Traditional family cars have lost significant ground due to crossovers and SUVs, but Volkswagen has already announced that it will not abandon the Passat in Europe.

The D-segment model is expected to be renewed in around two years, with the brand new B9 generation continuing to compete against greats like the Opel / Vauxhall Insignia.

The new Passat is to use the VW Group‘s MQB platform. AutoExpress reports, albeit in a cleverer packaging that offers the rear passengers more space. The wheelbase should be stretched to the same level as its Czech cousin, the Skoda Superb, and the trunk capacity should be improved. If this rumor turns out to be correct, the sedan could turn into a liftback and possibly be complemented by the station wagon’s body style.

Also read: VW wants to stop building and selling the Passat in the USA in 2023

Volkswagen has already confirmed that the next-generation Passat, together with its brothers Golf, T-Roc, Tiguan and Tayron, will be more economical as it includes a more modern plug-in hybrid architecture that supports electric ranges of up to 100 km.

The website quoted assumes that the automaker will introduce two different options for the Passat. The electrified basic variant could achieve a total output of around 200 hp, while the GTE could arrive with a little more than 240 hp.

It’s unclear whether it will get the usual gasoline engines, but the diesel could go on. The 2.0 TDI is to prevail under the hood of the new generation Passat in various outputs from under 150 to almost 200 hp. The 4Motion all-wheel drive system is offered in high-end types.

A battery electric version is not offered as this role will be taken over by a new car previewed by the ID. Space Vizzion Concept.

Euro-VW Passat pictured above