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Now, Volkswagen is extending the Passat model series with the new ‘Passat Alltrack’. Passat Alltrack has higher ground clearance and new off-road design. Basically, the new Passat Alltrack unites passenger car and SUV world altogether. The Alltrack will debut in a world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show (3 to 11 December, 2011) and market launch for the new versatile Alltrack begins in early 2012.

This new version is offered in an estate car configuration, and it closes the gap between the conventional Passat Estate and SUVs such as the Tiguan. The rationale here: Many car drivers, who use their car as a towing vehicle, or in light off-road situations, want a versatile, sporty and very roomy passenger car that has rugged qualities. Volkswagen developed the Passat Alltrack for this clientele. In comparison with the familiar Passat Estate, the new model is defined by new bumpers in SUV style – with wheel well and side sill flares. Its greater off-road ramp angle, approach angle, departure angle and higher ground clearance all make the Passat Alltrack an excellent SUV alternative for driving on unpaved track.

Two turbocharged direct injection petrol engines (TSI) with 160 PS (118 kW) and 210 PS (155 kW) and two direct injection turbodiesels (TDI) with 140 PS (103 kW) and 170 PS (125 kW) are available in the Passat Alltrack. The two most powerful Alltrack versions, the 170 PS TDI and the 210 PS TSI, have standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a dual clutch transmission (DSG).

For the Passat Alltrack with a 140 PS TDI, Volkswagen will offer all-wheel drive as an option. Just how efficiently the engines of the Passat Alltrack operate together with the intelligently controlled 4MOTION all-wheel drive system is illustrated by the two TDI engines: the 140 PS version has a low combined fuel consumption of 5.7 l/100 km (equivalent to 150 g/km CO2), while fuel consumption for the 170 PS version is 5.8 l/100 km (152 g/km CO2).

Photo Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

Today, Toyota announced 5 world premieres for the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show, including the prototype concept models.

The unveiling of the stunning FT-86 coupe will be joined by global debuts of the Prius C compact city car and 3 ground-breaking concepts – FCV-R, FT-EV III, Fun-Vii.

Toyota Prius C

Ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota has released the first official details of the Prius C. Prius C combines the features of a Yaris-sized car with a hybrid vehicle to deliver a fun-to-drive compact vehicle with excellent fuel economy. Prius C features a compact and lightweight hybrid system – a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a high-output motor – that achieves 35-40 km/litre on the official Japanese test cycles. Engine and hybrid components are arranged to deliver a low centre of gravity that contributes to spirited driving while the interior offers high levels of comfort and ample luggage space. Prius C is due to be launched late next month in Japan, where it will be called Aqua.

Key dimensions of Prius C are: length 3995mm, width 1695mm, height 1445mm, wheelbase 2550mm, seating 5.

Toyota FCV-R

This concept model is a highly practical fuel-cell vehicle (FCV) that is planned for launch in about 2015. It is fuelled by hydrogen, a promising source of CO2 emission-free energy that can be produced from a variety of sources and is easy to store and transport. With the fuel-cell unit located beneath the specially designed body, the vehicle can accommodate up to four passengers and boasts impressive luggage space. Toyota says the fuel cell stack, consisting of a 70MPa high-pressure hydrogen tank, has been improved to provide a cruising distance of approximately 700km under test conditions.

Key dimensions of the FCV-R are: length 4745mm, width 1790mm, height 1510mm, wheelbase 2700mm, seating 4.

Toyota FT-EV III

The latest in a series of electric concept cars, the FT-EV III is an ultra-compact and lightweight package suitable for short-distance trips. Equipped with a lithium-ion battery, the FT-EV III achieves an estimated cruising range of 105km on a fully charged battery. Toyota is developing electric vehicles with the aim of launching a car next year that is suitable for short-distance travel. Toyota says electric vehicles with zero CO2 emissions are important eco-cars of the future that have the potential to replace cars fuelled by petrol.

Key dimensions of the FT-EV III are: length 3110mm, width 1680mm, height 1500mm, wheelbase 2000mm, seating 4.

Toyota Fun-Vii

This quirky concept vehicle heralds a future where people, cars and society are linked. It is a key exhibit for the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, which is being staged under the theme “Mobility can change the world”.