THE ninth generation of the Volkswagen Passat is to be released early in 2024 and the new model will be available only as an estate.

The saloon version is being replaced by VW's new ID.7 electric car.

Much larger than its predecessor, the new estate will be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that will allow for up to 75 miles of emission-free motoring.

The estate is some 14 centimetres longer than before with boot space increased by 40 litres and now up to 690 litres. With the rear seats folded space is up by 140 litres to 1,920 litres.

Inside, the new Passat has a restyled cockpit with a 12.9-inch infotainment display with a 15-inch screen available as an option.

Volkswagen will also offer a new head-up display that projects the information onto the windscreen as an option.

As well as the plug-in version VW will also be offering its new estate with diesel and petrol engines as well as mild-hybrid powertrains.

VW says that AC charging will be faster in all eHybrid versions, and DC charging will also be possible as standard for the first time.

The new Passat estate is due to have its world premiere at the end of August and further information including prices will be released later.