Volkswagen launches 'Passat GT'... Starting at 38 million KRW with installment financing
[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] Volkswagen Korea announced on the 14th that it will launch the latest technology-packed smart business sedan, the 'New Passat GT,' and begin pre-orders.
First introduced in 1973, the Passat is one of Volkswagen's representative models and a best-selling model with over 30 million units sold worldwide, including the European market. In Korea, the 5th generation Passat was introduced in 2005, and up to the 8th generation Passat GT in 2018, it has recorded a cumulative sales volume of over 36,000 units.
The newly released New Passat GT is a facelift model of the European 8th generation Passat GT and is the first Volkswagen model to apply the integrated driver assistance system called 'IQ.Drive.' Along with this, it is equipped with the intelligent lighting system 'IQ.Light' and the cutting-edge infotainment system 'MIB3,' setting a new standard for an advanced smart business sedan.
Partial autonomous driving from 0 to 210 km/h... Advanced driver assistance system 'IQ.Drive'
'IQ.Drive' is a new brand name that integrates Volkswagen's advanced driver assistance systems. The New Passat GT is equipped with 'IQ.Drive,' providing a more comfortable and safer driving environment.
The 'Travel Assist,' installed for the first time in a Volkswagen model on the New Passat GT, is one of the core technologies of 'IQ.Drive.' From start-up to driving speeds up to 210 km/h, it integrates adaptive cruise control, lane assist, side assist, and other driving assistance systems by utilizing the vehicle's front camera, radar sensors, and ultrasonic sensors.
Additionally, for the first time in the brand, a capacitive steering wheel is applied, allowing the driver to easily and safely use the Travel Assist function by lightly holding the steering wheel without moving it, as it detects touch. During Travel Assist driving, the vehicle can continue driving without warnings even if the steering wheel is not operated for about 15 seconds.
Innovative interactive lighting system 'IQ.Light'
The New Passat GT comes standard with LED head and tail lamps on all models, and from the 2.0 TDI Prestige model, the interactive lighting system 'IQ.Light - LED Matrix Headlights' is installed. It optimizes the light to illuminate a wider range of the road during nighttime driving, enhancing the driver's safety and convenience.
Along with this, the 'Dynamic Light Assist' function, which allows the high beam to be always activated, and the 'Dynamic Cornering Light,' which adjusts the illumination range according to the steering wheel angle on curved roads to help secure visibility, are applied. Additionally, sequentially lighting front and rear dynamic turn signals add an emotional beauty.
Expansion of connectivity and digital domains... Latest infotainment system 'MIB3'
The New Passat GT is the first Volkswagen model to be equipped with the latest infotainment system 'MIB3' (3rd generation Modular Infotainment Matrix).
Notably, the 'Wireless App Connect' feature, which allows wireless connection between smartphones and the vehicle's infotainment display, is standard on all trims. Once the driver completes the initial connection setup after entering the vehicle, 'Wireless App Connect' automatically connects without additional operation and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Furthermore, a newly developed Korean navigation system is applied with a 9.2-inch Discover Pro navigation system to enhance convenience for domestic consumers. The voice recognition vehicle control function, activated by the command 'Hello Volkswagen,' allows use of major vehicle functions such as navigation, phone, and radio. Gesture recognition is also enabled, allowing easy vehicle control without physical button operation.
Powertrain with dynamic performance and efficiency
The New Passat GT offers three lineups: front-wheel drive models '2.0 TDI Premium' and '2.0 TDI Prestige' with a 2.0 TDI engine paired with a 7-speed DSG, and the all-wheel drive '2.0 TDI Prestige 4Motion.' The 2.0 TDI engine delivers dynamic performance with a maximum output of 190 horsepower and a maximum torque of 40.8 kg·m, providing efficient performance across a wide practical range. The combined fuel efficiency of the 2.0 TDI model is 14.9 km/L, and the 2.0 TDI 4Motion has a combined fuel efficiency of 14 km/L.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen Korea has completed its sedan lineup with the Jetta - Passat GT - Arteon series through the launch of the Passat GT. Especially with the launch of the New Passat GT, it plans to accelerate the popularization strategy of imported sedans by offering a new alternative equipped with advanced technology at a reasonable price for consumers seeking business sedans.
Stefan Krap, Head of Volkswagen Division at Audi Volkswagen Korea, stated, "The New Passat GT is a new alternative in imported business sedans that allows you to enjoy dynamic driving and innovative technology most reasonably." He added, "Following the success of the Jetta and Arteon with excellent product strategies, we will solidify our position in the domestic imported sedan market through the New Passat GT, which encompasses refined design and cutting-edge technology."
The tentative selling prices of the New Passat GT are 44.9 million KRW for the Premium model, 49.9 million KRW for the Prestige model, and 53.9 million KRW for the Prestige 4Motion model (based on a 5.0% individual consumption tax). The final selling price will be announced again at the time of customer delivery scheduled for January next year.
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Additionally, all trims offer up to an 8% discount when using the Volkswagen Financial Services program and a 6% discount for cash purchases. An additional discount of 3 million KRW is provided when using the vehicle return compensation program. For the Premium trim, all benefits combined allow purchase starting from the 38 million KRW range (when using Volkswagen Financial Services).
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