Trust the Chinese to always have their own version of the original. Not content with the Volkswagen Passat and the Magotan which is a locally-made Passat-derived model, here comes the third derivative, the China FAW-VW Lingyu. The Lingyu will be using the Passat body-style of the previous generation as will be based on the PQ46’s platform. One thing for sure though, the Lingyu may just be the longest Passan sedan in China ever.

The Lingyu is expected to be available in three engines namely the 1.8T, 2.0 FSI and the 2.4 V6. Aside from targeting a 15% fuel efficiency increase, the changes in the third Passat derivative are also expected to result to a more comfortable and increased interior space for the auto. If you’re in China by next month then you might want to visit the Shanghai Auto Show for a possible glimpse of the Lingyu.

The Shanghai-VW-produced Passat shocked spectators during the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show not only because it was Chinese-made but it was hydrogen fuel-cell powered. The Passat model, which was baptized “Lingyu’, will be mass produced by early 2010 but whether or not it will sell is another story.