Volkswagen passat estate 2011 The Volkswagen Passat represents one of the very great success stories in automotive history, with over 15 million cars sold since the VW Passat was first
The fifth and sixth Volkswagen Passat generations had already left conventional class boundaries behind and bridged a path to the next higher segment with their high-end features. The seventh generation VW Passat emphatically continues this trend. A completely new styling configuration was created; its front-end styling follows that of the Phaeton which was restyled mid-year. It simultaneously guides the Volkswagen Passat’s independent design into the future. Without leaving the mid-class in terms of pricing, the Passat approaches the top segments even more powerfully with its upgraded comfort, convenience, quality and safety properties as well as in its assistance systems. In fact, the Volkswagen Passat – available in Trendline, Comfortline and Highline equipment levels – now offers more value thanks to its optimised features. For example, standard equipment on all turbodiesel models of the base Trendline version now includes the energy-saving Stop/Start system and battery regeneration. All other petrol and natural gas engines have a battery regeneration system as well. For the smallest petrol engine, battery regeneration and the Stop/Start system are available as options.
As is usual for a Volkswagen, the New Passat also sets standards for sustainability. All ten engines (77 kW / 105 PS through 220 kW / 300 PS) are more fuel efficient – up to 18% more. Turbo-the diesel “smaller” and yet strong pair (1.6 TDI with 105 PS and 250 Nm) now consumes only 4.2* l/100 km; It is the equivalent of 109 * g/km of CO2. During this time, reduction of personnel and technologies such as the startup shutdown system contribute to the extraordinary fuel efficiency in gasoline-powered versions. Pioneer here is the 1.4 TSI (90 kW / 122 PS). in the version of BlueMotion technology, it consumes just 5.8 l / 100 km. The value of CO2 equivalent is 138 g/km.
System of rear seats can be locked to the bootspace, a hitch that can rotate at the press of a button and on the side of the compound safety glass Windows – damping noise. As in the new Sharan, park assist II will now also available on the Passat. This system can only run in parallel to the road surface parking spaces; It can also find its place in parking perpendicular to it. Finally and most importantly, RNS 510 of the Passat, navigation system detects speed limit signs by camera and sends them to the touch screen in the central console
A favorite for consumers searching for a bit more luxury and style in their midsize family vehicle, the Volkswagen Passat fit in the gap between the normal boring family cars and the more expensive ‘out of reach' luxury brands. The Passat was featured spunky performance, competent handling, and amazing comfort, even on just the base model. The Passat was built by Volkswagen through six design generations since 1973, and fell between the Golf/Jetta and Phaeton in the current Volkswagen line-up. The Passet has been badged variously as Santana, Dasher, Quantum, Corsar, Magotan and Carat. The first generation Passat wasn't the most popular model, due its different design and unsure reliability. Volkswagen has extended its range more recently with the introduction of the Passat CC, a 4 door 'coupe' version of the Passat. The original Passat was developed directly from the Audi 80/Fox and the two shared a history until 2005.
Originally launched in 1973, the Passat M1 was featured in 2- and 4-door sedans along with similar looking three- and five- door variations. All four models shared a very modern fastback style design, all styled by the Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The original Passat was a fastback version of the mechanically identical Audi 80 sedan that had been introduced one year prior. The original Passat featured a MacPherson strut front suspension with a solid axle/coil spring setup at the back.
In 1974 a five-door station wagon/estate was introduced. The European version of the Passat came with 2 rectangular, 2 round 7', or 4 round 5.5' headlights. One of the most modern European family vehicles at the time, the Passat was originally intended as a replacement for the aging Volkswagen Type 3 and Type 4. For 1974 the Passat was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year. In 1975 the SOHC 1.5 was enlarged to 1.6 1 with power ratings unchanged and now slightly higher torque ratings.
The Passat was called the 'Dasher' in North America and was only sold with round DOT-spec lights. For and during the 1974 model year, the three and four-door hatchback station wagon model were introduced in North America. The only engine available was a carbureted 1.5 1 inline-four that developed 75 hp.
