Passat makes its debut with new engines, less weight and with the latest assistance, infotainment and convenience systems.
VW says: "The car melts away class boundaries."
Volkswagen Ireland Operations Director Paul Burke said: "The name Passat, much like the Golf, has become a hugely significant part of the Irish motoring lexicon - it is in itself its own genre.
"With this new, eighth-generation Passat we feel that it is moving forward even further and this ever-popular family car is now more like an executive offering.
"This new Passat really is a game changer and we expect it to be hugely popular for us in 2015."
Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen, said: "This Passat heralds in a new era: when it comes to design and proportions, engines and drive systems, infotainment and assistance systems or when it is a matter of safety, convenience and driving pleasure."
The Group chief continued: "The new Passat gives the right answers to the major automotive trends of its time.
"For me, this Passat is a premium class car without premium costs. This fits perfectly to Europe's most successful business car, lining up with 20 percent better fuel economy, up to 85kg less weight and a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines – there is even a plug-in hybrid available."
The first cars will reach the Irish market in January 2015, with orders being taken from the end of 2014.
