VOLKSWAGEN dealers have started to take orders for the new Passat saloon in preparation for its mid-March launch - and the estate version will be available in late summer.

The first Passats delivered to dealers will be powered by the 1.6-litre 90 and 110bhp TDI engines. Within two weeks these will be joined by variants powered by the 125bhp 1.8-litre 20v and 150bhp 20v T low pressure turbocharged engines. A mixture of E, S, SE and Sport specifications will be available.

Prices for the range have not changed from those revealed at last year's British International Motor Show at Birmingham. The Passat saloon is available from £13,995 on the road for the 100bhp 1.6E which comes with twin airbags, ABS, RDS radio, electric front windows and central locking. The Passat 20v T will be the first car in its class to be offered with five speed tiptronic transmission. It allows drivers the choice of five speed automatic or manual sequential gear selection in the style of a Formula 1 car. The 150bhp VR5 and 193bhp V6 30v engined Passats, also offered with tiptronic, join the range towards the end of this year.

Meanwhile the new Passat Estate will make its world debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show. Larger than its predecessor the engines offered in the saloon line-up will be available in the estate. The 193bhp V6 30v Syncro with four-wheel drive will join the estate range by the end of the year.