[vasant3]

Vw is also going to launch New Touareg 2011 in the same time frame as New Passat B7.B7 is not a mere faclift,it is 7th genration Passat.I own a B6 CRDI Passat and last week I drove new passat in germany.It is a better car than B6 in fit and finish,engine is more refined,the one which I drove was a 4motion(4 wheel drive).According to mumbai dealer the price will be 32L+ for crdi with DSG 7 speed box

[androdev]

There are indeed two versions of new Passat - B7 and NMS. It appears that China and US will get NMS. Europe will get B7. You can search the net for "B7 vs NMS" for more info. India is likely to get the B7 which appears to be only a facelift of B6 and not a new platform. In fact, B7 interiors are identical to B6. See the comments/discussion on this youtube page:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpuetVnDaLQ

This link has pics of both:
VW Passat B7 or Passat NMS?

Here is an interview:
Shanghai VW: Torrid 2010, steady growth ahead

Q: When will Shanghai Volkswagen launch the new model NMS? How is it different from the B7 produced at Volkswagen's joint venture with FAW Group?

A: You may think that the NMS is very similar to B7, since both are B-class sedans produced by Volkswagen, both with authentic German quality that meets the rigid global R&D standards of Volkswagen.

But from our point of view, the positioning of the two sedans is perfectly complementary, and they will together improve the market share of the VW brand in China.

Volkswagen launched the B1 in 1973 and then continued upgrading it over the next 40 years. It is now in its seventh generation. What FAW-VW will manufacture in China is just the domestic edition of the B7.

Based on a next-generation Volkswagen B-class platform, the NMS is a new and sophisticated sedan developed together by Volkswagen and the Shanghai joint venture, mainly targeting North America and China, the two largest markets with top growth potential.

The NMS will be launched as the successor of Passat in China and will have the responsibility of continuing that legend here.

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by androdev

There are indeed two versions of new Passat - B7 and NMS. It appears that China and US will get NMS. Europe will get B7. You can search the net for "B7 vs NMS" for more info. India is likely to get the B7 which appears to be only a facelift of B6 and not a new platform. In fact, B7 interiors are identical to B6.

Absolutely right!

The B7 is a heavily facelifted version of the B6. Even though its not a completely new model, apparently most of the external body panel have changed, along with the grille and headlights (to align with the new family design of VW). Also there is a slight increase in the overall length, and a host of new safety and comfort features are included. The B7 is the model for Europe, and for markets like India and SE Asia.

The NMS is the so-called new Passat (replacement for B6), and is specially aimed at North America and Chinese markets. This is developed separately from the B7. In those markets, the NMS will be the direct replacement for B6 Passat.

[Abhi_Automobile]

Guys,

There looks to be some unnecessary confusion here. The Passat that we will get will be the Euro spec model, which is an entirely new car. The NMS is US specific car, which was made to a price, just like new Jetta (US version).

Either way, we are getting the latest gen new car.

Thanks,
Abhi.

[Scorcher]

Source: VW Passat spy pics in India | Autocar India

The all-new VW Passat has been caught without any form of camo in India. The launch seems to be pretty close

[androdev]

Originally Posted by Abhi_Automobile

Guys,

There looks to be some unnecessary confusion here. The Passat that we will get will be the Euro spec model, which is an entirely new car. The NMS is US specific car, which was made to a price, just like new Jetta (US version).

Either way, we are getting the latest gen new car.

Thanks,
Abhi.

We will be getting the latest gen Passat for sure, but it is not a "platform" upgrade like they did for current Audi A4. It is a major facelift of the current Passat.

[diffsoft]

Here's a news snippet on Passat - no guarantee on the source

Volkswagen India to bring 7th generation Passat by March

[ACM]

It seems that the Europe spec Passat is what we get.

Well then what is the point? It is going to cost a lot more than a BMW X1 and the 3 series as well. It would be a bit more spacious but will that get it sales?

The NA NMS version or a localized version would have been a better bet for India, It needs to compete with the Accord and the Superb and it simply does not do it at the current price points.

VW seems to be getting this one wrong.

[diffsoft]

This article in ET promises a lot in the New Passat:

Volkswagen to launch new Passat with BlueMotion tech by March - The Economic Times

Cheers,

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by diffsoft

This article in ET promises a lot in the New Passat:

Volkswagen to launch new Passat with BlueMotion tech by March - The Economic Times

Cheers,

bsmotoring too claims that its the Passat 'bluemotion' thats coming our way!

Scoop! Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion here this year!

[goacom]

As many of the posters here have said, the B7 is a heavily revised version of the B6, rather than a completely new platform. Many of the hardpoints on the B7 are identical to the B6. Think if it as a refined version of the B6. I believe the NMS is a modified B7, with a longer wheel base, but reduces specifications. I would have thought that India would have received the NMS instead of the European B7.

[Abhi_Automobile]

ACI reports that the Passat shall start at 22 lacs. I think that is a lil ambitious pricing. These days one gets a BMW 3 series for 24 lacs. and the customers aspiring for a car at that price point may not even look st Passat. What do you guys think ?

[.anshuman]

^^ The starting version should be 1.8 TSi MT, so the TDi AT should be minimum 3 lakh more.

[Abhi_Automobile]

I think they suggested that the starting version of the car itself. That, I assume, means manual petrol 1.8TSI. If that is true, they have their pricing seriously messed up. They have to get one thing clearly, their luxury brand is 'Audi' and not VW itself.

Across the globe, it sells at slight premium to Honda/Toyota. Anything more, will be an overkill.

[njh]

Originally Posted by Abhi_Automobile

I think they suggested that the starting version of the car itself. That, I assume, means manual petrol 1.8TSI. If that is true, they have their pricing seriously messed up. They have to get one thing clearly, their luxury brand is 'Audi' and not VW itself.

Across the globe, it sells at slight premium to Honda/Toyota. Anything more, will be an overkill.

They will be bringing in a 2.0 diesel churning out more power than the old 2.0 diesel. There wont be a petrol, because they have realized that petrol engines are not very popular with the masses.
It will be coming with a 7 speed DSG. The car, in Highline will have the daytime running LED lights as well, which would probably attract people as well. There will also be two variants, the comfortline and highline. pricing has not yet been confirmed.