Volkswagen Passat - PASS MASTER
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
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This improved version of the MK8 Volkswagen Passat dials up the finesse still further and looks to build on its predecessor's phenomenal success. Jonathan Crouch reports.
Ten Second Review
We tend to think of cars in either 'premium' or 'volume' terms. Here though, is one that could comfortably fit within either definition, the revised version of the eighth generation Volkswagen Passat. Though targeted at the medium range Mondeo sector, it's long had an appeal stretching beyond, up towards the premium mid-sized executive saloon segment. Global buyers like that and the result is a worldwide favourite the Wolfsburg maker simply can't afford to get wrong. Hence the smarter looks, extra technology and efficient returns of this classy contender.
Background
As much as we like to think that the automotive world revolves around this sceptred isle, the truth is somewhat different. Here, we hold up the BMW 3 Series as the paragon of success in building sales volumes on the back of premium build quality, but in global terms the 3 Series is a bit-part player compared to Volkswagen's Passat. How successful is the Passat? You might want to sit down for this one. It sells more than the entire product line-ups of BMW or Audi; fully 1.1 million cars a year, with China and the US the biggest recipients.
It's a car that plays a very deft hand, bridging the gap between the mainstream and premium marques while delivering comfort and value that's often market-leading. It's why the Passat is now Volkswagen's most successful nameplate and the reason why Wolfsburg can't afford to get generation eight wrong. Hence this revised version.
Driving Experience
Under the bonnet, the key news for Passat buyers is the introduction of an extensively re-worked version of this model's volume 150PS diesel engine, now badged the 2.0 TDI EVO 150PS. As before, it can be had with a 7-speed DSG auto 'box and now features Active Cylinder Shutdown for greater efficiency, the first time that this feature has been fitted to a Volkswagen diesel engine. Diesel and 4MOTION 4WD feature as usual in the 'Alltrack' estate variant which gains a higher ride height for limited off road ability.
For petrol people, there's the VW Group's familiar 150PS 1.5-litre TSI EVO unit, available with either manual or DSG auto transmission. Up to a quarter of Passat sales are expected to be taken by the Plug-in hybrid petrol/electric GTE version, which mates a 1.4 TSI petrol engine with an electric motor. This derivative now uses an upgraded lithium-ion battery which now enables a longer 36-mile WLTP-rated driving range. Across the line-up, there's a new 'Travel Assist' feature which allows the car to be driven at highway speeds in partly automated mode.
Design and Build
The difficulty in attracting buyers away from the likes of BMW and Audi is that you need your product to offer all the attractions of a BMW and Audi but at a more competitive price. That includes looking as expensive as these brands, which is something the Passat has often struggled to achieve. Not any more. At least not from the outside, where this facelifted version of the eighth generation Passat looks sleek, chiselled and polished, with full-LED head and tail lights that emphasise the car's width.
Inside, cabin quality is at least the equal of what you'd find in more expensive premium brand mid-sized saloon, especially if you're able to stretch to one of the higher trim levels. The interior features a big central 8-inch screen and a set of optional digital 'virtual' dials. The seats, as in most Volkswagens, initially feel unyielding but are supremely comfortable over longer distances. Three adults can fit in the back too - there's far more space than you'd get in a 3 Series, a C-Class or an A4. The boot measures an enormous 586-litres, while the estate gets even more, with 650-litres available under the tonneau.
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Just about to take delivery of the GTE version and have watched this video all the way through at least 4 times. Amazing amount of detail crammed into this video. Great work.
Hi Roger, thanks very much for watching and enjoy your new GTE! Let us know how you get on 👍
Hey you forgot to mention the length of the oil dip stick...
A good in depth review. Very clear and precise. Will you be reviewing the vw Arteon?
So packed with tech I would think twice owning one beyond warranty
Very good car indeed
Thank you
Thanks for watching Tim 👍
I'm confused - why is it being compared to the A4 & 3-series? The Passat is closer to the A6 & 5-Series in size, surely.
Hi Greg, thanks for the question. We wanted to highlight what sets the Passat apart from other popular vehicles in its medium range family car segment. Hope this helps and thank you for watching 👍
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Ok. FYI, I'm a chauffeur in Sydney, and test drove the 162 TSI today. I really like it - big, well shaped boot, folding seats, enough leg room, quiet, comfortable ride, and I didn't notice any jerkiness in the DSG. Rear head room probably passable, but not fantastic - a whisker more than the Arteon, I think. (I was hoping for a lot more).
Not sure whether it's my imagination, but the sound insulation seemed better than the Superb - I really *really* wanted to like the Superb, and tested it *five times*, but it simply didn't exude luxury like the Passat does. Anyway I'm short listing the Passat for my next limo. (but will probably pay extra for an A6 or Q7)
The Audi A4 isn’t on the MQB platform. It’s engine is longitudinally mounted versus the transverse mounted engine on the Skoda/VW. It’s on the MLB platform it shares with other Audi’s as well as some Porsches etc.
Great review! The Passat is an excellent car, not exciting but comfortable, refined and well appointed. Others are better in some areas (I think the Mazda 6 much nicer to drive, for example) but the Passat is a very complete package which does everything well. However, it does have a massive problem, the Skoda Superb. The Superb offers the same engines, platform and technology, build quality at least as good as the Passat, significantly more interior space and an enormous boot and generous equipment levels at prices which undercut an equivalent Passat. And I prefer the design of the Superb. As good as the Passat is I think the Superb does everything the Passat can do with more space and practicality for less money.
That isn’t a problem just look at the sales no one seems to want to have a superb it’s to big ugly and try to be something else when it’s just a skoda
Great review. Do you know what the spec of the standard Passat sound system is compared to the Dynaudio? Really difficult to find this info but remember thinking the stereo sounded tinny when I was in one before. Thanks
Hi Hector, glad you enjoyed the review. One of our vehicle specialists can look into the Passat's sound system for you and help you decide if this is your ideal next car. Get in touch: www.osv.ltd.uk/hello-youtube/
Your Passat is the European version more like the Arteon in the states and not the Tennessee built Passat, nonetheless, I still like my ‘14 Passat 1.8 TSI SE. it’s too bad we don’t have the Estate version here in the states. Great review, thanks.
Thank you James 😄
OSV reviews seem to be up there with the best IMO.
Very kind of you, Tim! Thanks for watching 👍
You forgot to mention that the 2.0 litre TSI Petrol R-Line Saloon also comes with 4Motion AWD system.
2015
I’d rather have a Skoda superb
Interesting choice Thomas, what do you prefer about the Superb?
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply I’ve just bought a 2018 superb sportline and to me it’s better than a bmw 5 ceries as I have been in the back of one of them.
Anyone still watching this in 2013? That's how boring this car is.
VWs are fun to drive, but the reliability is just awful.
Mind-numbingly ignorant comment. VW's reliability is brilliant and there's stats to prove it.
Volkswagen reliability is fairly poor for these. I don't see them that often nowadays so genuinely surprised its such a high seller. Taxi ranks seemed to prefer Skoda's nowadays or go for other more reliable marques. Still very well styled though. Not a car I would ever buy with my own money but good as a company car I guess.
"Volkswagen reliability is fairly poor for these."
Nonsense, what do you base that idea on? VW has sold more Passats than the entire production of all models of BMW, you think it would if the quality was bad? Apart from the fact that the build quality is excellent and that does not match with "fairly poor" reliability. I own a GTE, by the way, and it's brilliant.