Volkswagen's new Passat or B8 is likely to come to India only by February 2016. Earlier rumoured to have been dropped from the list of new models altogether, senior Volkswagen spokesmen, however, made it clear that the project is still very much alive.
"We are working hard to get the car to the Indian market, but there's still a lot to be done." The right-hand-drive cars need to go through the process of homologation and VW is likely to want a more affordable Bharat Stage IV (Euro IV) version of the new 187bhp 2.0-litre TDI as well. This is because the Euro V version will have plenty of expensive hardware that VW will want to delete on the Indian car.
There are other factors that could also potentially delay the process. VW is keen on increasing the assembling process of the new Passat sedan in India, compared to what it was for the earlier model, but is likely to wait for a plant upgrade, which is expected to happen later on in the year. And then there's the fact that that global demand for the new car is huge, meaning VW India will have to fight to get some cars or kits allotted for the Indian market.
Despite the difficulties involved, VW India is keen to get this car here. While the earlier Passat was only a moderate success, Volkswagen seem pretty confident that the new B8 will fit in. A lot of this has got to do with how the car has changed. While the Passat has always been a very practical car that was big on the inside, big on comfort and big on value, the new car is big on luxury too. And that's just right for the Indian market. There's more bling in the design of the exterior, the insides are much better appointed, and VW has also upped the ante on technology and connectivity.
What's also likely to be a challenge is the fact that it is likely to compete with compact sedans from Mercedes-Benz and Audi. Both the CLA and A3 are likely to cost a bit less than the new Passat in India, and could make life difficult for VW as Indian car buyers seem keen on luxury brands. And then there's the C-class, A4 and the BMW 3 that will be within striking range too; especially with the Passat prices likely to start around the Rs 35-lakh mark.
The new Passat may have been made more spacious, comfortable and luxurious for Chinese customers, but Indian car buyers are likely to enjoy these benefits too. Question is, will Indian car buyers be willing to pay upwards of Rs 35 lakh for it?