New VW Passat Lingyu: Skoda-Based Sedan Makes World Debut in Shanghai

On the opening day of the Auto Shanghai 2009, Volkswagen lifted the covers on its new domestic market mid-size sedan, the Passat Lingyu. For those that like paying attention to details, the Lingyu is essentially a previous-generation Skoda Superb with a new front and rear-end design. If you're not already confused, then this will help: in turn, the previous Skoda Superb was based on the last generation Passat featuring a longer wheelbase and different nose and tail design...

Like its Czech counterpart, the Passat Lingyu has a 2803mm long wheelbase offering plenty of space for the rear passengers. Volkswagen's China-built Passat will be available with various powertrains including a V6 engine and a 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline unit with 160HP that returns 6.2lt/100km or 38mpg US.

During VW's press conference in Shanghai, Dr. Winfried Vahland, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group China, said: "VW sales figure in the first quarter of this year has clearly exceeded our expectation at the beginning of the year. We have complemented our product portfolio with our new locally produced stars Passat New Lingyu and New Golf. Additionally, we have displayed the most advanced and environment-friendly technologies."