Volkswagen reveal price and lineup for their new Passat

Prices will start from €27,295 which is lower than the run-out price of the existing model.

Obviously, a straight comparison is impossible because of extra equipment and spec on the brand new car as well as lower road tax levels on engines.

But it does give a competitive edge to the pricing and will be closely watched by rivals.

The new car will go on sale in January. There will be two petrols and three diesels.

The starting price is for the 1.4-litre 125bhp TSI petrol saloon.

Diesels start off with a 1.6-litre 120bhp TDI and it will cost €28,940 ex-works.

The estate, which I think looks better than the saloon (but many disagree with me), will start at €29,225.

That is for the 1.4-litre TSI (125bhp) while the 1.6-litre TDI (120bhp) begins at €31,200.

As well as the 125bhp 1.4-litre TSI petrol, there is a similarly-sized, but more, powerful 150bhp TSI.

This has technology that allows it to shut off two of the four-cylinders when not needed.

Obviously it is designed to significantly reduce fuel consumption at a time when the engine doesn't need to produce as much power.

And that version starts at €35,145 (it's in Highline trim).

Diesels include the 1.6 litre TDI in 120bhp (106g/km), a 2-litre

TDI (150bhp, 108g/km) and a 190bhp 2-litre (106g/km).

The three trim grades start with Trendline which includes air con, 5ins touch screen infotainment system, electric parking brake, Bluetooth, and Front Assist including City Emergency Brake.

Comfortline adds 'Climatronic' three-zone automatic air con, 16ins 'Sepang' alloys, 6.5ins touchscreen infotainment system, front and rear Park Distance Control, cruise control, front fogs lights, and rain sensing wipers.

Range-topping Highline adds 17ins 'London' alloys,

adaptive cruise control, comfort seats in Alcantara/leather, heated front seats, electrically folding mirrors, rear tinted windows, interior chrome trim.

The Passat will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show next month.