Passat B7 debuted in the fall of 2010. The changes on the outside have been significant. The body received sharper lines, new headlights, grille and bumpers. There are significantly fewer changes inside - the interior remains almost untouched. As does the platform, which, in comparison with the previous generation, has a slightly increased wheelbase. The Volkswagen Passat B7 has acquired a revised line of engines - the German has become even more economical and environmentally friendly. Thanks to this, in 2013 it was possible to break the Guinness record - a production car with a 2.0 TDI engine ran across all US states, consuming an average of only 3.02 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km.
Salon
The Passat B7's interior is spacious. It can easily accommodate five adults. The front seats are very comfortable. Finding a comfortable driving position is very easy, thanks to the large range of different adjustments. The trunk is impressive in size, especially in the estate, which can accommodate up to 1,731 liters of cargo if required.
It should be noted that the Volkswagen Passat B7, in terms of workmanship, slightly surpassed its predecessor. The interior plastic of the sixth generation VW Passat was of good quality, but after a few years it began to creak, and the varnish peeled off the leather steering wheel. The same thing happened with the chrome on the gear selector lever. The Passat B7 does things a little better. Although cars with mileage over 150,000 km look good, the interior is not without signs of wear. After a while, plastic also begins to make extraneous sounds, which is the result of an almost identical design. In this sense, the legendary quality of the VW Passat is a little lacking.
The Passat B7's interior is filled with all kinds of storage compartments: in the armrest of the rear sofa, in the door niches and in the pockets on the backs of the seats. In front you will find a large glove compartment, a small drawer between the gear lever and the armrest, closed by a retractable curtain, and a spacious box between the seats. However, the practical compartment above the main display, familiar to owners of the sixth Passat, has disappeared.
Engines
Under the hood of the Volkswagen Passat B7, the creators installed predominantly turbocharged gasoline engines. The only power unit without a supercharger is a naturally aspirated V6 with a displacement of 3.6 liters and a power of 300 hp. The remaining petrol engines are TSI with direct fuel injection. The smallest with a displacement of 1.4 liters develops 122 or 160 (150) hp. The 1.8 TSI also produces 160 (152) hp, but has higher torque. The 2.0 TSI engine produces 210 hp. Diesel versions of the Passat B7 were equipped with 1.6 TDI 105 hp engines. and 2.0 TDI 140 hp. The two-liter unit also has 170 and 177-horsepower versions. All TDIs use a common rail power system.
Potential buyers approach the choice of diesel modifications with caution, having learned from the unpleasant experience of owning a Passat B6. The previous 2.0 TDI with unit injectors failed quite often. In addition to technical problems, cracks appeared in the cylinder head. The 2.0 TDI installed in the Volkswagen Passat B7 uses a common rail direct high-precision injection system, and the engine itself has become much more durable. At the same time, it is economical, consuming only 5 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km in the combined cycle. Due to the too low power, it is not recommended to buy versions with 1.6 TDI. The 105-horsepower turbodiesel can hardly cope with a heavy car, which is especially noticeable on the highway. A small motor has to work hard, which ultimately affects its service life.
Problems? In cars driven primarily in the city, the PDF filter most often causes problems. A faulty element will make itself known with a light indicator and loss of power - the engine will go into emergency mode. However, these symptoms do not always appear. And the “check” can light up even if the filter is clean. And it is clean because the process starts very often, sometimes even every 15 km. This situation has a negative impact on the turbine, which overheats as a result. Professional removal of the PDF filter on 1.6 and 2.0 TDI engines costs around $200. Prices for a new filter start at $500. It is not recommended to use a remanufactured filter, since it is unknown how long it will last.
After 200,000 km, problems should be expected from the dual-mass flywheel. It is recommended to replace the clutch kit along with it (for Passat B7 with manual transmission). A set of parts (branded replacements) and repairs will require about $700. Fortunately, unlike the similar combination Ford Mondeo, access to the assembly is good and does not require removal of the front subframe. The injection system is more resistant to poor quality fuel than in the Passat B6. But there are failures. A set of new injectors will cost $500. Restoration, if possible, is cheaper - $100-150.
The only serious drawback of gasoline engines is the limited ability to convert them to run on liquefied gas. But still, some services take on such a scam. However, engines do not tolerate such interference well and do not operate correctly. This often manifests itself as failures in valve timing adjustment. While the engine is warming up, a chattering noise can be heard. You could end up with $500 worth of repairs.