The entire Passat range received an update in the 1977 model year. These updates included an interior upgrade, revised styling that included repositioned indicators and either 4 round or 2 rectangular headlights. The Passat Diesel became available in July of 1978. The diesel was equipped with the VW Golf's 1.5 1 Diesel engine. In February of 1979 the Passat GLI with a fuel-injected variant of the 1.61 engine was introduced. This 1.5 1 diesel engine produced just 48 PS in the 2500 lb vehicle. The Diesel could achieve 0-100 km/h in just 19.4 seconds. In 1981 all gasoline engines were dropped for North America in preparation for the all new generation of the Passat.
The second-generation Passat, Mk2 was introduced in 1981 and continued until 1988. The platform was named B2 and was a bit longer than previous models and the styling, though updated, was still instantly recognized as a Passat. The rectangular headlights were the most notable difference from the previous generation. In North America the vehicle was dubbed the Quantum and was in introduced in 1982. At the same time it was sold as the Corsar in Mexico where it was sold from 1984 through 1988. In Brazil the car was dubbed the Santana. In South Africa the Passat sedan and estate were sold for local consumption until 1987.
In June of 1984 the Santana was introduced; the second generation Passat for Brazil. Launched in July of 1985, the Brazilian Santana was marketed in 4-door sedan, 2door sedan and station wagon. Both the Santana and Quantum were powered by a mixture of 1.8L Petrol and 1.8L Ethanol. In 1989 the engine range was increased with the additional capacity 2.0L Petrol or Ethanol variant. These models were called the Quantum 2000 and Santana 2000.
In 1986 the Passat range received a minor facelift. The sedan was now known as the Passat and it shared the same front end as the estate and hatchback. The US version received the European-style composite headlamps. The engine range was much more extensive and now included a 5-cylinder Audi 2.0 L petrol, 1.9 L system utilized in the Passat and sharing the same mechanics of the Audi 80 quattro and not the VW Golf syncro. The syncro was available in the U.S. market, but only with the 5 cylinder engine and only on the wagon.
Introduced in 1996, the Passat Mk5 was launched in Europe in 1996 and North America in 1998. This fifth generation shared a platform with the Audi A4 and it utilized the classic 'overhung' longitudinally mounted engine with front-wheel drive. This design was reminiscent of the first and second generation Passats, which had been based on the Audi 80. This all-new generation featured curvy lines, smooth underpinnings that gave the B5 Passat an incredibly low coefficient of drag, rated at 0.27, and heavily raked windscreens.
This model featured four-link front suspension that was designed to eliminate torque steering, and varying on trim levels it came with either a solid or independent rear suspensions. In 1997, four wheel drive was introduced as an option for the 1.8, 2.8 V6, 1.9TDI and 2.5 V6 TDI engines. From 2000 to 2004 the Passat sedan and wagon were Edmunds.com Editors Most Wanted award winners. In 2001 the Volkswagen Passat received a facelift that included a slight update in styling and mechanical alterations, commonly known as the B5.5. This model had new projector-optic headlights, tail lights, bumpers and chrome trim.
The following year a 4.0 L W8 engine that produced 202 kW and was placed in an upmarket version of the car that included standard all-wheel drive. Though the engine was dropped in 2004, this engine was intended to be a test bed for VW's new W engine technology, which would later make an appearance on the W12 in the Phaeton and A8, and the W16 in the Bugatti Veyron.
A very powerful 2.0 L turbocharged diesel TDI engine was introduced in 2004 that produced 136 PS. This variant was sold from 2004 through 2005 and a very rare engine that was barely found on the used market.
For 2006, the current-generation Passat was introduced. Before the 2008 model year, the Passat featured a different trim level structure and fewer standard features within each trim. Today, the current Passat is available in either wagon or sedan body styles. The lineup includes four trim levels, the Turbo, Komfort, Lux and VR6. The base Turbo model comes basically well equipped, while the Lux and Komfort models feature more luxury-oriented features. Powered by a 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, these three trim levels have power sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.
