China’s enthusiasm for passenger cars has once again brought another Volkswagen sedan into the market, in the form of the upcoming Magotan. This new model shares a close relationship with the latest versions of the European market VW Passat Variant and the Skoda Superb and was unveiled by the Chinese Ministry of Information.
The Magotan may be a bit of an oddity for western readers. Initially, it was essentially the Chinese version of the Passat, which was given a new name and underwent slight redesigns to cater to local preferences. However, in 2011, VW made the decision to introduce the North American Passat to China, which retained its familiar name. Therefore, for its second generation, the Chinese Passat evolved into a completely distinct vehicle that continued to be available alongside the Magotan.
As VW is exclusively providing European customers with a wagon version of the Passat, this actually looks the most like the new Skoda Superb, which is offered in both wagon and sedan variants — albeit with a Volkswagen-specific badge, grille and lighting units on both ends.
Read: 2024 Skoda Superb Offers You The Sedan Experience That The VW Passat Won’t
Interestingly, despite being based on the European Passat, VW’s designers appear to be trying to differentiate the Magotan. The front looks boxier with the headlights have straighter lines than the Passat’s, and its top grille is larger too. The silver bar of trim is located under the headlights, instead of on top of them. Its lower grille also differs significantly from the Passat’s and looks like an adaptation of the Superb’s.
At the back, the Magotan’s taillights stretch across the trunk, and are reminiscent of the design language employed by VW’s electric ID. line of vehicles. Despite having no visible tailpipes, the car will get an internal combustion engine.
According to disclosures made to the Chinese ministry, the mid-size sedan will be powered by a 2.0-liter DTJ engine manufactured by Volkswagen FAW. It will deliver a maximum output of 217 hp (162 kW/220 PS). Unlike the Skoda Superb and the VW Passat, there is no indication that a hybrid powertrain will be available.
More information about the model, including what its interior will look like, will be available later in the year when the 2025 Magotan makes its official market debut in China.
