TSI and only €31,200 for the 1.6-litre 120bhp TDI.

There is a choice of two petrol and three diesel engines across the range for the new Passat. The 1.4-litre 125bhp TSI petrol is joined by a 1.4-litre 150 TSI which employs Volkswagen’s Active Cylinder Technology, which shuts off two of the engine’s four-cylinders when not required, which has a significant fuel-saving effect. This starts at €35,145 in Highline trim.

The diesel engine line up consist of the 1.6-litre TDI in 120bhp (106g/km / Tax Band A3), a 2.0-litre TDI with 150bhp (108g/km / Tax Band A3), and a 2.0-litre TDI with 190bhp (106g/km / Tax Band A3).

There are three trim grades in the new Passat, Trendline, Comfortline and Highline with class leading features and technologies across the range.

Trendline features Air Conditioning, a 5-inch touch screen infotainment system, Bluetooth, an electric parking brake, Front Assist including City Emergency Brake, leather steering wheel and keyless engine start system ‘Keyless Go’.

Comfortline adds 16-inch ‘Sepang’ alloy wheels, a 6.5-inch touch screen infotainment system, Park Distance Control front and rear, cruise control, a leather multi-function steering wheel, ‘Climatronic’ 3-zone automatic air conditioning, front fog lights, an interior ambient lighting package and rain sensing wipers.

The top of the range Highline adds 17-inch ‘London’ alloy wheels, Adaptive Cruise Control, Top comfort seats in Alcantara / leather, Heated front seats, electrically folding exterior mirrors, rear tinted windows, interior ambient lighting package ‘Plus’, dark red tail-lights with LED technology and an interior chrome trim.

Commenting on the arrival of the new car, Volkswagen Ireland’s Operations Director Paul Burke said: “This is a hugely important car to us, second only to the Golf in terms of volume. The new model is a real step-up in terms of quality and refinement. This is now a car that will compete will head-on with more expensive executive offerings.”