In the spring, a detailed review of the new generation Volkswagen Passat Variant B9 was published, and the summer gave us another meeting with this car. Moreover, in the maximum version: with the most powerful 2.0 TSI gasoline engine and in the Elegance configuration. All emotions and impressions – to the maximum? And what about the price? So: the main questions and answers – in this material.
Can you recognize the top-of-the-line version of the Volkswagen Passat Elegance from the outside?
If you know where to look, yes, you can; and it’s quite easy. I won’t go into the long, aerodynamic station wagon body, the low-slung grille, or the barely noticeable bulges above the wheel arches. Instead, I’d rather focus your attention on a few important details…
For example, each headlight now has two blocks inside – a clear sign not only of the maximum configuration, but also of the IQ matrix light technology. LIGHT: this is when the high beam beam can be flexibly adjusted and “cut out” oncoming or passing cars so as not to dazzle their drivers. The lights have also been slightly changed, which now have triple separate elements. And there is also a white LED strip in front, between the headlights, and a red strip behind, between the lights. Finally, I would like to note the multi-spoke 18-inch wheels and black-gloss inserts in the bumpers, instead of inserts made of the usual dark rough plastic.
In short, the Volkswagen Passat B 9 in the Elegance version should look expensive – and that's what it looks like: it's immediately clear that this is a high-level configuration. Moreover, the station wagon body and the dimensions of the car (length – 4.92 meters; width - 1.85 meters; height - 1.5 meters; wheelbase – 2.84 meters; ground clearance – 139 mm) have not changed, we have differences only in the details: headlights with double lenses, original lights, additional LED strips in front and behind. A special "thank you" for the rich blue color Reef Blue and luxurious 18-inch Napoli wheels (17-inch wheels, but of a similar design, are offered as standard for the Elegance).
Okay, the difference is clear from the outside. What about the interior?
A similar story: a familiar general design, but differences in details. Flat vertical surfaces still prevail on the front panel, the transmission control joystick is located to the right of the steering wheel, there are many physical buttons on the steering wheel itself, and the center console has finally turned into an organizer: just look under the curtain - there are a few interesting things there! Although it is not a fact that you will look there, because now all the attention is attracted by the contour backlight with a choice of 30 colors. Here is a bright placement panel in front of the passenger, several more panels have found their place on the door cards; and not only the front ones, but also the rear ones.
By the way, about the rear of the cabin: it is spacious here (I will give the measurements below), there is a separate “climate” zone and ventilation deflectors, we have already seen curtains on the windows, and now seat heating buttons have also been added – that is, everything is fine with climatic comfort in the back. Plus, you suddenly find a nice bonus where you don’t expect it. It is an armrest, which has a folding holder for a phone or tablet: a great example of convenience! Similarly, as is the 690-liter trunk: a tracing of niches and holders for small items, hooks for bags, an electric lid drive and even curtains.
The general appearance of the Volkswagen Passat interior is already known; similarly, as is the rather low “passenger” landing, the pleasant “leather” trim of the front panel with light edging, the return to physical buttons and switches. The maximum Elegance version adds background lighting (which changes the inserts on the front panel and doors), a cool armrest in the back (which means the possibility of conveniently installing a tablet on a long trip), a premium audio system (which means the presence of a subwoofer in the spare wheel).
Taking this opportunity, I am conducting a series of measurements of the interior space; all the more so, it is especially interesting for the new and rather large Volkswagen Passat B 9. And what do we have? The length of the driver's seat cushion is 50-55 cm - thanks to the retractable support roller, it can be adjusted in a fairly large range. The distance from the edge of the cushion to the accelerator pedal varies in the range of 48-72 cm, depending on the seat position. The maximum height margin for the torso/head is 105 cm (measured along the backrest/headrest, from the base of the driver's seat and to the ceiling of the seat set at an angle of 105-110 degrees).