In March, 2005 the most current Passat was displayed at the Geneva Motor Show and was launched in Europe in the summer of 2005. The Volkswagen Passat Mk6 was built on the PQ46 platform and was based on the Golf Mk5. This model is occasionally dubbed the 'B6' Passat, despite its lack of commonality with the 'B6' Audi A4.
This newest generation followed much of the styling of the Volkswagen Phaeton luxury vehicle, and was a distinct departure from the styling of the B5.5 Passat. The design was somewhat controversial, but fortunately the sales were improved from the previous year model. 4motion was used on the four-wheel drive version, and the transverse-engine platform dictated a switch from the Torsen centre differential of the B5, to the Haldex Traction multi-plate clutch. The handling was also now closer to a front-wheel drive car with much better fuel economy and a much more roomy interior.
The 2.0 FSI was replaced with the new 1.8TSI Engine and 6speed automatic transmission in February of 2008. The 1.8T achieved 158 hp/118 kW, 180 ft/lb of torque and could reach 0-10 km/h in barely 8.6 seconds and had a top speed of 137 mph. For 2008 the Passat Estate won overall winner of Practical Caravans Towcar of the Year Awards 2008 for its plethora of towing features such as its Trailer Stability Program. Debuting at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit was the CC 'Comfort Coupe', a 4-door coupe version of the Passat.
The VR6 model featured a 280-hp V6 joined with the automatic, along with various luxurious features even more opulent than the Lux trim. The Passat VR6 also featured Volkswagen's all-wheel-drive system, 4Motion as an optional feature.
Volkswagen is visualising the model series' quality and precision more appreciably than ever in the new VW Passat. Straight lines, cleanly sculpted surfaces and dynamic proportions characterise the styling of the seventh generation car. Styling takes a great leap forward in the bestseller. The results: traditional class boundaries are once again shaken.
Front end: After the Phaeton, presented in the summer of 2010, Volkswagen is introducing the second model, the new Volkswagen Passat, whose front section is highlighted by a grille with four crossmembers; the height of the grille is approximately in line with the headlights. While a comparatively narrow radiator grille with two crossmembers marks the styling of models beneath the Passat and Phaeton, as well as the vans, Head of Design for the Volkswagen Group Walter de Silva and Head of Design for the Volkswagen Brand Klaus Bischoff deliberately chose this distinguishing feature on the radiator grille to highlight the status of higher positioned vehicles.
The entirely new front-end design gives the Volkswagen Passat - now 1,820 mm wide and 4,769 mm (Estate: 4,771 mm) long - an even more dominant look. Although the car has not grown in width, it has a greater presence and more visual dynamism. The heights of the two body versions also remained constant (saloon: 1,474 mm; Estate: 1,519 mm).
The dominant expression of the VW Passat is reinforced by its new dual-reflector headlights with optional bi-xenon light source and its LED daytime running lights. Each daytime running light consists of 15 LEDs. Beneath the lines formed by the headlights and grille is the body-coloured bumper section. The next level down sports another air intake framed by chrome-plated fins - as stylised elements similar to the wing tips of commercial aircraft. The very low profile fog lights are integrated here. On the Highline equipment line, another chrome trim strip at the centre of the air intake joins the fins. At the lowest level, there is the front spoiler. As on motorsport cars, it is designed as a so-called splitter. From the Comfortline equipment level, a chrome trim strip is also applied here.
Side profile: The front end blends into the side profile over the side contour of the V-shaped bonnet, in the style of the Phaeton, and the car's distinctive wing panel lines. Noticeable here are the significantly crisper lower and (new) upper character lines. These two lines now structure the height of the Passat and give it a lower profile and a more powerful image. In one clean stroke, the upper character line joins the highest point of the headlights with the window line up to the C-pillar. Beneath this is the second character line; it runs from the side sections of the headlights to the rear lights that extend into the side profile. In the sill area, a black (Trendline) or chrome (Comfortline and Highline) trim strip upgrades the lateral surfaces between the flared wheel housings; this trim strip is continued in the front and rear sections. The side profile, with its new door mirror design, is also characterised by a very fluid sweep from the roof section to the rear.
Rear: The significantly reduced wedge shape compared to the previous model along with the new line styling in particular give the rear section a lighter and more elegant appearance.
This makes the rear of the saloon appear lower, and the end surfaces of both body versions are wider. Very distinctive here are the rear lights that now wrap around into the wings. There are two lighting versions. The top version is in LED technology and has a night design in the shape
Neither the Volvo nor the VW are laugh-a-minute driver's cars, but they're not meant to be. Volvo claims the V60 is the sportiest car it's ever made, and although that might well be true, it's still a world away from the driving dynamics of a sporty BMW.
Both feel solid and comfortable on the road, but the V60 probably just edges the Passat Estate on these counts. It also scored a very good result in our obstacle avoidance tests. Volvo has a big focus on safety, and the stable chassis and effective deployment of electronic aids like stability control and brake assistance inspire confidence in the car's abilities if an emergency arises.
The latest version of Volkswagen's evergreen 2.0-litre TDi diesel engine, available with 140bhp or 170bhp, remains a default choice for many drivers thanks to its decent performance and excellent real-world fuel economy. The Volvo's competing diesel, the D3, has 163bhp and is more expensive to tax (£125 compared to £90). It also and has lower average claimed economy of around 51mpg compared to the VW's 60mpg figure.
How new is the new 2011 VW Passat, caught in our new spy photos in estate guise? While the Passat Mk8 we’ll see at the 2010 Paris motor show gets fresh sheet metal and a restyled cabin, the DNA beneath the crisper skin remains by and large unchanged.
The brief given to the designers called for a sleeker and more elegant appearance, for a more up-market interior and for that new unisex VW look. ‘We have been accused of visual saminess,’ acknowledges styling director Walter de Silva. ‘But to understand our strategy, you need to look at the big picture. First of all, we must create a truly sustainable common form language for all VW models. Once the customers have taken in the new identity, we can start to differentiate slowly and very carefully.
‘Consider for example the redefined family face the implementation of which will be complete early next year. It defines the brand, and it must in essence remain about as consistent and classy as the design philopsophy pursued by Apple. What makes all the difference is how the sculpture, the surfaces and the detailing relay exactly the right mix of style and substance.’
Volkswagen calls this the seventh generation Passat, continuing the line of mid-size saloons and estates that was first launched in 1973. In reality even Volkswagen engineers will agree this is more of a generation six-point-five and most people would regard it as a thorough facelift.
As you can see from the copy-and-paste looks, the styling is incredibly similar to the previous car that first went on sale in 2005. However, this time round it's sharpened up and taken on some of the chrome cues of the Phaeton. That's no accident, as Volkswagen is keen to present the Passat as a much more upmarket car than ever before to differentiate it more from the Jetta and to bridge the gap to the range-topping Phaeton.
Where you really notice the changes is in the detail. CO2 has been significantly for both petrols and diesels and there's now stop-and-start technology on every diesel. Take a look at the equipment list and you'll notice that it's much healthier than before, with ipod connectivity, alloy wheels and a leather multi-function steering wheel on every car.
Plus there's a whole range of ‘bolt-on' extras available, including air conditioned massaging seats, a safety system that helps to prevent low-speed collisions and a boot that opens when you waggle your foot underneath the car. Passat is safer than ever before, with the option of a driver fatigue monitor - the first time such a device has been available on this class of car. It analyses the driver's steering, throttle and brake behaviour and recommends that you take a break if it notices changes.
On the road, it's largely the same old Passat: comfortable, assured and highly capable when it comes to mega-mile motorway trips. That should come as no surprise: the chassis engineers say that they've done little more than tweak and fettle with the settings.
Company car buyers are among the key beneficiaries of the changes. Despite similar pricing to the old car, there's substantially more equipment on even base-model cars, while that lower CO2 figures makes for lower BIK bills. In a nutshell, it's very good, just not very different.
