This is an early model of the current mule.
In Europe, the United States does not have the Volkswagen Passat sedan. The American Passat nameplate has been discontinued. However, the eighth-generation model can be purchased on the Old continent as a wagon. Volkswagen is not planning to retire the Passat in Europe, and we have the first spy photographs of a mule that will be the successor.
The attached gallery shows a prototype that uses the Passat body that is still available in Europe. This design is not the same as the new Passat, so camouflage is unnecessary. Although it may seem boring and uninteresting, there are some interesting points worth noting.
Look at the area between the front and rear doors. This rough shape suggests a longer wheelbase for Passat, as we have already seen in preliminary reports. The wheel arches are slightly wider and the wheels appear to be sitting inwardly could indicate a wider track. The door handles are also strange.
Although we don’t know what is under the hood, there is a large exhaust at its back that runs parallel to the vehicle. The pipes are pointing towards the ground. This is the usual exhaust arrangement for diesel-powered cars in Europe. However, it’s not a guarantee that this prototype has a TDI motor. We know that the production model will come with mild-hybrid gasoline, diesel motors, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The new Passat will only be available as a wagon, but a rugged Alltrack version of the vehicle is also possible. This is according to different reports. The Wolfsburg family hauler will be developed in conjunction with the next generation SkodaSuperb, and both will be made together in Slovakia. We will soon be able to see prototypes with production bodies, so keep checking back for more Passat spy photos.