2015 Volkswagen Passat spotted

Volkswagen’s latest modular platform, the MQB, is in full swing with another upcoming model adopting the shared modular construction used in the company’s front-engined, front-wheel drive vehicles.

The next generation Passat benefits from the flexible architecture in the sense that its engineering time is significantly reduced. The new platform is already appearing in the 2015 Audi A3, 2015 Volkswagen Golf and the recently unveiled Audi TT.

Development of the brand’s mid sized sedan is already in prototype stage, with an example spotted out in the wild undergoing testing. Draped in heavy camouflage, the Passat prototype reveals only a lower and more streamlined roof line. Like just about every other new model these days, the new Passat also appears to be slightly larger than the current model.

The new European-spec Passat is expected to make its first motorshow appearance later this year, with sales commencing sometime in 2015.

The existing crop of four and six cylinder engines is expected to be made available in the new model, with a plug-in hybrid in the cards.