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| Volkswagen passat estate 2011 |
Volkswagen passat estate 2011
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| Volkswagen passat estate 2011 |
UK is beautifully built with a range of advanced driver assistance systems and huge amount of luggage room Volkswagen passat estate 2011
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| Volkswagen passat estate 2011 |
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| Volkswagen passat estate 2011 |
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| Volkswagen passat estate 2011 |
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| Volkswagen passat estate 2011 |
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| Volkswagen passat estate 2011 |
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| Volkswagen passat estate 2011 |
The fifth and sixth Volkswagen Passat generations had already left conventional class boundaries behind and bridged a path to the next higher segment with their high-end features. The seventh generation VW Passat emphatically continues this trend. A completely new styling configuration was created; its front-end styling follows that of the Phaeton which was restyled mid-year. It simultaneously guides the Volkswagen Passat’s independent design into the future. Without leaving the mid-class in terms of pricing, the Passat approaches the top segments even more powerfully with its upgraded comfort, convenience, quality and safety properties as well as in its assistance systems. In fact, the Volkswagen Passat – available in Trendline, Comfortline and Highline equipment levels – now offers more value thanks to its optimised features. For example, standard equipment on all turbodiesel models of the base Trendline version now includes the energy-saving Stop/Start system and battery regeneration. All other petrol and natural gas engines have a battery regeneration system as well. For the smallest petrol engine, battery regeneration and the Stop/Start system are available as options.
As is usual for a Volkswagen, the New Passat also sets standards for sustainability. All ten engines (77 kW / 105 PS through 220 kW / 300 PS) are more fuel efficient – up to 18% more. Turbo-the diesel “smaller” and yet strong pair (1.6 TDI with 105 PS and 250 Nm) now consumes only 4.2* l/100 km; It is the equivalent of 109 * g/km of CO2. During this time, reduction of personnel and technologies such as the startup shutdown system contribute to the extraordinary fuel efficiency in gasoline-powered versions. Pioneer here is the 1.4 TSI (90 kW / 122 PS). in the version of BlueMotion technology, it consumes just 5.8 l / 100 km. The value of CO2 equivalent is 138 g/km.
System of rear seats can be locked to the bootspace, a hitch that can rotate at the press of a button and on the side of the compound safety glass Windows – damping noise. As in the new Sharan, park assist II will now also available on the Passat. This system can only run in parallel to the road surface parking spaces; It can also find its place in parking perpendicular to it. Finally and most importantly, RNS 510 of the Passat, navigation system detects speed limit signs by camera and sends them to the touch screen in the central console
A favorite for consumers searching for a bit more luxury and style in their midsize family vehicle, the Volkswagen Passat fit in the gap between the normal boring family cars and the more expensive ‘out of reach' luxury brands. The Passat was featured spunky performance, competent handling, and amazing comfort, even on just the base model. The Passat was built by Volkswagen through six design generations since 1973, and fell between the Golf/Jetta and Phaeton in the current Volkswagen line-up. The Passet has been badged variously as Santana, Dasher, Quantum, Corsar, Magotan and Carat. The first generation Passat wasn't the most popular model, due its different design and unsure reliability. Volkswagen has extended its range more recently with the introduction of the Passat CC, a 4 door 'coupe' version of the Passat. The original Passat was developed directly from the Audi 80/Fox and the two shared a history until 2005.
Originally launched in 1973, the Passat M1 was featured in 2- and 4-door sedans along with similar looking three- and five- door variations. All four models shared a very modern fastback style design, all styled by the Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The original Passat was a fastback version of the mechanically identical Audi 80 sedan that had been introduced one year prior. The original Passat featured a MacPherson strut front suspension with a solid axle/coil spring setup at the back.
In 1974 a five-door station wagon/estate was introduced. The European version of the Passat came with 2 rectangular, 2 round 7', or 4 round 5.5' headlights. One of the most modern European family vehicles at the time, the Passat was originally intended as a replacement for the aging Volkswagen Type 3 and Type 4. For 1974 the Passat was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year. In 1975 the SOHC 1.5 was enlarged to 1.6 1 with power ratings unchanged and now slightly higher torque ratings.
