The appearance of the new generation of the Volkswagen Passat Variant, frankly speaking, came as a surprise. First, due to the very fact that the car debuted only in the station wagon format; but this was possible due to the obvious requests of the European market. Then, due to the fact that the new Volkswagen Passat Variant appeared in Ukraine, where the market for large passenger cars favors sedans; although there are already few of those left. And it is also worth mentioning the appearance of a completely new 1.5 eTSI engine, which also gave unexpected impressions. So, the new Volkswagen Passat Variant came as a surprise in many ways. However, I can definitely say that the new car came as a surprisingly pleasant surprise! And here is why…
Design: inner beauty
The exterior design of the Volkswagen Passat Variant can hardly be called captivating or charming. Rather, the new Volkswagen Passat with the code designation B 9 can be called aerodynamically functional: all surfaces and corners are rounded as much as possible, the long body ends with a spoiler on the trunk lid, and the side windows are set almost in one continuous, continuous surface. All these tricks work: the new Volkswagen Passat Variant demonstrates a drag coefficient of Cd =0.25 against Cd =0.31 for its predecessor. And let us already see similar indicators for passenger cars, but to get a coefficient of 0.25 taking into account the station wagon body is a real achievement.
Of course, the design of the Volkswagen Passat Variant B 9 has certain memorable features: a low, rounded radiator grille, almond-shaped headlights, a solid red insert connecting the lights. However, what is most memorable about the appearance of the new Volkswagen Passat is its unrivaled station wagon body and considerable dimensions - almost five meters!
The new generation of Volkswagen Passat on the European market exists only in the form of a Variant station wagon, which also significantly increased in size compared to its predecessor: length - 4.92 meters; width - 1.85 meters; height - 1.5 meters; wheelbase - 2.84 meters. The maximum configuration of the Volkswagen Passat Variant will receive headlights with double lenses and an LED strip between them, and the red insert on the trunk lid can glow in the dark. However, this test car was provided in the starting version of the Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.5 eTSI Business - with conventional headlights and taillights.
The starting version? When you find yourself in the cabin of such a car, you start to think that this is the maximum version! Yes, the seats have a pleasant combined finish: the central part is covered with ArtVelours Eco material , and the side parts are trimmed with artificial leather with a pleasant light edging. In the center of the front part of the cabin there is a 12.9-inch display, under the steering wheel (by the way, with physical buttons) there is a new transmission switch, a digital instrument panel is provided for the driver, and the passenger area is decorated with a black insert with a corrugated decor. At first glance, the Volkswagen Passat Variant interior resembles a Volkswagen Tiguan. Although the differences lie in the center console, where a double sliding curtain attracts attention: here you have cup holders, a niche with wireless charging, and a pair of USB ports.
And the differences are immediately felt in the landing. The Volkswagen Passat Variant passenger car offers a passenger landing, as expected - quite low and with legs stretched horizontally. Although, given the size of the car, such a landing is not a problem: there is enough space both in front and behind. And if the space for legs and knees is simply, as they say, "enough with a margin", then the feeling of spaciousness of the cabin at chest and head level is such that you can hear the echo of your own voice - this is thanks to the large elongated roof and the wagon body format itself.
Frankly speaking, the rear passengers can indeed hear a certain echo. Only it will not be a voice, but a rustling from the trunk when the car is moving on a bad road: after all, the luggage compartment and the interior are not divided into separate volumes. However, the driver and front passenger are in almost absolute silence, and for the rear passengers, as compensation, a separate climate control zone, a wide armrest, retractable sun blinds, a soft sofa with an already optimal backrest angle are offered (although the angle of inclination is not adjustable). If I were to describe the interior in one sentence, I would say this: the driver and front passenger are inside a business-class car, the rear passengers are inside a comfortable and cozy, but still station wagon. And if I were to describe the trunk in one sentence, I would say this: it is incredibly large (690-1920 liters) and at the same time perfectly organized - there are convenient side niches, numerous hooks and latches, and a pile coating everywhere.
The car is not very impressive from the outside, but it begins to “bloom” inside: the cabin exudes a feeling of coziness, comfort, and modernity. Thanks to its considerable size, there is enough space both in front and behind; the landing is typically passenger – low (by crossover standards) and with extended legs. The left switch under the steering wheel is somewhat overloaded, the climate control temperature and audio volume are regulated by touch-sensitive strip buttons under the central display – and this is the only thing that requires attention and getting used to; the rest of the controls are intuitive. The miracle trunk fully meets expectations from a station wagon body.
