On the market since 1973, the Volkswagen Passat it is the second best-selling model of the Wolfsburg brand, just behind the Golf (35 million units of the C-segment model have already been produced), and even managing to surpass the famous Volkswagen Beetle, which stood at 21.5 million units produced.
Now, about five years after the launch of the current generation , Volkswagen reinforces the Passat's arguments, offering it at the same time a (very shy) restyling.
Little has changed on the Passat's exterior, with the changes being redesigned bumpers, new wheels, new colors, a redesigned grille and the placement of the model name in the center of the tailgate. In addition to these slight changes, the Passat now has LED headlamps across the range (the IQ. Light headlamps already used by the Touareg are available as an option).
Interior has changed little but gained technology
As on the outside, the changes on the inside are discreet. Aside from a new steering wheel, new upholstery options, new trim levels and the disappearance of the dashboard-top analogue clock to make way for a model nameplate, little has changed in terms inside the Passat.
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However, if the aesthetics remained the same, the same cannot be said about the technological bet. Volkswagen took advantage of this renovation to offer the Passat the new infotainment system MIB3 that appears associated with a touchscreen that can have 6.5″, 8.2″ or 9.2″. It has a SIM card, which provides permanent access to the internet.
As an option, the Passat can also have the Digital Cockpit that comes with a 11.7″ screen and which, according to Volkswagen, now has better graphics, better brightness and resolution.
Technology is the big bet
Volkswagen's big bet in this Passat renovation was the technological offer. Thus, in addition to the new MIB3 infotainment system, the German brand is now making available on the Passat a series of new driving assistance systems.
Volkswagen Passat
Among these, the greatest prominence has to be given to the Travel Assist , a first for Volkswagen, and which consists of a level 2 semi-autonomous driving system (remember that there are five levels of autonomous driving). It uses adaptive cruise control and is capable of steering up to 210 km/h.
An integral part of the Travel Assist is the adaptive and reactive cruise control system. Confused? We explain. This system is able to read traffic signs and adjust the speed of the Passat , and through the GPS it recognizes the proximity of roundabouts and curves, reducing speed. In addition, the Passat now has a steering wheel capable of detecting whether the driver is holding it or not.
Diesel is still a gamble
In terms of engines, the big news is the arrival of the new 2.0 TDI Evo . This new engine offers 150 hp and Volkswagen claims that it is capable of producing 10 g/km less CO2 than its predecessor. Also among Diesels, the Passat can be equipped with the 1.6 120 hp TDI or with the 2.0 TDI at two power levels: 190 hp or 240 hp.
The gasoline offer is made up of the 1.5 TSI of 150 hp and by 2.0 TSI at two power levels: 190 hp and 272 hp. The Passat engine offering is complete with the plug-in hybrid version, GTE , which uses a gasoline engine (the 1.4 TSI with 156 hp) and a 115 hp electric motor for a combined power of 218 hp.
The pre-sale period for the renewed Volkswagen Passat should start in May, and there is still no information on the prices of the German model.
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