Due to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October, the eighth generation Passat will feature fuel efficiency improvements of up to 20% thanks in part to an 85kg reduction in weight and a marginal decrease in size, despite a larger cabin.

The plug-in hybrid, which will be available as an estate or saloon – will share its drivetrain with the Golf GTE, pairing a 154bhp 1.4 TSI petrol engine with a 108bhp electric motor. This offers a 31-mile electric range from its lithium-ion battery, and a maximum combined range of around 600 miles, while producing 208bhp and reaching 62mph in under eight seconds. The charging port is concealed behind the grille badge.

New technology will include a new version of Park Assist which can drive forwards into perpendicular spaces, a 360-degree overhead view, remote control via a smartphone app and the latest autonomous emergency braking and cruise control functions.  

Volkswagen has also confirmed a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, available only with a seven-speed DSG gearbox and 4MOTION all-wheel drive, which will deliver 238bhp.

Early sketches (shown) indicate that the Passat will adopt a similar grille to the 2012 Cross Coupe diesel-hybrid SUV concept car, with Volkswagen revealing that hybrid versions will feature all-LED headlamps. 

Full details will be announced in early July, with UK sales due to start at the end of the year and first deliveries expected in 2015.