You must be prepared to pay about $150 to replace the fuel pressure control valve, which is also not a strong point of the Volkswagen Passat B7 gasoline engines. If it fails, the engine malfunction indicator light comes on, the speed begins to fluctuate, and the engine eventually stalls.
Mechanics speak with reserve about the durability of TSI series motors, since too little time has passed since the start of their operation. But almost no one doubts that high power extracted from a relatively small displacement will lead to a reduction in engine life.
Transmission
The engine was paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6- or 7-speed DSG automated transmission. If a manual transmission is considered reliable, and drivers praise it for its good gear selection, then the DSG can cause some trouble. The automated box works comfortably, but its complex design increases the risk of costly repairs. Especially when the owner does not worry about changing the oil regularly. Both mechanical elements and the switching control unit fail. A DSG repair costs about $1,000.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Passat B7 can be considered a successful car, but not innovative enough. Many solutions are borrowed from the previous generation, which is especially noticeable in the cabin. Fixed issues with engines that became more reliable. You should not be afraid of corrosion, which in the Passat B6 attacked the chrome trim on the doors and the area around the rear license plate lamps. Due to the high repair costs of diesel engines, you should not expect them to save much on operating costs compared to versions equipped with gasoline engines. But keep in mind that gasoline modifications are also not without drawbacks, and real fuel consumption is far from the figures stated by the manufacturer. In the urban cycle it will be at least 10 liters. Ultimately, the Passat B7 is a good offer for a family that needs a comfortable car with a large trunk.
Technical characteristics of Volkswagen Passat B7
|
Engine, modification |
Working volume (cm3) |
Maximum power (hp/rpm) |
Maximum torque (Nm/rpm) |
Max. speed (km/h) |
Acceleration |
Average fuel consumption (l/100 km) |
|
0-100 km/h (s) |
||||||
|
122 hp / 5000 |
||||||
|
160 hp / 5500 |
||||||
|
1.4 TSI BlueMotion |
122 hp / 5000 |
|||||
|
1.4 TSI BlueMotion |
160 hp / 5500 |
|||||
|
160 hp / 5000 |
||||||
|
210 hp / 5300 |
||||||
|
300 hp / 6600 |
||||||
|
1.6 TDI CR DPF BlueMotion |
105 hp / 4400 |
|||||
|
BlueMotion 2.0 TDI CR |
177 hp / 4200 |
|||||
|
2.0 TDI CR DPF BlueMotion |
140 hp / 4200 |
|||||
|
2.0 TDI CR DPF BlueMotion |
170 hp / 4200 |
|
Dimensions (Estate - station wagon) |
|
|
Length |
4771 mm |
|
Width Gradual loss of coolant on TDI engines is due to leaking pump ($250) or EGR coolant ($900).
In TDI engines that are frequently driven short distances, the EGR valve ($340) becomes coked quickly.
At high mileage, the silent blocks of the transverse arms are used. Replacement is $170 per side.
They often require replacement of the stabilizer strut and bushing - $130 for a set including labor.
On some station wagons, corrosion occurs in the area of the registration plate and along the edges of the trunk door. | |
The “Seventh Passat” was put on public display in the fall of 2010 at the international auto show in Paris, and it reached the Russian market in May 2011. In fact, the car is the “fruit” of a deep modernization of the 6th generation, but, according to tradition, it was given another index - “B7”.
At the end of 2014, the eighth generation car was released, which is already being sold on the European market, but it will arrive in Russia only in the summer of 2015, which is why we are still selling the “be-seventh”.
The exterior of the 7th generation Volkswagen Passat sedan is made in a strict and laconic style, fully consistent with modern trends. If the predecessor had “wardrobe” items typical of youth, then the car in this body has straighter lines with rectangular lighting equipment. The “seventh Passat” looks stylish and respectable, its appearance is able to emphasize the status of the owner, while its silhouette is not devoid of swiftness.
The German three-volume car is a typical representative of the D-class in terms of overall dimensions: 4769 mm in length, 1470 mm in height and 1820 mm in width. Of the total length, 2712 mm are allocated to the wheelbase, and the vehicle’s ground clearance is 155 mm.
The “seventh” VW Passat has at its disposal a magnificent interior, characterized by comfort, high ergonomics, thoughtfulness in detail and excellent finishing materials. The sedan's interior can be described in a few words: intuitive and conservative. Everything is done in a simple style - an informative dashboard with clear digitization and a color display of the on-board computer, and a three-spoke steering wheel of optimal size. A neat console in the center is topped with an analog clock, an entertainment system control unit (radio or multimedia complex with a color screen) and well-designed climate control - nothing superfluous, everything is as functional as possible.
Pleasant and soft plastics, real aluminum inserts, leather trim on the steering wheel and seats - all this creates a high-quality and cozy interior decoration. The front seats of the seventh generation Volkswagen Passat look simple and flat, but are endowed with an optimal anatomical profile and the required support on the sides. The “gallery” in terms of space is friendly for three passengers, but the transmission tunnel can cause discomfort to the legs of the central passenger.
For daily needs, the Passat B7 offers a well-designed 565-liter luggage compartment with great depth and a wide opening. The transportation of a large amount of luggage can be arranged by folding the back of the rear sofa, as a result of which the volume increases to 1090 liters.
Specifications. For the Russian market, the 7th generation Passat is equipped with three gasoline engines that meet Euro-5 environmental standards, each of which is equipped with a turbocharging system and direct fuel supply to the combustion chamber.
The basic version is a 1.4-liter 122-horsepower engine, generating 200 Nm of torque. Intermediate versions of the sedan are equipped with a 1.8-liter unit, the output of which is 152 forces and 250 Nm of thrust.
The “top” cars use a high-performance 2.0-liter engine, producing a herd of 210 “mares” and 280 Nm of torque.
A two-liter turbodiesel unit is also available for the “seventh” Volkswagen Passat, maximizing 170 horsepower and 350 Nm of thrust.
In addition to traditional engines, the sedan is also equipped with a 1.4-liter turbo engine with a capacity of 150 “horses” and 220 Nm, running on gasoline or liquefied natural gas.
For the “top” petrol and diesel variants, a 6-speed DSG “robot” is allocated, the rest – a 6-speed “mechanical” or 7-speed DSG, front-wheel drive in all cases. Depending on the version, the Passat reaches 100 km/h after 7.6-10.3 seconds, the limit of capabilities is fixed at 203-236 km/h, and the “eating” of fuel is 6.3-7.7 liters (for a diesel engine – 5.3 liters).
The Volkswagen Passat B7 is based on the PQ46 architecture with a transverse engine. The car's chassis is completely independent - spring with McPherson struts at the front and multi-link at the rear. An electromechanical power steering is integrated into the steering mechanism, and deceleration is provided by disc brakes on four wheels.
Options and prices. At the beginning of 2015 in Russia, the three-volume Passat of the 7th generation was sold in three trim levels (Trendline, Comfortline and Highline) at a price of 1,118,000 rubles.
The simplest version of the car is equipped with ABS and EBD systems, front and side airbags, dual-zone climate control, hill start assist technology, full power accessories, standard music, 17-inch wheels and other equipment. The most “advanced” option will cost a minimum of 1,439,000 rubles.
At the 2010 Paris International Motor Show, which opened for journalists on September 30, Volkswagen presented the new 7th generation Volkswagen Passat sedan and station wagon.
Externally, the new Volkswagen Passat B7 has not changed much: the front part now resembles a smaller copy of the flagship model, the overall length of the sedan has increased by 2 mm (to 4,769), the station wagon - by 4 mm (to 4,771). At the same time, the width and height of the new product remained the same as that of the previous generation car (1,820 and 1,470 millimeters, respectively).
Volkswagen Passat B7 specifications and prices
| Equipment | Price | Engine | Box | Drive unit |
| Trendline 1.4 TSI MT6 | 1 118 000 | gasoline 1.4 (122 hp) | mechanics (6) | front |
| Trendline 1.4 TSI DSG | 1 193 000 | gasoline 1.4 (122 hp) | robot (7) | front |
| Comfortline 1.8 TSI MT6 | 1 285 000 | gasoline 1.8 (152 hp) | mechanics (6) | front |
| Comfortline Style 1.8 TSI MT6 | 1 336 000 | gasoline 1.8 (152 hp) | mechanics (6) | front |
| Comfortline 1.8 TSI DSG | 1 374 000 | gasoline 1.8 (152 hp) | robot (7) | front |
| Comfortline Style 1.8 TSI DSG | 1 426 000 | gasoline 1.8 (152 hp) | robot (7) | front |
| Highline 1.8 TSI DSG | 1 439 000 | gasoline 1.8 (152 hp) | robot (7) | front |
| 1 547 000 | gasoline 1.4 (150 hp) | robot (7) | front | |
| 1 609 000 | gasoline 1.4 (150 hp) | robot (7) | front | |
| Highline 2.0 TDI DSG | 1 616 000 | diesel 2.0 (170 hp) | robot (6) | front |
| Highline 1.4 TSI DSG (150 hp) | 1 673 000 | gasoline 1.4 (150 hp) | robot (7) | front |
| Highline 2.0 TSI DSG | 1 679 000 | gasoline 2.0 (210 hp) | robot (6) | front |
The interior of the Volkswagen Passat B7 has new front seats and a redesigned center console with a clock on it, as well as a different instrument cluster, a new steering wheel and improved trim.
Under the hood, the new Passat B7 offers a wide range of ten power units ranging in power from 105 to 300 hp. and volume from 1.4 to 3.2 liters. On average, all engines are approximately 18 percent more fuel efficient, thanks to the use of stop/start and braking energy recovery.
For example, the most economical 1.6-liter turbodiesel (105 hp and 250 Nm) consumes only 4.2 liters of diesel fuel per hundred, and CO2 emissions into the atmosphere amount to some 109 grams per kilometer.
As before, the new Volkswagen Passat B7 is offered to customers in three trim levels: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. Among the options, a system has been added that can detect if the driver is tired while driving and issue an audio and text warning about this, adaptive cruise control, adaptive front optics, which first appeared on the new car, which does not blind drivers of oncoming cars.
There was also a blind spot monitoring system, multimedia navigation with the ability to recognize road signs and a clever system for contactless trunk opening. Having the car key in his pocket, the owner just needs to move his foot under the rear bumper without touching it, after which the trunk will automatically open.
The Volkswagen Passat B7 was also equipped with an electronic imitation of a differential lock, as on, which works in tandem with the stabilization system and brakes the slipping wheel, thereby helping the car to behave more reliably when cornering.
Russian sales of the new VW Passat began in March 2011. In 2015, the cost of the basic version of the sedan in the Trendline configuration, equipped with a 1.4-liter 122-horsepower turbo engine and six-speed manual transmission, started at 1,118,000 rubles.
The Volkswagen Passat B7 is equipped with six airbags, ESP, air conditioning, an immobilizer, an MP3 audio system with four speakers, an on-board computer, as well as full electrical accessories.
At the time of sales, for a sedan in the Comfortline configuration with a more powerful 152-horsepower 1.8-liter TSI petrol engine and manual transmission, they asked from 1,285,000 rubles, and the surcharge for the version with a 7-band DSG robotic gearbox was 89,000 rubles.
Options and prices Volkswagen Passat station wagon B7
| Equipment | Price | Engine | Box | Drive unit |
| Trendline 1.4 TSI MT6 | 1 249 000 | gasoline 1.4 (122 hp) | mechanics (6) | front |
| Trendline 1.4 TSI DSG | 1 334 000 | gasoline 1.4 (122 hp) | robot (7) | front |
| Comfortline 1.8 TSI MT6 | 1 402 000 | gasoline 1.8 (152 hp) | mechanics (6) | front |
| Comfortline 1.8 TSI DSG | 1 485 000 | gasoline 1.8 (152 hp) | robot (7) | front |
| Highline 1.8 TSI DSG | 1 579 000 | gasoline 1.8 (152 hp) | robot (7) | front |
| Trendline 1.4 TSI DSG (150 hp) | 1 734 000 | gasoline 1.4 (150 hp) | robot (7) | front |
| Comfortline 1.4 TSI DSG (150 hp) | 1 798 000 | gasoline 1.4 (150 hp) | robot (7) | front |
| Highline 2.0 TDI DSG | 1 908 000 | diesel 2.0 (170 hp) | robot (6) | front |
The intermediate version additionally has climate control, a standard alarm system, light and rain sensors, a multifunction steering wheel and auto-dimming rear-view mirrors.
Finally, the price of the Volkswagen Passat B7 2014 in the top configuration with the same 1.8 liter engine and DSG transmission was 1,439,000 rubles. Also available to buyers were versions with a 2.0-liter gasoline unit producing 210 hp. (1,679,000 rubles) and a diesel version with an engine of the same size, but with a power of 170 hp. (from 1,616,000 rubles).
The price range for the Volkswagen Passat station wagon B7 ranged from 1,249,000 to 1,908,000 rubles. The 2014 VW Passat Variant was offered in the same versions as the sedan, while its two-liter petrol version boasts a 4Motion all-wheel drive system.
Volkswagen Passat sedan photo
The seventh generation Passat came to Russia in 2011. In fact, this car was the product of a deep restyling of the previous Passat, inheriting its dimensions, chassis and power units. The main changes took place in terms of the exterior: the car acquired a more discreet and at the same time solid appearance. Sales went up, since prices remained virtually unchanged compared to its predecessor. Both sedans and station wagons were imported from Germany, since the production capacity of the plant in Kaluga was farmed out to other models of the concern.
According to the 2011 price list, for the simplest Passat in the Trendline version, equipped with a 122-horsepower 1.4 TSI engine, dealers asked for 859,000 (manual transmission) or 929,000 (DSG) rubles. The optimal Passat Highline with a 152-horsepower 1.8-liter turbo engine was estimated at RUB 1,131,000. The diesel modification (170 hp) cost 1,393,000 rubles, and the most powerful (210 hp) gasoline version raised the bar by another hundred thousand.
Body and its electrical equipment
For the sake of style
There are almost no complaints about the car body - galvanization reliably protects it from chips, and only chrome moldings (as well as branded emblems) suffer from winter salt “porridge”, gradually becoming cloudy. Treating these parts with special means pushes the problem aside, but does not completely solve it. However, dealers offer owners of cars that are out of warranty for 2-3 thousand rubles to polish off the chrome with a six-month warranty.
Good sound insulation of the interior is not always spoiled by careful adjustment of interior elements: many owners complain to dealers about “crickets” and, not finding understanding from the officials, solve this problem on their own. The noise comes mainly from the dashboard, steering column levers and rear doors; occasionally the driver's airbag mounts in the steering wheel creak.
The so-called film heating of the windshield also causes criticism. Unlike threads, which work well even in decent frost, film can fail even at minus 10 0 C. However, glass, alas, is not interchangeable; so the owners have to put up with its (heating) slow operation.
On some copies, patterns in the form of “snowflakes” suddenly appear on the screen of the Premium color on-board computer, but this defect can only be seen from a very close distance, and besides, this “mystery of nature” does not in any way affect the readability of the display.
On Passats equipped with an electric drive for folding mirrors, when the temperature drops to +5 0 C, the operation algorithm may seem strange: the mirrors do not immediately take the “stowed” position. We recommend that you avoid using this function altogether in winter.
Transmission
Simpler means more reliable
The basic 6-speed manual transmission is not only extremely selective in its operation, but also very reliable. Some owners in winter complain about difficulty switching from first gear to second. We advise you to simply wait until the oil warms up: after 5–10 minutes of driving, this problem disappears.
Officially, only two modifications were supplied to Russia with manual transmissions - with a 122-horsepower 1.4 TSI and a 152-horsepower 1.8 TSI. However, on the secondary market you can also find “manual” cars imported from Europe with other engines.
The traditional “automatic machines” of the B7 have disappeared completely - you have to choose between preselective “robots”. The most reliable is the 6-speed DQ250 unit, the clutches of which operate in an oil bath. But the 7-speed “preselective” DQ200, in addition to somewhat nervous operation at low speeds, even after a mileage of 20–30 thousand kilometers may require “surgical” intervention. At best, the actuator will need to be replaced - “mechatronics”; In addition, you can get into replacing the clutch discs themselves.
It is very interesting that this spring, official dealers recognized Castrol synthetic oil as not entirely suitable for this box and announced a recall campaign to replace it with mineral oil. For cars under warranty (as well as for those cars whose owners underwent routine maintenance at the dealer on time) this procedure is absolutely free. By the way, the solution to this problem is considered temporary - German engineers are working hard to create a more suitable “synthetics”.
Theoretically, all-wheel drive “Passats” could come from Europe to Russia - in addition to the 300-horsepower gasoline version, the Haldex coupling could be found on 140- and 170-horsepower versions of the 2.0 TDI, both with a manual transmission and with a 6-speed DSG. However, it is not easy to find such modifications on the secondary market: they are brought exclusively to order.
Engines
Wide choose
The 1.4 TSI turbo engine does an excellent job of moving a fairly heavy car, and among the possible problems, the possibility of gasoline getting into the oil should be noted. Typically, this disease is observed in those vehicles whose daily mileage in one direction does not exceed ten kilometers - during this time the engine simply does not have time to warm up to operating temperature. Mechanics advise checking the oil level more often and in the off-season (at temperatures below +10 0 C) warming up the engine for up to five minutes.
The exotic 150-horsepower engine, running on gas and gasoline, is essentially a modified Twin Charger, which is simultaneously equipped with both a turbine and a mechanical compressor. Under the bottom of this Passat there are three cylinders with a total capacity of 21 kg of methane, which, together with a 31-liter gas tank, provide a range of almost 1000 kilometers. The interest in this motor, judging by the specialized forum, is enormous - however, the motor has a lot of problems. In addition to the elongating chain characteristic of a “twin charger” and its damper that is prone to self-destruction, the motor may have problems with the tightness of the gearbox. In addition, many dealers are wary of repairing and servicing such machines.
The 152-horsepower engine (160 hp in European specification) looks most preferable against this background. Excellent dynamics and moderate fuel consumption will clearly please the first owner, however, after running-in, the engine may begin to eat up oil. If the consumption does not exceed one liter per thousand kilometers, this is not considered a malfunction. In addition, the timing chain may also be stretched. And although the manufacturer claims that it is designed for the entire service life of the car, after a mileage of 100 thousand kilometers it must be preventively replaced.
Much less common was the 2-liter gasoline turbo engine. Apart from an increased appetite for oil, this power unit did not stand out as anything special in terms of technical problems. And if the predecessor could only note a leak in the camshaft position sensor oil seal, then for the Passat-B7 Volkswagen engineers changed the design of the unit and, according to reviews on specialized forums, successfully solved the problem.
The 300-horsepower engine, combined exclusively with a 6-speed DSG robot and all-wheel drive transmission, is not available on the secondary market, although it cannot be called problematic.
And the most reliable can be considered the 170-horsepower turbodiesel officially introduced in Russia (a 140-horsepower modification is also sold in Europe). The engine withstands cold starts even in severe frosts, easily digests domestic fuel and demonstrates enviable efficiency. By and large, this unit has only one drawback - rather noisy operation, accompanied by noticeable vibration.
Chassis and steering
Any roads are dear to us
The Passat’s suspension can upset even the first owner: after a mileage of 25,000 km, the support bearings, silent blocks of the front levers, and stabilizer struts (both front and rear) can give out. It’s good that all of the above troubles can be noticed by a characteristic knocking sound.
Dealers without a hitch replaced this unit with a new one if there were knocks and play. It is gratifying that on the outside you can buy a new rack for almost half the price than from official dealers (part number - K1 423 055 M).
One way or another, before buying, you should definitely hang the car on a lift and inspect everything carefully - it’s not difficult to find a reason to bargain for a hundred thousand. And once you become an owner, you will have to be extremely careful - official dealers, not without reason, believe that the reason for such early failure of suspension parts is bad roads and “crazy” drivers.
A representative of the automotive business class, the Volkswagen Passat B7 debuted on the Russian market in May 2011. Do our readers know that the Passat is the most recognizable and popular car from Volkswagen AG in Russia? Yes, and this is a fact, the Passat over many years of production (the 1st generation of the model debuted back in 1973) has earned a reputation as a super reliable car. The first six generations of the model sold more than 15 million copies around the world. Look around, there are a lot of 3rd and 4th generation Passats driving along the city streets and roads of our country, and these cars are twenty or more years old. Will the new generation of the model be able to surpass the Volkswagen Passat B5 in popularity and reliability? In our review, we will try to find out whether the 2012-2013 Volkswagen Passat B7 was able to inherit the reliability and charisma of its ancestors.