The Passat was called the 'Dasher' in North America and was only sold with round DOT-spec lights. For and during the 1974 model year, the three and four-door hatchback station wagon model were introduced in North America. The only engine available was a carbureted 1.5 1 inline-four that developed 75 hp.
The entire Passat range received an update in the 1977 model year. These updates included an interior upgrade, revised styling that included repositioned indicators and either 4 round or 2 rectangular headlights. The Passat Diesel became available in July of 1978. The diesel was equipped with the VW Golf's 1.5 1 Diesel engine. In February of 1979 the Passat GLI with a fuel-injected variant of the 1.61 engine was introduced. This 1.5 1 diesel engine produced just 48 PS in the 2500 lb vehicle. The Diesel could achieve 0-100 km/h in just 19.4 seconds. In 1981 all gasoline engines were dropped for North America in preparation for the all new generation of the Passat.
The second-generation Passat, Mk2 was introduced in 1981 and continued until 1988. The platform was named B2 and was a bit longer than previous models and the styling, though updated, was still instantly recognized as a Passat. The rectangular headlights were the most notable difference from the previous generation. In North America the vehicle was dubbed the Quantum and was in introduced in 1982. At the same time it was sold as the Corsar in Mexico where it was sold from 1984 through 1988. In Brazil the car was dubbed the Santana. In South Africa the Passat sedan and estate were sold for local consumption until 1987.
In June of 1984 the Santana was introduced; the second generation Passat for Brazil. Launched in July of 1985, the Brazilian Santana was marketed in 4-door sedan, 2door sedan and station wagon. Both the Santana and Quantum were powered by a mixture of 1.8L Petrol and 1.8L Ethanol. In 1989 the engine range was increased with the additional capacity 2.0L Petrol or Ethanol variant. These models were called the Quantum 2000 and Santana 2000.
In 1986 the Passat range received a minor facelift. The sedan was now known as the Passat and it shared the same front end as the estate and hatchback. The US version received the European-style composite headlamps. The engine range was much more extensive and now included a 5-cylinder Audi 2.0 L petrol, 1.9 L system utilized in the Passat and sharing the same mechanics of the Audi 80 quattro and not the VW Golf syncro. The syncro was available in the U.S. market, but only with the 5 cylinder engine and only on the wagon.
Introduced in 1996, the Passat Mk5 was launched in Europe in 1996 and North America in 1998. This fifth generation shared a platform with the Audi A4 and it utilized the classic 'overhung' longitudinally mounted engine with front-wheel drive. This design was reminiscent of the first and second generation Passats, which had been based on the Audi 80. This all-new generation featured curvy lines, smooth underpinnings that gave the B5 Passat an incredibly low coefficient of drag, rated at 0.27, and heavily raked windscreens.
This model featured four-link front suspension that was designed to eliminate torque steering, and varying on trim levels it came with either a solid or independent rear suspensions. In 1997, four wheel drive was introduced as an option for the 1.8, 2.8 V6, 1.9TDI and 2.5 V6 TDI engines. From 2000 to 2004 the Passat sedan and wagon were Edmunds.com Editors Most Wanted award winners. In 2001 the Volkswagen Passat received a facelift that included a slight update in styling and mechanical alterations, commonly known as the B5.5. This model had new projector-optic headlights, tail lights, bumpers and chrome trim.
The following year a 4.0 L W8 engine that produced 202 kW and was placed in an upmarket version of the car that included standard all-wheel drive. Though the engine was dropped in 2004, this engine was intended to be a test bed for VW's new W engine technology, which would later make an appearance on the W12 in the Phaeton and A8, and the W16 in the Bugatti Veyron.
A very powerful 2.0 L turbocharged diesel TDI engine was introduced in 2004 that produced 136 PS. This variant was sold from 2004 through 2005 and a very rare engine that was barely found on the used market.
For 2006, the current-generation Passat was introduced. Before the 2008 model year, the Passat featured a different trim level structure and fewer standard features within each trim. Today, the current Passat is available in either wagon or sedan body styles. The lineup includes four trim levels, the Turbo, Komfort, Lux and VR6. The base Turbo model comes basically well equipped, while the Lux and Komfort models feature more luxury-oriented features. Powered by a 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, these three trim levels have power sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.
In March, 2005 the most current Passat was displayed at the Geneva Motor Show and was launched in Europe in the summer of 2005. The Volkswagen Passat Mk6 was built on the PQ46 platform and was based on the Golf Mk5. This model is occasionally dubbed the 'B6' Passat, despite its lack of commonality with the 'B6' Audi A4.
This newest generation followed much of the styling of the Volkswagen Phaeton luxury vehicle, and was a distinct departure from the styling of the B5.5 Passat. The design was somewhat controversial, but fortunately the sales were improved from the previous year model. 4motion was used on the four-wheel drive version, and the transverse-engine platform dictated a switch from the Torsen centre differential of the B5, to the Haldex Traction multi-plate clutch. The handling was also now closer to a front-wheel drive car with much better fuel economy and a much more roomy interior.
The 2.0 FSI was replaced with the new 1.8TSI Engine and 6speed automatic transmission in February of 2008. The 1.8T achieved 158 hp/118 kW, 180 ft/lb of torque and could reach 0-10 km/h in barely 8.6 seconds and had a top speed of 137 mph. For 2008 the Passat Estate won overall winner of Practical Caravans Towcar of the Year Awards 2008 for its plethora of towing features such as its Trailer Stability Program. Debuting at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit was the CC 'Comfort Coupe', a 4-door coupe version of the Passat.
The VR6 model featured a 280-hp V6 joined with the automatic, along with various luxurious features even more opulent than the Lux trim. The Passat VR6 also featured Volkswagen's all-wheel-drive system, 4Motion as an optional feature.
Volkswagen is visualising the model series' quality and precision more appreciably than ever in the new VW Passat. Straight lines, cleanly sculpted surfaces and dynamic proportions characterise the styling of the seventh generation car. Styling takes a great leap forward in the bestseller. The results: traditional class boundaries are once again shaken.
Front end: After the Phaeton, presented in the summer of 2010, Volkswagen is introducing the second model, the new Volkswagen Passat, whose front section is highlighted by a grille with four crossmembers; the height of the grille is approximately in line with the headlights. While a comparatively narrow radiator grille with two crossmembers marks the styling of models beneath the Passat and Phaeton, as well as the vans, Head of Design for the Volkswagen Group Walter de Silva and Head of Design for the Volkswagen Brand Klaus Bischoff deliberately chose this distinguishing feature on the radiator grille to highlight the status of higher positioned vehicles.
The entirely new front-end design gives the Volkswagen Passat - now 1,820 mm wide and 4,769 mm (Estate: 4,771 mm) long - an even more dominant look. Although the car has not grown in width, it has a greater presence and more visual dynamism. The heights of the two body versions also remained constant (saloon: 1,474 mm; Estate: 1,519 mm).
The dominant expression of the VW Passat is reinforced by its new dual-reflector headlights with optional bi-xenon light source and its LED daytime running lights. Each daytime running light consists of 15 LEDs. Beneath the lines formed by the headlights and grille is the body-coloured bumper section. The next level down sports another air intake framed by chrome-plated fins - as stylised elements similar to the wing tips of commercial aircraft. The very low profile fog lights are integrated here. On the Highline equipment line, another chrome trim strip at the centre of the air intake joins the fins. At the lowest level, there is the front spoiler. As on motorsport cars, it is designed as a so-called splitter. From the Comfortline equipment level, a chrome trim strip is also applied here.
Side profile: The front end blends into the side profile over the side contour of the V-shaped bonnet, in the style of the Phaeton, and the car's distinctive wing panel lines. Noticeable here are the significantly crisper lower and (new) upper character lines. These two lines now structure the height of the Passat and give it a lower profile and a more powerful image. In one clean stroke, the upper character line joins the highest point of the headlights with the window line up to the C-pillar. Beneath this is the second character line; it runs from the side sections of the headlights to the rear lights that extend into the side profile. In the sill area, a black (Trendline) or chrome (Comfortline and Highline) trim strip upgrades the lateral surfaces between the flared wheel housings; this trim strip is continued in the front and rear sections. The side profile, with its new door mirror design, is also characterised by a very fluid sweep from the roof section to the rear.