Now about the rear of the cabin. We have a reserve of space in the rear seat for legs/knees at the level of 70-94 cm depending on the adjustments of the front seat (measured from the base of the rear sofa to the stop in the back of the front seat). These are excellent indicators of the reserve of space for legs, this is where the increase in length and wheelbase manifests itself! The reserve of space in height, for the torso/head reaches 101 cm (measured along the back and headrest, from the base of the sofa to the ceiling).
And finally – about the trunk. The trunk width between the wheel arches is 100 cm or a maximum of 144 cm, taking into account the side niches (but you will have to remove the plastic panels that enclose these niches). Next: the trunk depth from the edge to the back of the rear sofa is about 115 cm; if the rear sofa is folded, you can expect 176 cm (length to the edge of the back of the folded back sofa of the rear row) or a maximum of 207 cm (up to the stop in the back of the front passenger seat). Please note that when the back of the rear seat is folded, a small angle is formed between the trunk floor and the back – that is, it will not be a completely even and flat surface; but it will definitely be a large surface!
The feeling of spaciousness in the Volkswagen Passat cabin is confirmed by its actual dimensions: huge gaps in all directions! In addition to the direct fact of the spaciousness of the cabin, also pay attention to the large seat adjustment ranges – which means that people of different heights and builds will be able to choose a comfortable fit for themselves.
Okay, that's it. What about the equipment? What about the engine?
Let me briefly remind you about the Volkswagen Passat in general and its versions for the Ukrainian market in particular. In general: the car is built on the MQB Evo platform, has a load-bearing body and fully independent wheel suspension, gasoline and diesel engines are always 4-cylinder and always installed transversely; plus, in the European range there are PHEV hybrids and versions with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Now about the range of versions specifically for Ukraine: the Volkswagen Passat came to us with three engines (two gasoline and one turbodiesel), all of them work in tandem with a 7-speed "automatic" in the form of a DSG robotic transmission and front-wheel drive. In the first review, I talked about the 1.5 eTSI version with mHEV "mild hybrid" technology: it was the "freshest" engine version for the Volkswagen Passat, but definitely not the most powerful. And now – the most powerful! After all, we are talking about a 2.0 TSI E-series A888 gasoline engine with the code DNNE: this 4-cylinder 2-liter engine has a turbine and direct fuel injection, it is also distinguished by a fairly high compression ratio (12.2:1) and the ability to operate on the Atkinson/Miller cycle, a phase regulator on the intake valve shaft is provided. The result is a power of 204 hp and a torque of 320 Nm or 350 Nm (different sources give different figures), while the car should accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, consume 10.4 liters of fuel per 100 km in the city and 6.4 liters per 100 km on the highway. So…
The new engine under the hood of the already familiar Volkswagen Passat B 9 car – so the first priority is the engine! Especially since the turbo engine was remembered only for its best features: it is quiet at low and medium revs, provides a soft start from a standstill, but then it gets to work very persistently – and accelerates the car well. Moreover, the nature of the thrust supply is set so that the maximum torque comes at about 1.5 thousand revolutions and does not retreat until 4.4 thousand; well, and then, at about these revolutions, the “shelf” of maximum power delivery begins, which extends to 6 thousand – a very even character, a very even thrust! I mean, under the accelerator pedal (well, of course, if it is not already pressed all the way to the floor) there is always a “stock” for acceleration; and quite powerful and uniform acceleration. Along with the good silence in the cabin and the stability of the body on the highway, all this hides the feeling of speed: we were just driving 100 km/h, then a few words in a dialogue with the passenger – and imperceptibly gained 130 km/h. And then you can add more and more and more: the car seems to remember its German brand and strives to find itself on the unlimited autobahn.
Probably, the ease of gaining speed on the go in accelerations "far beyond a hundred" – that's what impressed and was remembered perhaps more than the acceleration from a standstill during the 0-100 km/h dynamics measurement. By the way, it also turns out interesting here. Imagine: a rather family and solid station wagon, in a noble blue color and on luxurious black-chrome wheels, with massage seats and a child seat in the cabin. However, sometimes a share of fun is injected into the father or mother behind the wheel in the same way as gasoline is injected into the combustion chamber of a turbo engine – then Launch Control is activated with "cheat codes" (on a blue family station wagon, yeah...) and to the skidding and squeaking of the front wheels, this swift aerodynamic body gains "a hundred" in 7.1 seconds. A good and even somewhat unexpected result! Although not without a few "buts". First: it should be dry and warm – so that the front wheels don’t skid. Second: it shouldn’t be too hot yet – so that the turbo engine can “breathe” cool air.
