SPY PICS: Next-gen Passat wagon spied

These Carparazzi spy photographs provide a clue to the next VW Passat wagon, which is expected to be revealed along with the new Passat sedan at the Paris Motor Show when it opens to the public at the beginning of October.

Snapped in the US, the pics show the wagon will very much follow the styling themes of the current model, especially in terms of overall proportions.

And while the front and rear disguise gives very little away, there are some new features to be gleaned in the photographs, as well as some that can be guessed at. Are we right thinking the grille and front apron will, in the manner of the Golf VI -- and upcoming Tiguan facelift -- be a little more restrained? Likewise the rear end?

Mechanically, it could be expected the Passat wagon will utilise much the same engine/transmission lineup as the current series -- all-wheel drive availability, diesel and petrol powerplants, and manual and DSG transmissions. There have been suggestions that VW's 1.2-litre TSI engine could be available in the base model, while a new V6 is also rumoured to replace the aging, narrow-angle 3.6-litre seen in the current VR6.

Volkswagen has been making it clear for some time that it wishes to shift its image further upmarket and the next Passat could be the right vehicle to do it. Certainly, with the likes of the Passat CC, the company has demonstrated it is able to get the visual and touchy-feely aspects right.

What this means for the bottom line -- of all VWs -- remains to be seen.

-- with Carparazzi

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