Other than the news about the Mazda6's power bump, the new Nissan Altima's AWD option, and limited-production Lincoln Continental's suicide doors, most news about sedans is a bit depressing. But sedans still sell very well, despite some sales volume decline over the past couple of years. VW is hoping the decrease will level off, and they just tweeted the fancy wheel of the next-gen Passat. It might be a small glimpse, but it's a lustworthy one. Check it out below.   

Don't expect these fancy 19" wheels to show up on the base model. In fact, they'll likely be on the R Performance trim level with its low-profile summer tires. We do know that the new Passat may look very much like the Chinese market version show in the photos below. The Passat in China looks refreshed and not wholly different from the last model. Ours might look more like a big Jetta that got totally redesigned for the 2019 model year.

Get a Great Deal on the Volkswagen Passat

passat china front 58

Word on the street is that the new Passat won't just get new sheetmetal, but it will also get an updated interior and more standard safety equipment. The brand will only mildly change the old platform rather than using the new MQB platform. The powertrain will also remain the same. Both measures are to save on costs for the brand because of the shrinking sedan segment. 

passat china fascia

The Passat will continue to use the same four-cylinder engine from the old car, but torque will jump from 184 to 207 lb-ft, and the change will be noticeable off the line. The car's 174 horsepower isn't something to write home about, but if the car's driving dynamics are the same or better, it should still be pretty fun to helm. Good thing the Passat still has good sales numbers, still beating out contenders like the Mazda6.

passat interior china

Unlike Ford and GM, Volkswagen is thankfully not killing off any sedans (the CC will be replaced by the stunning Arteon). Both American brands are looking hard at the future of sedans and have decided that it's no longer worth investment to keep models that are forecasted to continue to drop off in sales. VW seems committed to the segment.

vw arteon white
The new Passat will borrow some of the Arteon's styling cues, as well as the Jetta's. 

We're happy VW decided to redo it since it's been a bit long in the tooth compared to newer offerings like the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry.  We'll get more information and photos to you when the 2020 Passat bows at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show next week. 

Find Local Discounts on the Volkswagen Passat