New Volkswagen Passat

Quick Take

* Fuel Economy 6.0/10.0 km/l (city/highway)
Available Engines 2.0L lnline-4 turbo diesel, 140 bhp
Available Transmissions 6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)
6-speed Sportronic Automatic (AT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

Top-notch technology.
Two-zone temperature control.
Electronic stabilization program (ESP) for better safety.

Pros

Luxurious interiors.
Excellent ride and handling.
Two-stage front airbags.

Cons

Only one engine option available.

Overview

The Volkswagen group (Wolfsburg, Germany) is one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. It is now entering the Indian market with Passat, a luxury sedan.

The Volkswagen Passat is a thoroughly engineered, full-sized diesel saloon that offers class-leading comfort, performance, and safety. With its elegant design and stylish appearance, the Passat will definitely stand out in the crowd of luxury sedans lining the Indian market. Passat has acquired the highest rating of five-stars by the NCAP in Europe for occupant protection during crash testing.

The new Passat is designed on a stretched version of the PQ45 platform used by the new Golf. Known as the PQ46 on the Passat, its 2.7-metre wheelbase is almost as long as that of the Accord or Camry. The new Passat comes with a more efficient use of space and also uses a transversely-mounted engine and an independent rear suspension.

The Passat is available in two variants - DSG and DSGS, which are offered in front-wheel-drive configurations. Both are powered by a 2.0-litre TDl lnline-4 turbo diesel engine. The top competitors of the Passat include the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Volkswagen is planning to add more choices/variants to the Passat depending on the response to the launch in India.

Powertrain & Performance

The DSG and DSGS variants receive a 2.0L TDI diesel engine that generates 140 bhp @ 4000 rpm and maximum torque of 320 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm. The DSG teams with a 6-speed automatic transmission while the DSGS is mated to a 6-speed Sportronic automatic transmission which gives a sportier feel and is smoother in comparison. Acceleration is sporty and active. The six-speed automatic transmission provides seamless acceleration and a sport mode 'tiptronic' transmission offers an exhilarating driving experience.

A power assisted rack and pinion steering is quick and responsive. The Passat now uses a transversely-mounted engine and an independent rear suspension setup for improved ride and handling dynamics. The Passat receives a spring strut front suspension and a four-link independent rear suspension which is retuned for Indian bumpy roads. The ride quality on hilly regions is quite pleasant and smooth.

Build & Styling

The Passat is sleek and sports a graceful look. The massive V-shaped Volkswagen grille which is stylishly designed in attractive chrome grabs the attention at first sight. The front is also adorned with rectangular-shaped headlamps that give the car an eagle-like intense gaze. High-tech LED rectangular-shaped tail-lamps give the rear a bold appearance. The Passat rides on 16" alloy wheels with 215/55R16 front tyres and 215/55R16 rear tyres.

The interiors exude style and luxury. The seats are large and comfortable with adequate leg room and shoulder room. The design of the dash is striking. The instrumentation cluster resembles an Audi A8 design cluster where the dials and displays are placed directly into satin-finished metal bezels. The Passat comes with an electromechanical parking brake, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seating, two-zone climate control, cup holders, and an audio system with an AM/FM radio, CD player, and MP3 player.

The Passat is armed with various safety features that include cruise control, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), central locking, a remote keyless entry, an engine immobilizer, dual-stage airbags, and an anti-theft alarm system.