Hot on the heels of the Mexican-built Bora/Jetta saloon based on the Golf comes Volkswagen’s redesigned Passat, a larger model, which will be shown off in February 2005 and launched in first European markets in March.
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New features include Bluetooth telephone, ‘intelligent’ starting and locking system, the electronic parking brake and automatic distance control.
The Passat is the first production VW to wear the marque’s new ‘face’ – a chrome shield-shaped radiator grille first seen on the Concept R (Roadster) and Concept C (Cabriolet-Coupé) show cars. Fast responding LED rear lights are now specified.
Engines are now transversely-mounted and the body slightly larger – the new Passat is 4.77 metres long (+62 mm), 1.82 metres wide (+74 mm) and 1.47 metres tall (+10 mm). Its wheelbase measures 2.71 metres (+ 6mm); abd the luggage compartment offers a maximum volume of 565 litres (+90 litres). Static torsional rigidity. is up 57% for a claimed class best.
Six out of seven of the available engines are direct injection and new to the Passat range. The sole carry-over is the 75kW/102PS 1.6-litre entry-level engine. The four-cylinder FSI engines with homogeneous direct injection have outputs of 85kW/115 PS, 110kW/150PS and 147kW/200 PS while a 3.2 litre V6 FSI with 184 kW/250 PS will top off the range in fourth quarter 2005.
Each of the three TDI diesels are also new to the Passat. These are 77kW/105PS, 103kW/140PS and 125kW/170 PS units and they will also gradually be offered with particulate filters.
The 85 kW, 110 kW and 147 kW petrol engines can be combined with a six-speed automatic gearbox; the two more powerful TDI engines with the innovative dual-clutch gearbox (DSG). Models with 4MOTION four-wheel drive will follow later.
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The new interior comes with four equipment levels and each is available with four colour schemes together with wood and aluminium trims.
The electronic parking brake is a class first and its electronic control system linked to other control units via a network allows dynamic onboard braking system, auto release (for hill starts) and vehicle hold (no need to hold down the brake pedal at traffic lights)
The Passat’s remote control starting and locking functions have been developed as an entirely new system which dispenses with the conventional ignition key. The central locking transmitter slots into a holder to the right of the steering wheel and the driver then presses it to start the engine. In models equipped with Volkswagen’s keyless entry system, now available in the Passat for the first time, the engine starts at the touch of button.
Automatic distance control, which Volkswagen first introduced in the Phaeton, has migrated down to the new Passat, another new development for this segment.
The Passat also has an optional telephone unit with hands-free capability featuring a bluetooth interface.
The top navigation system is now DVD based and a new draught-free climate control system is adapted from the Phaeton.
A 230 volt power supply is also built-in to supply the likes of laptops and cellphone chargers. We’ll be interested to see how VW copes with the variety of mains plugs used across Europe.
Adaptive bi-xenon headlights have been improved an now have an integrated dynamic cornering light and static cornering.
New four-link rear suspension, separated from the body by a noise reducing subframe, and McPherson strut front suspension with aluminium components are now used. The new Passat has standard ESP and all vehicles with a tow bar are equipped with trailer stabilisation. In addition to the usual ESP functions, this system detects imminent trailer snaking and takes action via the brakes and the engine to prevent it
