Beginning from Thursday, January 2, the VW Passat’s Highline, Sport and R-Line trim lines for the saloon and Estate models in the UK market cease to exist, as the German automaker is replacing them with the new Executive and Executive Style grades that can be had with all available powerplants.

Sitting on top of the entry level S and BlueMotion models in the Passat range, the new Executive grade adds new 17-inch ‘Michigan’ alloy wheels with a full size spare, complemented by exterior chrome trim, and matt black roof rails on the Estate.

Inside, standard features include Vienna leather upholstery with heated front seats, and electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, VW’s RNS 315 touchscreen satellite navigation system, 2Zone climate control, automatic lights and wipers, auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror, cruise control, plus front and rear parking sensors.

VW states that the Executive comes with more than £1,700-worth of equipment over the Highline model it replaces for a premium of £200, with on the road prices starting from £20,235.

The second new trim level, the Executive Style, affords a more distinct look to the Passat along with added features, such as 15 mm lower sports suspension 18-inch ‘Kansas’ alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, front fog lights, and tinted rear glass, together worth more than £2,000 for £995 over the Executive.

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