Pre-drive VW Passat: The endurance runner takes a big step
Half a century after its debut, it is entering its ninth model generation: The VW Passat, originally a hatchback variant of the Audi 80, was introduced in 1973 and for years dominated the road scene in China as the Santana with notchback; in between, it was even offered with six- and eight-cylinder engines and is the favorite of heads of families and mileage-hungry company car drivers. Now a model change of the global perennial favorite is on the cards. We drove a pre-production model that is only slightly camouflaged.
The sedan will be discontinued with the next generation, and there will only be the Variant: VW is thus taking market preferences into account. The shape is elegant and restrained, but the masking conceals more sporty headlights and taillights.
The station wagon has grown considerably: at 492 centimeters long, 148 centimeters high and 185 centimeters wide, it almost reaches the level of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. And, according to a developer, that is also the bar against which it is measured. The wheelbase, which has been extended by five centimeters to 2.84 meters, provides more legroom, and the luggage compartment is huge: with the seats folded down, the 690 liters can be expanded to up to 1920 liters.
The cockpit has been completely redesigned. It is based on the ID models in terms of style and function, with a small screen in front of the driver and a large one in the center, but it has been significantly improved in important respects. It is much easier and more intuitive to use, and the slider for adjusting the volume is illuminated. The voice control has been improved. The material quality is also on a high level. And unlike its predecessor, the steering wheel once again has classic, haptically easy-to-operate buttons.
Instead of the small screen with retractable glass surface, there is now a full head-up system that projects its information onto the windshield. The decorative surfaces look futuristic, the center console is tidy, and the cupholders disappear behind elegant blinds. Even the selector lever has been banished from the center of the vehicle: The Passat now has an automatic steering wheel - with a turning logic, but one that doesn't convince us.
The new Passat is also available with different powertrains: As TDI, TSI, e-TSI with 48-volt hybridization and plug-in hybrid with 204 hp(150 kW) or 272 hp (200 kW) and up to 120 kilometers range. The performance of the classic engine has not yet been communicated, but one thing is clear: Despite the greatly improved plug-in technology, which now also allows fast charging, VW expects two-thirds TDI share - because that means the Passat remains a perfect fleet and long-distance car. The plug-in hybrid is likely to settle at a 15 percent share.
The Passat is based on the latest version of the MQB architecture, and VW has once again invested heavily in the chassis. With McPherson front suspension and four-link rear suspension, a more direct ratio steering system, and the wheel-selectively controlled DCC Pro suspension with separate rebound and compression damping, it should outshine the competition. The two-valve shock absorbers are based on upper-class models. The wheel sizes range between 16 and 19 inches; we drove the very harmonious variant with 18-inch wheels.
Key options include an acoustic package with double glazing, heated and ventilated Ergo-Active seats with a ten-chamber pneumatic pressure point massage, and low-profile, glistening LED matrix headlights with a beam range of up to 500 meters.
Volkswagen believes the upcoming all-electric ID 7 will surpass the Passat's unit sales. We wouldn't be so sure about that, although the Passat has a clear focus on Europe, Turkey and Japan, while the ID 7 will be offered around the world. What is clear, however, is that this new, thoroughly convincing model generation should add quite a few more to the 30 million Passats sold to date. (cen/mkn)
More info for topic: VW Passat , Vorabfahrt
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Volkswagen Passat (test drive).
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Volkswagen Passat (test drive).
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Volkswagen Passat (test drive).
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen
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Volkswagen Passat (test drive).
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen
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Volkswagen Passat (test drive).
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen
Download:
Volkswagen Passat (test drive).
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen
Download:
Volkswagen Passat (test drive).
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen
Download:
Volkswagen Passat (test drive).
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen
Download:
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen
Download:
Volkswagen Passat (test drive).
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen
Download:
Volkswagen Passat (test drive).
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen
Download:
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen
Download:
Volkswagen Passat (test drive).
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen
Download:
Volkswagen Passat (test drive).
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen
Download:
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen
Download:
Volkswagen Passat (test drive).
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen
Download:
Volkswagen Passat (test drive).
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen
Download:
Volkswagen Passat (test drive).
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen
Download: