Volkswagen Passat B7 has remarkable technical characteristics, even if you look at the acceleration time to 100 km / h, which takes an average of 10.3-8.2 seconds, depending on the installed engine. We can immediately say that the 7-speed robot switches gears on time, and the acceleration time does not differ from the configuration with a manual gearbox. The Blue Motion technology has been modernized, which made it possible to make the engines, and the car as a whole, more economical and environmentally friendly. Also, front-wheel drive models received a new XDS system. Other characteristics in more detail, you can see in tables 1 and 2, which are presented below:

One of 5 engines can be installed on the Volkswagen Passat B7. More details about the technical characteristics of the Volkswagen Passat B7 in table 1 and 2 below:

Technical characteristics of the Passat B7 sedan, table 1
Engines	1.4 MT (122 HP)	1.4 AMT (122 HP)	1.8 MT (152 HP)	1.4 AMT (150 HP)
Performance indicators
Maximum speed, km / h	203	203	216	214
Acceleration to 100 km / h, s	10,3	10,3	8,2	9.8
	8.1 / 5.1 / 6.3	8.2 / 5.3 / 6.4	9.7 / 5.4 / 7.0	8.8 / 5.6 / 6.8
Engine characteristics
Engine displacement, cm3	1390	1390	1798	1390
engine's type	petrol	petrol	petrol	gas / petrol
Fuel grade	AI-95	AI-95	AI-95	AI-95
Number of cylinders	4	4	4	4
Arrangement of cylinders	inline	inline	inline	inline
Engine power system		direct injection into the combustion chamber	direct injection into the combustion chamber	direct injection into the combustion chamber
Engine location	front, transverse	front, transverse	front, transverse	front, transverse
Pressurization type		turbocharging with intercooled air	turbocharging with intercooled air	turbocharging with intercooled air
Number of valves per cylinder	4	4	4	4
	122 / 90 / 5000	122 / 90 / 5000	152 / 112 / 5000	150/110 at 5500
	200 / 1500 / 4000	200 / 1500 / 4000	250 / 1500 / 4200	220 at 1500 - 4500
Transmission
Transmission type	mechanical	robotic	mechanical	robot
Number of gears	6	7	6	7
type of drive	front	front	front	front
Dimensions (edit)
Length, mm	4769
Width, mm	1820
Height, mm	1470
Clearance, mm	155
Wheel size	205/55 / ​​R16	205/55 / ​​R16	215/55 / ​​R16	205/55 / ​​R16, 235/45 / R17
Front track width, mm	1552
Rear track width, mm	1551
Wheelbase, mm	2712
Trunk volume min / max, l	565
Fuel tank volume, l	70
Full weight, kg	1990	2013	2030	2140
Curb weight, kg	1440	1463	1499	1514
Suspension
Front suspension type	independent, spring
Rear suspension type	independent, spring
Front brakes	ventilated disc
Rear brakes	disk

Technical characteristics of the Passat B7 sedan, table 2
Engines	1.8 AMT (152 hp)	2.0 AMT (170 HP)	2.0 AMT (210 HP)
Performance indicators
Maximum speed, km / h	214	223	236
Acceleration to 100 km / h, s	8,8	8,6	7,6
Fuel consumption (city / highway / mixed), l	9.8 / 5.6 / 7.1	6.3 / 4.6 / 5.3	10.8 / 5.9 / 7.7
Engine characteristics
Engine displacement, cm3	1798	1968	1984
engine's type	petrol	diesel	petrol
Fuel grade	AI-95	DT	AI-95
Number of cylinders	4	4	4
Arrangement of cylinders	inline	inline	inline
Engine power system	direct injection into the combustion chamber	engine with non-split combustion chambers (direct fuel injection)	direct injection into the combustion chamber
Engine location	front, transverse	front, transverse	front, transverse
Pressurization type	turbocharging with intercooled air	turbocharging with intercooled air	turbocharging with intercooled air
Number of valves per cylinder	4	4	4
Maximum power, hp / kW at rpm	152 / 112 / 5000	170 / 125 / 4200	210 / 155 / 5300 / 6200
Maximum torque, N * m at rpm	250 / 1500 / 4200	350 / 1750 / 2500	280 / 1700 / 5200
Transmission
Transmission type	robotic	robotic	robotic
Number of gears	7	6	6
type of drive	front	front	front
Dimensions (edit)
Length, mm	4769	4769	4769
Width, mm	1820	1820	1820
Height, mm	1470	1470	1470
Clearance, mm	135	135	135
Wheel size	215/55 / ​​R16 235/45 / R17	235/45 / R17	235/45 / R17
Front track width, mm	1552	1552	1552
Rear track width, mm	1551	1551	1551
Wheelbase, mm	2712	2712	2712
Trunk volume min / max, l	565	565	565
Fuel tank volume, l	70	70	70
Full weight, kg	2050	2130	2080
Curb weight, kg	1514	1591	1544
Suspension
Front suspension type	independent, spring	independent, spring	independent, spring
Rear suspension type	independent, spring	independent, spring	independent, spring
Front brakes	ventilated disc	ventilated disc	ventilated disc
Rear brakes	disk	disk	disk

Today under the heading "Second Test" there is one of the most widespread cars in our market - Volkswagen Passat Variant. Some personal data: year of release - 1989, generation B3, mileage - 222 thousand km, front-wheel drive, 1.8-liter engine, manual gearbox. The car is practically empty: the steering wheel is without power, the mirrors are manually adjusted. There is, however, an electric sunroof.

What's special about the Passat silhouette? Never mind. Before us is the "wagon", which fully corresponds to its name (that is, "wagon"). Large base, disproportionately long cabin, of the total length of which is a third of the cargo hold. The latter is not at all modest: it contains as much as 465 liters in the standard version, if loaded only up to the line of windows (just up to the level of the sliding shelf that covers the load from prying eyes), and 850 liters if the car is loaded to the ceiling. And as soon as the rear sofa is folded down, the luggage compartment volume increases to 1,700 liters (for comparison: the luggage compartment of the much larger Audi 100 Avant only holds 130 liters more). Passat can, without prejudice to itself, take on board more than half a ton of cargo (which, by the way, exceeds the capabilities of such a seemingly "indestructible" car like the GAZ-2402 station wagon).

Despite the "advanced" age of the design, the car is carefully designed in terms of aerodynamics. The result is low fuel consumption at high speeds, low level of aerodynamic noise, high maximum speed with relatively low-power motors.

Preliminary inspection

In its class, the Passat is perhaps the most spacious car. Those who are lucky are the rear passengers: three of them will sit here quite freely. In the meantime, they get settled, let's take a closer look at the driver's seat.

The four-spoke steering wheel overlaps the warning lamps somewhat. The instrument panel does not suffer from an excess of information: instead of a tachometer, there is a large clock. To the left of the speedometer, which occupies the center of the dashboard, there is a pair of indicators: water temperature and fuel supply. Both have scales digitized respectively in degrees and liters.

The heating and ventilation system is controlled by three rotating handles on the center console. The symbolism is simple and straightforward.

Test drive

The very soft and informative clutch pedal and the equally soft accelerator pedal make starting off noticeably easier. From the first attempt, we drove smoothly, without slipping and jerking. Very friendly "character"! The characteristic of the engine allows gear changes earlier than usual. As a result, in fifth gear, the car feels good already at about 50 km / h. Moreover, you can even accelerate from this speed. True, some patience will be required: the engine volume is small, the torque is not enough.

The transmissions here are quite long. The second has a ceiling in the region of 85-90 km / h. And the overclocking on it is very good. Many foreign cars, even with more powerful engines, can wipe their nose.

The controllability of the Passat is typical for all front-wheel drive cars of the concern of those years of production: they have one thing in common - a pronounced understeer. The Passat is so "lazy" into a corner at speed that sometimes you have to "force" it to fit. Perhaps this is due to the desire to improve the safety of the car on slippery roads (understeer is preferable to oversteer, with the latter the car easily breaks into a skid).

Many people recognize the Passat's merits, but criticize it for its poor ride quality. However, in this case, there was nothing to complain about. For the first time we came across such a "soft" Passat: in terms of smoothness, it is approximately on a par with the Audi 100 Avant with a C4 body.

The cabin is quiet while driving. Which, however, is a characteristic VW feature: even in the utilitarian Golf, the noise insulation is very good.

Comparison with "classmates"

The competition in the D class is very high. In addition to the VW Passat itself ($ 3,500) *, there are Audi 80 ($ 3,300), Mazda 626 ($ 3,300), MMC Galant ($ 3,400), Toyota Carina II ($ 3,000). It is worth considering, however, that of the cars listed, only the Carina II and Mazda 626 have station wagon variants. All others are either sedans or hatchbacks.

* The average price of the offer is indicated according to the data of the block of free private ads of the newspaper "Wheels" at the time of publication of the article

Evgeny KARIMOV.
Photo by Anatoly GORNOSTALEV

NOT A "SAN"

Among the "farm" station wagons, there are rare instances that combine practicality with a cheerful "character"

Modern station wagons are often elegant and fully charged. But in 1989, when the Volkswagen Passat Variant was released (submitted for our test), the approach to station wagons was very different.

Almost any representative of the "family" of those years can be characterized as follows: large, roomy, rude.

Do not drink water from your face

For the first time a car with the name Passat appeared in 1973, a year before the debut of the world bestseller - Golf. Then the layout scheme with an air-cooled engine located at the rear became traditional for VW cars and managed to become an anachronism.

The front-wheel drive Passat'73 with a dropsy motor turned out to be a real boon for buyers and a lifeline for the company. The success of the Passat was assured, and until last year it remained the largest "people's" car. The Volkswagen Phaeton is now the flagship.

The VW Passat of 1988 did not revolutionize the layout, but its design at that time was very fashionable and attractive. Its "chubby" shape and wide fold on the sidewalls looked especially good. Excellent work of stylists: even the station wagon version seemed handsome.

But what is this "sad face"? This question was asked even by motorists who were not experienced in aesthetics. There was no answer. Perhaps, by the absence of a traditional radiator grill, the designers wanted to remind that Volkswagen cars were once rear-engined. However, do not drink water from your face.

Keep order!

Why is this car popularly dubbed "the barn"? Perhaps the reason for this is the huge interior space. For the interior trim is more likely to correspond to a modest, solid apartment, and not to a rough utility room.

The main decoration of this spacious "room" is two armchairs and a sofa. Passengers are comfortable everywhere, regardless of the chosen seat. Those who have chosen the back sofa will enjoy the spaciousness, and the third one will not be superfluous here. The driver and front passenger feel very comfortable. Attention was also drawn to such a detail as the "shelves" of the armrests on the doors, complemented by comfortable handles.

The luggage compartment is designed for a solid amount of luggage. The usable space can be transformed by folding the rear seat in different ways. And the main thing here is not to be lazy to clean and keep order. Otherwise, the VW Passat interior will really quickly turn into a cluttered "barn". The owner of "our" car was not lazy: the interior of his car made a rather pleasant impression.

Showed "character"

The four-cylinder engine with a working volume of 1.8 liters immediately made himself respectable. I did not expect such a "character" from this car. Overclocking is very fun and even combative. With such a motor, you can not be afraid of traffic light "duels". However, there were some problems with gear shifting: the right hand at first could not find the second gear in any way, including the fourth instead. But even in such a situation, the engine did not turn sour, but continued to pull the difficult car. It turns out that the engine here is not only "torsional", but also high-torque.

Fighting enthusiasm cooled down in the corners: a large station wagon is still more inclined to unhurried calm driving. No, it keeps well on the curve of the trajectory and behaves quite safely. But the suspension lacks the grip of a sports coupe: the VW Passat Variant is a big family wagon after all.

Spacious, practical

It is not often that you see a car with such a cheerful "character". Especially among the "farm" station wagons. VW Passat 1.8 Variant impressed with its temper: you want to drive it aggressively, leaving the first from the intersection. At the same time, the Passat remains a roomy and practical vehicle.

Konstantin BATSAZOV.
Photo by Anatoly GORNOSTALEV

DOSSIER VW PASSAT B3 (1988-1993)

The car was produced until October 1993. After the upgrade, the Passat B4 appeared

The third, the most popular generation VW Passat with us, appeared in February 1988. Unlike the previous generation, the Passat B3 received only two bodies: a sedan and a station wagon.

In September 1989, the all-wheel drive version of the Syncro appeared with a transmission equipped with viscous couplings.

The range of engines was very wide: 1.6 L (72 hp), RF carburetor and 1F injection; 75 h.p. (EZ / ABN); 1.8 l, injection: RP - 90 HP, PF - 107 HP, PB - 112 HP and compressor PG - 160 hp, installed on the Syncro model; 2 l: 9A, 136 hp And also RA / SB, with a volume of 1.6 liters and a capacity of 80 hp, which in May 1989 was supplemented with a 1.9-liter 68-horsepower 1Y diesel engine.

The low-power carburetor RF was removed in July 1989, and the same one, but with 1F central injection, in 1990. At the same time, the PF and RV power units "left", and in 1991 - the RP.

The best "for the money" option is perhaps the 16-valve 2.0-liter 9A, installed since March 1990. In August of the same year, a 1.8-liter 75-horsepower injection LADY joined the glorious "family", in October - a six-cylinder 2.8-liter VR6 (AAA).

In April 1991, a 1.8-liter AAZ turbodiesel (75 hp) appeared, in August - a 1.8-liter ABS (90 hp).

In October 1993, the Passat underwent an upgrade - the Passat B4 appeared.

Evgeny Karimov

2014-2015 model year gave motorists a new car - Volkswagen Passat B8... The presentation of this new product took place in the fall of 2014 at the Paris Motor Show. However, unofficially, the release of the 8th generation Volkswagen Passat B8 on the Internet was announced much earlier.

Volkswagen Passat B8 2014-2015

From July 10, 2014, everyone who wishes to purchase a new Volkswagen Passat model can apply.

Price Passat B8

The cost of a sedan car varies from 1,270,000 rubles. per base, the Comfortline equipment will cost 1,499,000 rubles, but the charged version is 1,679,000 rubles, it is important to note that the car will be supplied only with a gasoline engine. The new Volkswagen Passat B8 Variant multi-purpose vehicle has a starting price of 25,950 euros. Residents of Russia will be able to see a new car model from the German manufacturer not earlier than autumn, and they will be able to purchase a new generation of business-class cars only in September 2015.

Let's remind that VW Passat is a car belonging to a series of legendary models of the German manufacturer. The first VW Passat rolled off the assembly line in 1973, and during the company's activity more than 22 million copies were produced and sold. Last year, 2013, more than 1 million VW Passat 7th generation cars were sold. In order not to lose customer confidence, the creators of the 8th VW Passat model had to work hard and create an improved and versatile car model. Let us tell you what advantages the creators of the Volkswagen Passat B8 have endowed.

Volkswagen Passat of the 8th generation of 2014-2015 was created on the basis of the universal modular MQB platform, which is often used for the manufacture of cars of the Volkswagen Group concern. This version of the platform was used to create the Volkswagen Golf 7 hatchbacks, the sports Coupe and the Volkswagen CrossBlue Coupe and Volkswagen Cross Blue crossovers. For the manufacture of the body of the new Volkswagen model, high-strength steel (about 27%), ultra-strong steel (about 17%) or steel that has previously passed the hot-forming procedure is used. It is worth noting that steel is used in larger volumes than in the creation of earlier Volkswagen models.

Volkswagen Passat B8 sedan 2014-2015

The Volkswagen Passat B8 sedan has a torsional rigidity of the body of about 30,000 Nm / degree, similar parameters for the Volkswagen Passat B8 universal car are 25,000 Nm / degree. The weight parameters of the 8th Volkswagen model are slightly less (by 45-80 kg) than those of the previous, 7th model.

Dimensions (edit)

The dimensions of the 8th Volkswagen have become more compact. Now the parameters of the height and length of the car model have decreased in comparison with the 7th generation of Voltswagens. At the same time, the width of the car has increased by 12 mm.

The external dimensions of the Volkswagen Passat sedan of the 8th generation are represented by the following numbers:

• width - 1832 mm;
• length - 4767 mm;
• height - 1456 mm;
• width including mirrors - 2083 mm;
• wheelbase parameters - 2791 mm;
• front wheel track - 1584 mm;
• rear wheel track - 1568 mm;
• ground clearance parameters - 145 mm.

Having got acquainted with the 8th generation Volkswagen Passat with the help of numerous photos and videos, we can say that the car has become more presentable and solid (thanks to the new body design). Despite some external changes, Volkswagen Passat, has retained the severity and laconic lines.

Front view

Appearance

The front part of the car body is characterized by horizontal lines. The headlights are made in a strict style, narrowed, characterized by a head color. The inner edges of the headlights are joined together with the false radiator grille. Straight bumper, sporty type with air intake slots. This element is complemented by a bright and colorful aerodynamic body kit, rectangular fog lights. There are only two ridge waves on the car hood, along which water flows from the side sections of the engine compartment.
I would like to pay special attention to the headlights of the Volkswagen Passat B8. This vehicle is fitted with halogen headlamps in accordance with standards. The buyer is given the opportunity to choose additional options, in particular - LED headlights. One of the most affordable options will be static high and low beam headlights. A good option would be turn lights, represented by 12 LEDs (yellow tint) and daytime running lights (white light).
Another option for the headlights for the Volkswagen Passat is LED projection headlights with adaptive control, which allow the use of the dynamic cornering light function. The daytime running light in these headlights is controlled by 32 LED bulbs, and in addition to these headlights there will be 12 LEDs for the turn signals.
The third version of the headlights is considered the most advanced. Adaptive LED headlights LED level 2 plus Dynamic Light Assist adjust and direct the light in strict accordance with the command of the electronics, presented by a special camera with the effect of tracking all events taking place in front of the car.

Side view

The profile appearance of the new Volkswagen models is represented by a sloping nose, a sports roof with a strong front and rear tilt of the pillars, a large wheelbase, a high sill with small side windows, a wide wheel profile, large door openings, and a smooth roof line.
The strict lines of the Sedan and Universal Volkswagen were used by the creators and in the design of the stern. The straight-line structure of the vehicle is visible from the boot lid to the trapezoidal tailpipes connected to the bumper.

Volkswagen Passat B8 Wagon

The severity and straightforwardness make this Volkswagen model boring, but the situation is corrected by the side lights, designed like headlights. The basic side lights are standard LED models with a graphic effect. More expensive options are presented with visualized effects (initially, the lines of the side lights are presented in a horizontal version, but during braking they turn into vertical ones).

Salon and trunk

The interior of the 8th generation Volkswagen Passat is replete with straight lines, precise linear arrangement of buttons and levers, precise detailing and impeccable high quality.

Salon Volkswagen Passat B8

Salon Volkswagen Passat B8 can be attributed to the high class, more spacious than previous generations of Passat. The wheelbase measures 2971 mm and can accommodate 5 passengers. The length of the Volkswagen cabin has also increased and is 33 mm, the width of the first and second cabin rows is 1506 mm. The parameters of the trunk of the Volkswagen Sedan increased by 21 liters, and acquired a volume of 586 liters. The new Volkswagen Passat B8 Wagon now has a boot volume of 650 liters (an increase of 47 liters). By the way, the parameters of the luggage compartment volume can be increased to 1,780 liters by folding the seats in the second row.

Trunk

The parameters of the luggage compartment of the Volkswagen Passat B8 sedan are represented by the following numbers:

• length to the backs of the rear row seats - 1194 mm;
• length to the backs of the front row of seats - 2052 mm.

The luggage compartment of the Volkswagen Passat B8 station wagon is characterized by the following parameters:

• length to the backs of the back row - 1172 mm;
• length to front seats - 2018 mm.

The driver's seat in the Volkswagen Passat B8 is represented by a comfortable seat, colorful graphic dashboard (12.3 inches diagonal). At the request of the driver, you can change the picture and operating mode on the panel. The steering wheel is multifunctional, the rim is slightly cut from below, the color screen of the center console in the multimedia system (sizes 5-8 inches), the ergonomic design and the ordered arrangement of buttons - all these characteristics are inherent in the interior design of the driver's seat in the Volkswagen B8.

Dashboard

Complete set

The 8th generation Volkswagen Passat will delight you with a variety of basic and additional equipment. The creators provided for the presence in the car of dimmed LED interior lighting (blue, white or amber), the possibility of keyless entry using the Keyless Access system, the Head-Up projector display, the emergency braking function as part of the pedestrian detection system. There is also functionality in the car to help when moving a car with a trailer, there is a function for tracking movement along the rows (as well as the physical condition of the driver, road signs and marking lines), an assistant when moving in traffic jams. Volkswagen of the 8th model range boasts a modern audio system, climate control and navigation. The car is equipped with unique devices, which include four video cameras that allow 360-degree visibility while driving, power accessories and the Easy Close system (which automatically opens and closes the fifth door of the Volkswagen station wagon).

Specifications

The improved technical characteristics of the Volkswagen Passat B8 cannot be ignored. The rear multi-link design is matched with McPherson A-pillars and independent suspension. It is possible to order additional options, in the form of a chassis with adaptive damping systems or a sports suspension. Variable characteristics of the electric power steering, disc brakes on all wheels (equipped with modern safety systems), front-wheel drive (or an additional option - 4Motion all-wheel drive system with the ability to install on the rear wheels).
It is possible to install under the hood of the Volkswagen Passat B8 hybrid power plants or engines running on diesel or gasoline. The driver can choose from 10 different engine options, the most interesting of which is the hybrid Passat 8th model. It is represented by the following design features: TSI 1.4 liter, petrol with 4 cylinders, 156 hp; electric motor (output 80kW); total engine power 211 HP It is possible to operate from rechargeable batteries charged from an electrical outlet. The stock of electric fuel is enough for 50 km.
For the Volkswagen Passat of the 8th generation, you can choose the following options for gasoline engines:
- 1.4 liters with 125 hp
- 1.4 liters with a capacity of 150 hp
- 1.8 liters with a capacity of 180 hp
- 2 liters with a capacity of 220 hp
- 2 liters with a capacity of 280 hp
Recommended diesel engine models for the 8th generation Volkswagen Passat:
- 1.6 liters with 110 hp
- 2 liters with a capacity of 150 hp and 190 hp.
- 2 liters bi-turbo with 240 hp 500 Nm
The latest version of the diesel engine is installed only on vehicles with four-wheel drive and a seven-speed DSG gearbox. The highest power of the diesel engine allows you to develop acceleration dynamics of 100 km / h in 6 seconds and get a speed of 240 km / h. At the same time, the movement of the car remains combined, and the volume of fuel is only 5.3 liters.
The Volkswagen Passat B8 2014-2015 gearbox is represented by robotic versions of 6 DSG and 7 DSG. The manufacturers note that in a couple of years they will be able to equip the Volkswagen Passat B8 with a robotic gearbox with two clutch discs and 10 gears.

Video Volkswagen Passat B8 2014-2015:

Volkswagen Passat B8 2014-2015 photo:

At the Paris Motor Show in the fall of 2000, Volkswagen presented the updated fifth generation Passat, which received the B5.5 index (aka 5+). The car underwent changes in appearance, interior and technical part, after which it was produced until 2005 - it was then that the next generation model came out. In total, over its life cycle, the car has sold over 4 million copies worldwide (B5 and B5.5).

Restyling in quantitative terms, "Passat" did not fundamentally change, but the style of the car has become completely different. The front part has noticeably changed, which has acquired new optics, a radiator grill with chrome crossbars and a bumper of a different configuration, and only other lights appeared at the back. The profile has remained the same, and of the innovations - only a thin chrome strip along the perimeter of the glazing.

The overall dimensions of the "fifth" Volkswagen Passat have not changed as a result of the update: 4669-4704 mm in length (the wheelbase is 2703 mm), 1460-1499 mm in height and 1740 mm in width. The ground clearance is 110-124 mm, depending on the version.

Salon decoration "Passat B5 +" received only a few new features. A chrome bezel around the scales was added to the dashboard, and an armrest was installed between the front seats. The rest is the same solid and ergonomic interior with a three-spoke steering wheel, a massive center console and high-quality finishing materials.

The stock of space in the Volkswagen Passat B5.5 is sufficient in both rows of seats, the front seats have an optimal profile, and the rear sofa has soft filling. The trunk of a car in the sedan body is designed for 475 liters (with the rear seats folded down - 800 liters), and in the cargo-passenger version - for 495 liters (1200 liters).

Specifications. The power line of the updated "Passat B5 +" has practically not changed - these are gasoline units with a volume of 1.6-2.8 liters, producing 101-193 horsepower and 140-290 Nm of thrust, as well as turbodiesels for 1.9-2.5 liters, the return of which has 90-150 "horses "And 210-310 Nm.
Among the innovations is the "formidable" 4.0-liter engine with a W-shaped arrangement of cylinders with a herd of 205 "mares" and a potential of 370 Nm.
There are three gearboxes - "mechanics" for five or six gears, 5-band "automatic".
For other technical parameters, the updated Passat (B5.5) is identical to the pre-reform model.

The advantages of the car are high-torque engines, a roomy interior, tenacious brakes, high-quality interior design, reliable design and decent equipment.
Disadvantages - stiff and short-lived suspension, low ground clearance, high interest from the hijackers.

Prices. In the Russian market, a restyled "Passat" of the fifth generation costs 250,000 - 450,000 rubles (data at the beginning of 2015).

In Europe, they love business-class cars that are economical in the city, and at the same time have a large capacity and attractive appearance. In Russia, they are just beginning to be loved, especially when it comes to the body "for an amateur", namely - about the station wagon. Such as the new Volkswagen Passat Variant (B8) - the "universal" version of the latest generation Passat. The German novelty is a real balm for the soul of any European who knows a lot about practical cars. Its strict classic features, spacious interior and decent dynamics have significant chances of success in the European Union countries, but here ... Our station wagon segment is only at the start of gaining popularity. How will Passat Variant attract Russians and what is interesting about it? Look for answers to these questions in our review!

Design

Those who do not like the Passat Variant from the outside can be easily blamed for the lack of taste. Someone will say that the "German" is boring, and they will be wrong. A German with the Variant prefix isn't just boring - it's deliciously boring! With a clear, verified aerodynamics of the body, never pretentious, with laconic outlines reminiscent of ... Stalactites (or stalagmites, what's the difference?), Which for thousands of years have been cast in granite by a natural workshop, gradually becoming ideal. A state of perfection is what the new Volkswagen car is constantly in. He does not care about cars passing by on the road, emitting waves of original design ideas - he is incredibly calm, because his owner knows that he has some taste, unlike all "these", is. It is just right to leave the inscription on such an "iron horse": "Dedicated to the connoisseurs of cold beauty ..."

The Variant chooses cleanliness whatever the weather - the creepiest slush has to work hard to stain its windows and exterior mirrors. But, unfortunately, she can quite get to the rear window - nothing can be done, you will have to periodically resort to cleaning agents. They say that it is necessary to "grow" to the station wagon, and, whatever one may say, this is the true truth. Variant looks too mature - it has clearly overstepped the midlife crisis. Therefore, it should not be surprising that he has more drivers over thirty behind the wheel.

Design

The "Variant" is based on a golf platform, which implies the location of the engine and gearbox in the engine compartment above the front axle. The branded "trolley" is suitable for a wide variety of cars - from compact hatchbacks to long business sedans. In this respect, the station wagon is somewhere in the middle. To date, no one dares to scold the "German" for kinship with the old "Tradewinds-crocodiles", designed on the basis of a longitudinal chassis from premium Audi.

