The month prior to any auto show is always a super busy one, and this month is no different. The Guangzhou Auto Show is practically upon us and will see a number of new cars being launched, one of which is the below VW Passat, aka the Magotan in China.

VW have two JV’s in China, one with FAW and one with SAIC. SAIC produce the facelift VW Passat, whilst FAW produce the European Passat which is known as the Magotan in China. The Magotan has been selling at a steady rate of around 5000 vehicles per month, which is somewhat below the expected rate of 8000 vehicles, however sales in August and September exceeded the average.

In an effort to boost sales, FAW are reportedly working with VW to llengthen the Magotan platform to give it more leg room in the rear. FAW have stretched the Magotan by an impress 100mm, giving it a total length of 2809mm, which is 6mm longer than the SAIC-VW built Passat (take that!) and also makes the new Magotan longer than the Skoda Superb.

In addition to making the Magotan longer, they are also working on making it cheaper to buy by putting in a 1.4TSI engine which will push it into a lower sales tax bracket.