2009 VW Passat to undergo face lift

Launched two years ago at the 2005 Geneva Show, the 2009 VW Passat is believed to undergo face lifting.

According to the German magazine Autozeitung, VW will proceed to a facelift in 2009. And it will be seen most probably at the 2009 Geneva Show, with aesthetic changes including a redesigned front end inspired from the upcoming Tiguan. The German magazine reports that VW will also substitute the present 1.6FSI and 2.0FSI engines with the Groups new 122Hp 1.4TSI and 160Hp 1.8TFSI motors, which will also include 1.6, 2.0 and 3.2 V6 engines.

Some analysts say this speculation of the German magazine arises because of Volkswagens aim to continually increase the company's sales and also to attract the US market. The engine substitution, however, is expected to occur quite earlier, maybe even in this year's Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Volkswagen will add a low-roofed wagon model in 2009 to accompany next year's sleek, Passat-based, four-door "coupe". The wagon has the packaging and the design theme of the Dodge Magnum, which is said to be a reflection of former VW product expert Wolfgang Bernhard's time at the Chrysler Group.

As compared to the standard Passat wagon, the premium model has a lower roofline, a wider stance, and a less upright tailgate. Added to this, the seating height is lowered and the buckets will give heating, ventilation, and massage functions. Along with this are inflatable g-force-compensating cushions. Extending all the way through the cabin is the center console. However, despite a low roofline, the wagon's cargo bay accommodates 21 cubic feet of stuff.

A 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four and a high-performance version of the 3.6-liter VR6, which will develop nearly 300 hp are included in the engine options. These are paired either with a six-speed manual or an improved, seven-speed twin-clutch DSG.

Analysts say prices have not yet been determined, but one insider claims that the Magnum-esque VW will cost only about $2000. That is more than a comparable Passat wagon.

Looking at the older version of Passat, the 2007 Volkswagen Passat sedan is offered as a four-door sedan or five-door wagon. It is available with a 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 280-hp, 3.6-liter V6. Four-cylinder sedans can be ordered with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Wagons and V6s, however, come with the automatic only.

With innovated VW Passat parts, all Passat models are expected to raise VW sales during their respective season of lunch in the market.