Let's evaluate the exterior and interior of the car together, consider the body options (sedan and station wagon Passat Variant), look at the technical characteristics (suspension, engine, gearbox), and look at the possibility of choosing colors, tires and rims. Let's arrange a short test drive, get acquainted with the prices and configurations of the Volkswagen Passat B7 for 2013. We will devote a separate review to the off-road version of the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack. Traditionally, we will be helped by reviews from owners and their analysis, photos and video materials.
Let’s immediately focus on the two body types of the participant in our review and overall dimensions.
The 7th generation Passat is available in four-door sedan and five-door station wagon body styles. External dimensions sedan (station wagon) are: 4769 mm (4771 mm) in length, 1820 mm (with mirrors 2062 mm) in width, 1472 mm (1516 mm) in height, 2712 mm wheelbase, ground clearance ( clearance) for Russian versions of cars increased to 165 mm.
The appearance of the 2012-2013 Volkswagen Passat B 7 is strict and laconic in German. The front part of the car has large headlights; between them there is a narrow slot in the radiator grille with four chrome bars. A neat front bumper with an additional air duct and a characteristic aerodynamic lip along the lower edge, rectangular foglights. The sloping hood is marked with two side ribs, forming small ledges turning into sculptures of the wheel arches. When viewed from the side, we enjoy the regularity and calmness of the lines with soft transitions of smooth stampings. It is difficult to say which of the bodies in profile looks more harmonious - a sedan or a station wagon; here the preferences of the potential owner will be a priority. In our opinion, both executions look complete and laconic.
The rear of the sedan has large horizontal lighting elements, a neat bumper and a compact trunk lid. The Volkswagen Passat B7 station wagon traditionally has a large fifth door, the lower edge goes deep into the bumper profile, and lighting lamps that are slightly smaller than those of the sedan.
The design of the 7th Passat absorbed elements of the appearance of previous generations of the model, but with an eye to modern trends in global automotive fashion. An important fact for car enthusiasts in Russia is the corrosion-resistant “German” body, made of 74% high-quality steel with double-sided zinc coating, anti-gravel protection for the bottom and boxes, and protection for the engine compartment.
When ordering a car, you can choose the option you like colors enamels from a large palette of available options: basic Candy (white) and Urano (Grey), optional Tornado (red), Iron (gray), Light-Brown (light brown), Night Blue (blue), Reflex (silver), Island (metallic gray), Deep (black pearl), Black Oak (dark brown).
Volkswagen Passat B 7 is equipped with Trendline in the initial configuration tires 205/ 55 R16 on steel disks Size 16, for the Comfortline version tires 215/55 R16 and alloy wheels of 16 radius, and the rich Highline equipment is equipped with advanced self-sealing tires 235/45 R17 on light alloy wheels R17. You can also install larger wheels 215/45 R18 and 225/40 R18, and the choice of wheels is simply huge.
The interior of the Passat B 7 looks expensive, regardless of whether you are in the basic Trendline configuration with fabric upholstery of the seats (mechanical adjustment, heating, lift) or sitting in a leather chair with ventilation and electric drive in the packed Highline version. The first row seats look simple and flat, have dense padding, a correct anatomical profile and adequate lateral support. They are also very comfortable and convenient for long trips. The steering wheel is comfortable and pleasant to the touch, adjustable in depth and height, the instrument panel has large radii of the speedometer and tachometer, and there is a multifunctional screen between them. The front fascia and center console are conservative, with high-end versions featuring solid wood inserts on the dashboard and all versions featuring a dial clock on top of the console. The ergonomics of the controls, the information content of the instruments, the quality of materials and the level of assembly of the interior are exemplary.
In the second row there is enough space for three adult passengers, but with a caveat. Those sitting in the center will be disturbed by the high transmission tunnel and ventilation deflectors, which protrude strongly into the rear of the cabin. But two people are offered plenty of space in all directions. The trunk of the sedan when traveling holds 565 liters; by folding down the separate backrests of the rear seats, we get a flat floor and almost double the capacity. The trunk of the Volkswagen Passat b7 station wagon accommodates from 603 liters with five passengers on board to 1731 liters with the second row seats folded.