Technology: when the most interesting thing is under the hood
The new generation of Volkswagen Passat is built on the MQB Evo platform, which is an evolutionary development of the well-known MQB platform. That is: we still have a supporting body, independent MacPherson front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension, transverse engine installation, the possibility of implementing front or all-wheel drive. But what has changed with the advent of a new generation of the car and the advent of an updated platform? As mentioned above, the car has become much longer and significantly increased the wheelbase. In addition, a new DCC Pro suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers with two independently controlled valves has appeared. The cabin can be equipped with new ergoActive seats with multi-zone back massage, electronic displays and on-board electronics of the MIB 4 series are used, which means a new multimedia system and new design options for the digital instrument panel. Finally, the PHEV hybrid versions of the Volkswagen Passat Variant have been significantly improved: the gasoline engine has been enlarged, charging capabilities have been improved, the battery capacity has increased – and now PHEV hybrids can travel about 100 km on electric power.
However, the most interesting change for the new Volkswagen Passat Variant is the appearance of a version with a 1.5 eTSI engine, which became the hero of this test – all the more interesting! The basis of the hybrid is the gasoline inline 4-cylinder engine 1.5 TSI evo 2 of the well-known EA 211 series. The engine with the code designation DXD was installed on the test car – this is important, because at Volkswagen it is the code that determines the smallest design features of the engine. The engine itself can already be a model of modern engine building: variable geometry turbine (VTG), operation according to the Miller cycle, the ability to turn off cylinders, direct fuel injection, etc. However, the most interesting is the mHEV bonus, consisting of a belt-driven starter-generator and a lithium-ion 48-volt battery. Interestingly, the starter-generator is liquid-cooled and can independently develop a peak power of 14 kW and a maximum torque of 56 Nm. However, it is mostly used for the purpose of quickly starting the engine after another stop, for the purpose of generating energy to power the on-board systems of the car (a 48V/12V voltage converter is provided) or for accumulating energy in the recuperation mode. If the starter-generator will help in accelerating the car, then only in the first moments of starting the movement, when the gasoline engine has not yet reached the maximum torque and maximum power. Accordingly, the indicators of maximum power and torque of the gasoline engine and the starter-generator cannot be added together. Accordingly, we have the maximum power and torque at exactly the level that the internal combustion engine can develop on its own: that is, 150 hp and 250 Nm.
The Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.5 eTSI test car is a real double exclusive! Firstly: it may seem strange, but this is the first appearance of such a 1.5-liter “mild” 48-volt hybrid in the history of the Volkswagen Passat model in general; although many other VAG -group cars have already had a similar power plant in their range. Secondly: this is the first appearance of the 1.5 eTSI engine for the Ukrainian market on Volkswagen models. So it turns out that in the case of the Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.5 eTSI we have a double debut, a double exclusive! Although there is nothing exclusive in the technical specifications: the declared engine power is 150 hp, the promised torque is 250 Nm. Although even these indicators should be enough to achieve a fairly high maximum speed of 222 km/h. However, the most important thing is the fuel consumption level: thanks to the "mild" hybrid technology, the fuel consumption level was reduced by 0.5 liters per 100 km; according to the official Volkswagen website in Ukraine, this particular Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.5 eTSI should consume only 6.3 liters of fuel per 100 km in the combined cycle. So…
Behind the wheel: the emotion of quiet satisfaction
I remember the times when Volkswagen cars were considered benchmarks in terms of driving characteristics among similar competitors in a certain class. And the new Volkswagen Passat Variant can explain why this is so in a nutshell.
First is the behavior of the engine and gearbox. It seems that we have relatively low power and torque; however, the engine can pull the car already at 1.2-1.5 thousand revolutions, and in the range of 1.5-2 thousand, soft acceleration is already provided. Although the optimal range is 2-2.5-3-4 thousand revolutions: here we have quite lively acceleration, good engine response to the accelerator pedal, but still a restrained sound of the engine. You can get to the middle speed zone either by actively pressing the accelerator, or using the S -mode of the gearbox. By the way, in about a week and 500-700 km of mileage (mostly it was a city, a small hour on the highway), during all this time I remember only two situations when the DSG gearbox "stuck" with shifting. Otherwise - fast, instant, timely gear changes. Which you can recognize more by the digital virtual tachometer than by the sound of the engine: good soundproofing allows only a barely noticeable engine sound to penetrate the cabin - so that the driver can hear everything by ear, but also without straining his ears. Finally, I would also like to note the good efficiency of engine braking when you forcibly downshift. Usually this is a problem for small-volume turbo engines; but it seems that in this case the "mild" hybrid system and the energy recovery function help.
Two are the chassis settings, the suspension, and the steering wheel feedback. Good comfort was subconsciously expected: from the class of the car, its size and format, and from the “chubby” 16-inch wheels. However, this comfort is achieved in combination with a fairly low passenger body (by modern SUV standards), which further turns into the advantage of very, very moderate body roll in corners: the new Volkswagen Passat Variant drives confidently and coherently, without disturbing the driver and passengers with unnecessary swaying and body vibrations, but providing them with suspension comfort. And separately giving the driver a light steering wheel with medium sharpness. We have about 2.5 turns from lock to lock and quite prompt reactions of the car to the driver’s actions.
