Continental Cars Ltd of Msida has launched the new VW Passat on the local car market.

"A completely new and different but still familiar Passat," is how managing director Maurice F. Mizzi described the car at the launch on Thursday.

The styling has been influenced by the previous Passat but is more contemporary with that of the VW's flagship, the Phaeton, he said.

According to the manufacturers, the return, in the Passat, to a transverse layout of the engine from the longitudinal installation has two primary benefits: It makes building the car cheaper and it increases interior space.

Mr Mizzi said there will be an initial choice of six engines.

The price of the new Passat starts from Lm14,200 for the 1.6 ltr petrol and Lm16,000 for the 1.9 tdi diesel.

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