2011 Volkswagen Passat US has been unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show. The vehicle will be built in an all-new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and designed specifically for the North American market.

The new Mid-size Sedan combines efficiency, comfort and value - the starting price is $20 000.

However, the US version is very different from the EU.There are changes to the window line, rear lights, bootlid and bumper as well as restyled doors and front wings.

The wheelbase is 2 803 mm (91 mm more) and the overall length grows to 4 868 mm (plus 99 mm). The width is increased to 1 833 mm (13 mm more). All this numbers mean that you will have more legroom at the rear seats and a boot with 529 litres.

Volkswagen Passat US (2011) - picture 1 of 10
Volkswagen Passat US (2011) - picture 2 of 10
Volkswagen Passat US (2011) - picture 3 of 10
Volkswagen Passat US (2011) - picture 4 of 10
Volkswagen Passat US (2011) - picture 5 of 10
Volkswagen Passat US (2011) - picture 6 of 10
Volkswagen Passat US (2011) - picture 7 of 10
Volkswagen Passat US (2011) - picture 8 of 10

The equipment is superb - acoustic film applied to the windscreen to reduce road and wind noise, air conditioning, cruise control, a CD stereo system and Bluetooth. All this comes as a standard as well as ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), ABS with Brake Assist and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

The engine range features 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel with an oxidation catalytic converter, a particulate filter and an SCR catalytic converter to allow it to adhere to emissions standards across all 50 US states. The transmission choice includes - 6-speed manual or dual-clutch DSG.

There will be also 2.5 litre , five-cylinder petrol engine with 170PS - 0 to 60mph in 8.2 seconds. It will be mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard.

The mighty 3.6 litre V6 with 280PS and 258 lb-ft comes with a DSG gearbox fitted as standard.

2011 Passat US is scheduled to hit the market in August.