Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show last month, the new car will cost from £18,470 OTR for the saloon and £19,745 for the Estate.

The new model features the latest technologies and efficiency measures to make it among the most advanced and economical cars in its class. Every diesel engine is now badged as a BlueMotion Technology product and is equipped with battery regeneration and Stop/Start systems as standard. The result is that the entry-level 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS is capable of exceeding the economy of the outgoing BlueMotion model with a combined economy of 65.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 114g/km.  In turn, the new BlueMotion model, due to go on sale in early 2011, will return 68.8mpg and emit 109g/km of CO2.

Upgraded common-rail diesel engines and gearboxes are also featured, with a six-speed manual gearbox being fitted to the 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS engine for the first time.

Three trim levels will be available: S, SE and Sport. Additional equipment added to the new Passat over the outgoing model includes an iPod interface and leather multifunction steering wheel for the S model. The SE trim level gains an eight-speaker digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity and the new driver fatigue detection system; while at the top of the range the new Sport model gains RNS 315 touchscreen satellite navigation.