People in the Middle East have American tastes when it comes to cars, along the lines of bigger is better. That's how it seems anyway, as VW are set to unveil the Passat for the region based on the model developed in Germany and produced in North America, as opposed to the European variant. The base features of the European model and its bulkier American sibling are pretty similar, although the US-assembled Passat will come with a touchscreen as standard.

Power comes from a 168hp five-cylinder gasoline engine, and ABS and ESP are both standard. The car also boasts heat insulating glass, cruise control and comfort seats. VW's sales increased by 21 percent in the Middle East last year, and to help this trend continue the automaker hopes that by offering the longer American wheelbase combined with German high-end trim, a combination of business and private consumers will be attracted to the Passat.