The 150-horsepower gasoline turbo engine and 7-speed DSG gearbox provide not at all record-breaking, but quite sufficient and expected dynamics: my measurements of acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h give 9.2-9.3 seconds. Specifically, this car does not have a driving mode selection system (it is an option), only the S -mode of the gearbox is provided - in this case, the DSG delays switching to the next gear and allows you to gain more speed. But the most important thing here is not so much dynamics as economy and efficiency; agree? So: in the city, sometimes it was possible to get a minimum of 5.8 liters; the maximums were up to 9.5-10 liters; but if we talk about the average - I would note fuel consumption within 6.7-7.2 liters per 100 km of the road. The indicators are already quite good; but for a full understanding, I advise you to recall the examples of the Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia. And here comes the understanding that the new Volkswagen Passat with the 1.5 eTSI engine demonstrates comparable fuel consumption or even turns out to be a little more economical! On the highway, when driving at a speed of 100 km/h, the car consumes 4.8-5 liters of fuel per 100 km of the road. That is, if overall: I think these are excellent results for a large 4.92-meter 1.6-ton station wagon.
Price: how much does the Volkswagen Passat cost and possible competitors
On the Ukrainian market, the new Volkswagen Passat Variant is presented with three engines (gasoline turbo engine 1.5 eTSI 150 hp or 2.0 TSI 204 hp, turbo diesel 2.0 TDI 150 hp) and in two trim levels (Business or Elegance); all options for crossing engines and trim levels are possible - therefore, we have a total of six versions of the car. Moreover, all versions for the Ukrainian market are offered with a DSG gearbox (it is generally without alternative for the Passat) and front-wheel drive. By the way, on the European market there are PHEV hybrids and versions with 4 MOTION all-wheel drive - it would be interesting for us to see this. In addition, in the European model line there are two more trim levels: one basic, which is located one level below Business , and the maximum R - Line - so we got two "center" trim levels; although it would be interesting for us to see R - Line as well . Finally, to finally close the issue of various variations of the car: there is a Volkswagen Passat Pro sedan , but it is available only for the Chinese market and is produced at a local plant. So let's return to the Ukrainian range of Volkswagen Passat Variant and see what is offered to us.
The Volkswagen Passat Variant Business starts with : a multimedia system with a 12.9-inch touch screen display, App - Connect support (wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), an acoustic package (additional soundproofing and double glazing in the front and rear), heated steering wheel and front seats, keyless entry and start, a 3-zone climate control system, a 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro digital instrument panel , seats with combined trim (microfiber and artificial leather), partial electric seat adjustments and a back massage function, 10-color interior lighting, eight airbags/curtains, adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping system, monitoring of the "blind spots" of mirrors, rear cross-traffic alert, a rearview camera, LED headlights, an electric trunk lid, 16-inch alloy wheels, etc. The price of the car Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.5 eTSI 150 Business – from 1.66 million UAH or $40 thousand; the price of the Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.0 TSI 204 Business – from 1.78 million UAH or $43 thousand; the price of the Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.0 TDI 150 Business – from 1.866 million UAH or $44.9 thousand.
One step above is the Volkswagen Passat Variant Elegance, which adds the following: matrix headlights IQ . LIGHT , a 360-degree view system, Harman Kardon audio with an amplifier and subwoofer, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated windshield and rear seats, sports comfort front seats, expanded interior lighting in 30 colors, and more. The price of the Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.5 eTSI 150 Elegance is from UAH 1.87 million or $45 thousand; the price of the Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.0 TSI 204 Elegance is from UAH 1.96 million or $47.2 thousand; the price of the Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.0 TDI 150 Elegance is from UAH 2.05 million or $49.3 thousand.
Usually, test cars are provided in maximum trim levels, but this time the hero of the material was the Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.5 eTSI Business for $40 thousand - this is the starting version of the car both in terms of engine and in terms of trim levels for our market. However, the level of equipment is very high: LED headlights with automatic high beam switching, double soundproof side windows in front and behind, massage seats (although the partial electric drive looks strange), many safety systems, a rearview camera with route memory function, a digital instrument panel with settings, interior backlighting and much more. Starting, but already excellent trim levels! But what will competitors offer? And who are the competitors?
Most of the rival cars still have a sedan body, and are also offered exclusively with gasoline engines - first of all, we are talking about the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata. It is also worth mentioning the Skoda Superb: currently this car is offered only with a liftback body (which is so similar to a sedan) and only with gasoline engines; but there are more powerful options and versions with all-wheel drive. It seems that the unique offer of the Volkswagen Passat is a combination of a station wagon body and a turbodiesel. However, if you need the most versatile car with VAG technology and a similar design style, then there is the Volkswagen Tiguan crossover. So it turns out: in order to buy a Volkswagen Passat Variant - you need to want to buy exactly the Volkswagen Passat Variant. But will there be many willing people? So, the conclusions…
Car provided by – Porsche Ukraine, Volkswagen division