Rear: The significantly reduced wedge shape compared to the previous model along with the new line styling in particular give the rear section a lighter and more elegant appearance.
This makes the rear of the saloon appear lower, and the end surfaces of both body versions are wider. Very distinctive here are the rear lights that now wrap around into the wings. There are two lighting versions. The top version is in LED technology and has a night design in the shape
Neither the Volvo nor the VW are laugh-a-minute driver's cars, but they're not meant to be. Volvo claims the V60 is the sportiest car it's ever made, and although that might well be true, it's still a world away from the driving dynamics of a sporty BMW.
Both feel solid and comfortable on the road, but the V60 probably just edges the Passat Estate on these counts. It also scored a very good result in our obstacle avoidance tests. Volvo has a big focus on safety, and the stable chassis and effective deployment of electronic aids like stability control and brake assistance inspire confidence in the car's abilities if an emergency arises.
The latest version of Volkswagen's evergreen 2.0-litre TDi diesel engine, available with 140bhp or 170bhp, remains a default choice for many drivers thanks to its decent performance and excellent real-world fuel economy. The Volvo's competing diesel, the D3, has 163bhp and is more expensive to tax (£125 compared to £90). It also and has lower average claimed economy of around 51mpg compared to the VW's 60mpg figure.
How new is the new 2011 VW Passat, caught in our new spy photos in estate guise? While the Passat Mk8 we’ll see at the 2010 Paris motor show gets fresh sheet metal and a restyled cabin, the DNA beneath the crisper skin remains by and large unchanged.
The brief given to the designers called for a sleeker and more elegant appearance, for a more up-market interior and for that new unisex VW look. ‘We have been accused of visual saminess,’ acknowledges styling director Walter de Silva. ‘But to understand our strategy, you need to look at the big picture. First of all, we must create a truly sustainable common form language for all VW models. Once the customers have taken in the new identity, we can start to differentiate slowly and very carefully.
‘Consider for example the redefined family face the implementation of which will be complete early next year. It defines the brand, and it must in essence remain about as consistent and classy as the design philopsophy pursued by Apple. What makes all the difference is how the sculpture, the surfaces and the detailing relay exactly the right mix of style and substance.’
Volkswagen calls this the seventh generation Passat, continuing the line of mid-size saloons and estates that was first launched in 1973. In reality even Volkswagen engineers will agree this is more of a generation six-point-five and most people would regard it as a thorough facelift.
As you can see from the copy-and-paste looks, the styling is incredibly similar to the previous car that first went on sale in 2005. However, this time round it's sharpened up and taken on some of the chrome cues of the Phaeton. That's no accident, as Volkswagen is keen to present the Passat as a much more upmarket car than ever before to differentiate it more from the Jetta and to bridge the gap to the range-topping Phaeton.
Where you really notice the changes is in the detail. CO2 has been significantly for both petrols and diesels and there's now stop-and-start technology on every diesel. Take a look at the equipment list and you'll notice that it's much healthier than before, with ipod connectivity, alloy wheels and a leather multi-function steering wheel on every car.
Plus there's a whole range of ‘bolt-on' extras available, including air conditioned massaging seats, a safety system that helps to prevent low-speed collisions and a boot that opens when you waggle your foot underneath the car. Passat is safer than ever before, with the option of a driver fatigue monitor - the first time such a device has been available on this class of car. It analyses the driver's steering, throttle and brake behaviour and recommends that you take a break if it notices changes.
On the road, it's largely the same old Passat: comfortable, assured and highly capable when it comes to mega-mile motorway trips. That should come as no surprise: the chassis engineers say that they've done little more than tweak and fettle with the settings.
Company car buyers are among the key beneficiaries of the changes. Despite similar pricing to the old car, there's substantially more equipment on even base-model cars, while that lower CO2 figures makes for lower BIK bills. In a nutshell, it's very good, just not very different.
Volkswagen passat estate 2011
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