Volkswagen has released the first pictures of its sixth-generation Passat, ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The new Passat range has new four-link rear suspension, new transversely-mounted engines and a new body. An electronic handbrake and a ‘draught-free’ climatronic system will be fitted as standard.

Four engines will be available at the model’s UK launch: 1.6-litre FSI 113bhp and 2.0-litre FSI 148bhp petrol engines with direct injection, plus 1.9-litre TDI 103bhp and 2.0-litre TDI 138bhp diesels with high pressure Pumpe Düse unit injection.

Volkswagen’s DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) will be available on TDI models shortly after launch, with six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission available on 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre FSI engines. 4MOTION four-wheel drive versions will follow later.

UK prices and specification details of the new Passat will be released closer to the new model’s launch date in the summer.