Adaptation to Russian conditions

For the harsh Russian winter, the Passat Variant, depending on the configuration, provides for separate heating of the side electric mirrors, as well as heating of the steering wheel, seats of the first and second row, windshield and washer nozzles. In addition, there is an additional car heater with a remote control and a timer (only for diesel versions) and a Climatronic three-zone climate control with an allergenic filter. The drive is exclusively front, and the ground clearance is 160 mm - it is quite enough for daily city driving. A full-size spare wheel is stored in the trunk just in case.

Comfort

The interior of the "Variant" is in complete harmony with the exterior - and it could not be otherwise, Volkswagen after all. The salon is modern, pretty and painfully familiar to the fans of the brand. The dashboard seems to be crossed by the ribs of graceful ventilation deflectors, but in fact 4 classic deflectors hidden under a long grille (2 in the center and 2 in the corners) are located in their usual places and differ in completely ordinary sizes. The solid grille is just a design decision. Someone will like it, and some will not, but, in any case, it is quite interesting. The wide metallized strip under the grille on the front panel is also a controversial and at the same time original solution. A pseudo-wood insert looks more advantageous - a similar interior decoration, fortunately, is available. In the center, the dashboard is decorated with an electromechanical analogue clock - a kind of strict dosed retrograde of style for the sake of.

The engine start button is "registered" next to the gear lever, which is very convenient. Ergonomics as a whole is well thought out - there are no significant complaints about it. Horizontal "neon" stripes of aesthetic illumination pass through the car doors, which glow softly when the side lights are on. The backlight becomes especially relevant in the evening. The back seat in the driver's seat with an extensive range of seat and steering wheel adjustments is comfortable, as expected from Volkswagen. The front row of seats is spacious, as is the back of the cabin, where, alas, there is a completely motionless sofa. Seat materials are of high quality even in the most affordable trim levels. A station wagon wouldn't be a station wagon without a huge trunk! The cargo compartment of the Passat Variant holds at least 650 liters. luggage, and with the backs of the back sofa folded, its volume reaches an impressive 1780 liters. Non-contact opening of the trunk is a privilege of the top version.

It seems that the "Variant" has everything: already in the initial configuration, you can expect a set of front and side airbags, stabilization systems (ESP) and brake assist, anti-lock braking (ABS) and traction control (ASR) systems, trailer stabilization function and a system motor traction torque control (EDTC). In addition, the "base" provides tire pressure monitoring systems (indirect measurement) and driver fatigue recognition, an Era-Glonass alarm button, a rain sensor and cruise control with a speed limiter. Rear view camera with protection from dirt and parking sensors "in a circle" are offered for an additional charge.

The center console of the new Passat Variant flaunts a multimedia complex with an eight-inch color touchscreen (in the basic version, a 6.5-inch display), a hand proximity sensor, an integrated Composition Media audio system and 8 speakers. Navigation maps are loaded thanks to the SD slot, and mobile devices are connected via AUX / USB connectors or Bluetooth. Everything is in order with sound, graphics and interface, additional control buttons are placed on the steering wheel. For a surcharge, you will be able to get an even more "advanced" Discover Pro media system with a 9.2-inch touch screen, map display in 2.5D and 3D angles, voice and gesture control, a 32 GB hard drive and AppConnect function. Due to the AppConnect function, full integration with Apple and Android is possible.

Volkswagen Passat Option Specifications

The station wagon's engine range includes 1.4-liter and 1.8-liter TSI turbo engines with direct injection (Euro-5), developing 150 and 180 hp. respectively. Together with them, only a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission works. Average fuel consumption of gasoline modifications "according to the passport" is from 5.2 to 5.8 liters. for 100 km. The diesel engine line-up is represented by a single 150-horsepower 2-liter TDI diesel engine, compatible with a 6-speed automatic transmission. According to the manufacturer's statement, the "heavy fuel" engine consumes on average 4.8 l / 100 km, but the real figure may be higher.