Finally, a few words about the suspension and chassis in general. I admit: I was not left with the impression that the new version of the Volkswagen Passat turned out to be slightly stiffer than its predecessor – but just enough to write it off as a difference in size and type of tires. Let me remind you: last time there were 16-inch wheels and winter tires (usually they are quite soft), and this time the car was "shod" in 18-inch wheels and summer tires. In any case, and no matter how you look at it - the new Volkswagen Passat is still ready to offer excellent comfort on the go, minimal body sway after overcoming irregularities, good silence in the cabin, light steering with medium sharpness. Yes, stop; did I write about the Volkswagen station wagon or about Audi or Volvo ? If you want to get such a comfortable and balanced character, ease of handling for every day, a feeling of comfort and understanding from a half-word - then this is your option.
The powerful engine added interesting emotions to the rather balanced and relaxed character of the Volkswagen Passat: on the one hand – a lot of traction and smooth-linear acceleration; on the other hand – Launch Control and 7.1 seconds to the “hundred”! Although if you start in normal mode with the automatic transmission/or with one pedal and/or under the wheels it will be damp – then the result will be at the level of 7.3-7.5 seconds; but still good and quite at the level of passport promises. Similarly, as with fuel consumption: in the city I easily fit into the promised 10.4 liters per 100 km, trips at a calm pace ended with an indicator even below 10 liters; on the highway at a speed of 100 km/h fuel consumption was 5.2-5.5 liters per 100 km; at the same time the car was driving in seventh gear, and the tachometer showed 1650-1700 rpm.
How much does a Volkswagen Passat Elegance cost?
I wrote a detailed price list in the previous review, so now we will focus specifically on the Volkswagen Passat Elegance and the features of this configuration.
After all, for a car of the Volkswagen Passat level, some equipment items already seem logical and even expected: a 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument panel, a multimedia system with a 12.9-inch touch screen display, separate 3-zone climate control, heated steering wheel and seats, keyless entry and start, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping system, blind spot monitoring of mirrors, etc.
But what distinguishes the Elegance version? For example, ergoActive seats with full electric adjustment and ventilation, IQ matrix headlights. LIGHT, Area View all-round visibility, Harman Kardon audio system, 17-inch Napoli alloy wheels and other equipment. But all this is reflected in the price list. For example: the price of the Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.5 eTSI 150 Elegance - from 1.95 million UAH or $47.3 thousand; the price of the Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.0 TSI 204 Elegance - from 2.04 million UAH or $49.5 thousand; the price of the Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.0 TDI 150 Elegance - from 2.13 million UAH or $51.7 thousand.
The maximum Elegance equipment means electric front seats with memory settings, ventilation and massage in front, climate and heating in the rear, all-round visibility, Harman Kardon audio; plus numerous safety systems and a digital instrument panel. But even in this case, there is still room for indulgence: Varenna leather and 18-inch wheels, an enlarged 15-inch central display and projection onto the windshield are offered as options... Thus, you can easily add another 100+ thousand hryvnias with options.
Okay, let's sum up: should we buy it or not?
In today's times of total SUV market, any passenger car instead of another crossover is already a challenge to everyday life. Yes, yes, imagine: even when it comes to such a seemingly practical and rational choice as the new Volkswagen Passat in a station wagon. Now it is focused on individualistic buyers who want to get a passenger car, not another crossover. If you are among such buyers, then this classic (and simply cool!) European station wagon may interest you. And I do not exclude that it is in this maximum performance that the Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI Elegance: it drives well, is perfectly equipped, and is worked out in every detail. Of course, the price tag is appropriate. But good things cannot be cheap.