As we said above, the Volkswagen Passat B 7 sedan and Passat Variant B7 station wagon are offered in three trim levels: modest Trendline, harmonious Comfortline and sophisticated Highline. The Slavic mentality forces them to buy only the most luxurious and expensive things, which is why Russian car owners, when choosing their Passat, give preference to the “packaged” versions of the car. The usual attributes of a modern car will be available: climate control, full power accessories (mirrors, heated front seats, power windows), electric handbrake, heated windshield, alarm and central locking. The bulk of the comfort, entertainment and electronic assistant functions are still offered as options: leather upholstery, advanced multimedia system with color screen (navigator, CD MP3 AUX USB 8 speakers), heated rear seats, cruise control, LED rear lights, Park system Pilot with a rear view camera, a system capable of recognizing driver fatigue, bi-xenon headlights, opening the trunk with a wave of your foot under the bumper, and other pleasant little things.
Specifications Volkswagen Passat B7 2012-2013: in Russia, the new 7th generation Passat is offered with four gasoline engines, plus one turbodiesel (on the Passat 7, a turbine is present in all engines).
Petrol
- The 1.4 liter TSI (122 hp) is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission (or automatic 7 automatic transmission DSG), will provide acceleration to 100 mph in 10.6 seconds, a top speed of 200 mph, fuel consumption in mixed mode 6.3 liters In the city, fuel consumption is 8 liters.
- The petrol 1.8 liter TSI (152 hp) with 6 manual transmissions (7 DSG automatic transmissions) is capable of accelerating the car to 100 mph in 10.3 seconds and reaching a top speed of 214 mph. Fuel consumption will range from 5.4 liters on the highway to 9.7-10 liters in the city.
- The petrol 2.0 liter TSI (210 hp) with 6 DSG automatic transmission shoots to the first hundred in 7.7 seconds, acceleration will end at a maximum speed of 233 mph. The engine's appetite on the highway will be 6.1 liters, and in the city traffic 10.9-11.5 liters.
- 2.0 liter TDI BlueMotion (170 hp) with 6 DSG automatic transmissions, the diesel engine has an enviable temperament up to 100 mph in 8.8 seconds, the maximum achievable speed is 220 mph. Thanks to start-stop systems and braking energy recovery, the diesel engine will please you with modest consumption, 5.5 liters in the combined cycle, and about 6.5 liters in the city.
Reviews from owners of the Volkswagen Passat B7 confirm the moderate appetite for the new Volkswagen TSI and TDI BlueMotion engines. We immediately warn potential buyers that engines are prone to increased oil loss - up to 0.5 per 1000 km. Problems with the DSG gearbox are also common - rapid wear of the clutch discs, and malfunctions associated with shock absorbers; they can start knocking after 30 thousand kilometers, and over time the plastic in the cabin creaks. In our opinion, the car has not become worse with the change of generations; it’s just that the high cost of the car, multiplied by the more demanding attitude of car enthusiasts to quality and maintenance, ultimately results in inflated expectations of the owners. The slightest knock in the suspension or creaking in the cabin is perceived with what is called “hostility.”
The suspension is completely independent, MacPherson struts at the front, four-link rear, arms and subframes made of aluminum. The electromechanical power steering is capable of changing characteristics depending on the speed of movement, disc brakes with ABS, ESP, EDS, ASR, MSR. As an option, you can order (XDS) an electronic cross-axle differential lock (standard equipment for the Highline version), but, alas, it is not available with the youngest 1.4 liter engine.
Test Drive Volkswagen Passat B7 2012-2013: driving the 7th version is a pleasure, the suspension is tuned to the border of comfort and handling. The chassis and steering, on the one hand, allow you not to notice even large potholes, and on the other hand, you can take turns with filigree precision. True pleasure comes from operating a car on a highway with high-quality road surface; like a long-distance express train, it is ready to “devour” hundreds of kilometers of highway.
What is the price: the price of a 2013 Volkswagen Passat B7 sedan in Russia for sale in car dealerships starts at 932,000 rubles. You can buy a new Passat Variant B7 2013 at a price starting from 1,004.00 rubles.
Since the Volkswagen Passat 7 version is a high-tech car, it is better to entrust issues such as purchase, diagnostics, tuning and repair to an official dealer, who will provide further service for the car. It is cheaper and easier to buy covers, mats and other accessories for the Passat B7, as well as spare parts for repairs and tuning, either at specialized retail outlets or in online stores.
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