THE figures speak for themselves - 15 million Volkswagen Passat sales in 37 years across 100 countries.
Now the German company has unveiled the seventh generation of the prestige car, including a model claimed to be able to cover 1,000 miles on a single tank of fuel.
A completely new look styled by design gurus Walter de Silva and Klaus Bischoff has established a fresh direction for the Passat saloon and estate models.
The front of the car, dominated by a new grille, features heavily contoured headlight units with LED running lights set into them.
And at the rear the tail lights are joined by chrome highlights that extend down the side of a car in which every body panel except the roof is new.
The fresh look continues through to the cabin with new seats that can both heat and cool a passenger and even massage those in the front.
A revised dashboard with new dials, trim finishes and an analogue clock are joined by chrome inserts and the option of ambient lighting similar to that found in the luxury Phaeton model.
Powering the new Passat is a range of petrol and diesel engines, the petrol line-up comprising a 1.4-litre TSI engine developing 122PS, a 1.8-litre TSI unit with 160PS, a 2.0-litre TSI 210PS engine and a range-topping 3.6-litre V6 producing 300PS.
The diesel range starts with the most efficient engine - the 1.6-litre TDI unit producing 105PS.
Volkswagen says that equipped with this engine and the BlueMotion package that includes aerodynamic modifications, Stop/Start and battery regeneration, the Passat can achieve a combined 68.8mpg while emitting only 109g/km of CO2.
That equates to a theoretical range of more than 1,000 miles on a single tank of diesel.
Joining the 1.6-litre TDI is a 2.0-litre unit available in two power outputs – 140PS and 170PS, and each of the engine ranges can be specified with a choice of manual or DSG gearboxes.
Safety features include the optional new City emergency braking function, a part of the Automatic Distance Control system which automatically engages the brakes at speeds below 18mph should an unavoidable collision be sensed by the car.
The system is also able to accelerate the vehicle automatically should it detect an imminent rear end collision providing the camera sees a clear space ahead.
On top of that, the Passat can now be fitted with an automatic fatigue detection system that monitors the driver’s inputs and automatically emits an audible and visual warning to recommend a break if required.
Optional convenience systems include a clever boot opening set-up for saloon models specified with keyless entry.
Provided you’re carrying the key fob, a simple foot motion at the back of the car is enough to activate sensors that open the boot automatically.
Both the saloon and estate models are due to go on sale later this month, when pricing and specification details will be announced, with first customer deliveries set for early January.