The eighth generation of the Volkswagen Passat model, or B8 as it is called by this brand, has hit the roads. Despite the very similar dimensions, it offers more space in the cabin, lower weight, more powerful and economical engines and a real sea of assistance systems and advanced technology. Compared to the farewell B7, it is even a bit "cheaper".
In the external image the latest VWof his representative D-segment, is just as we expected. At best, it's design evolution, which brings a similar exterior image to the outgoing model, but with minor changes and details, the designers achieved that it works lower, wider and slightly larger than its predecessor.
It flaunts on the front new bonnet, which is even more angular and accentuated than before, and continues at the edges in the front lights, which offer two versions of LED lighting roads: high and low, where the first with help 15 LEDs It shines fully in this advanced technique, and can also automatically adjust the beam and illuminate corners. On the side, the biggest enthusiasts of the brand and model will notice a more emphasized shoulder line and the fact that the new side mirrors are mounted directly on the body. At the rear, there are also newly designed LED lights, which, depending on the level of equipment, are available in two versions and with adaptive lighting depending on the conditions and situation. The most important thing is life span, which should amount to 80 thousand hours, or inmore than nine years of continuous operation. Much more difficult to notice (even noticeable when driving) is the fact that the new Passat is for 85 kilograms lighter from the predecessor.
in graphics.
In terms of dimensions and proportions, there are no major or rather measurable differences, but nevertheless the Passat is slightly more spacious in both body versions, especially in terms of knee room rear seat passengers, who now have 40 millimeters more space. The trunk has also slightly gained in terms of volume, and thus naturally maintains its position as the leader in the segment, but even more important than this is the fact that it has a double bottom, and the list of extras includes, in addition to electric opening, electrically adjustable tow bar.
While we're at it, let's move on to advanced techniques, in the context of which the Passat is literally "bursting at the seams". He is experiencing a world novelty or premiere in Passat system designated for easier parking (reversing) with a trailer trailer assist where the driver simply sets the angle where he wants the vehicle and trailer to reverse, then the system compares the required and actual deviation of the trailer with the help of a reversing camera and reacts accordingly. The system works very well in practice and is surprisingly easy to get used to. In addition, the Passat got a whole bunch of new assistance systems (park assist 3.0, which can now also automatically park "front", 360 degree area view, emergency assist, traffic assist and discover media/pro systems).
Most of the assistance systems are offered to you by the importer in meaningful "technical" packages, for which they require 1,250 or more than 1,400 euros. But we should not forget about the fully digital central gauges in the form 12.3-inch activ info screen, but which requires an additional payment and also the largest (read: most expensive) factory navigation (around 2,200 euros in total).
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Inside, passengers are greeted by a surprisingly familiar dashboard, gauges and steering wheel, while the main changes are to be found in wider and higher placed center console (as a result also higher gear levers) and a different continuation of the center console in the part in front of the passenger. In terms of equipment, they are available as with the predecessor three basic equipment packages: trendline, comfortline and highline, where, in addition to a six-year warranty (or 200,000 km), the basic one also offers dual-zone climate control, bluetooth and a system front assist and start&stop. Comfortline also adds three-zone automatic climate control, cruise control with distance control, park pilot system and 16-inch alloy wheels. The Highline is richer in leather, LED low lights and 17-inch alloy wheels.
In terms of engines, (almost) everything takes place on the side of the diesel units, as they are available four versions of the 2.0-liter TDI with the power of 88- to 176 kilowatts, and the most economical releases into the atmosphere only 108 grams of CO2. For those who find this too much, more will be available in the second half of next year bluemotion version with only 95 grams of emissions per km of travel. On the other hand, gasoline colors are represented only by the 1.4-liter TSI with 92 kW of power, which should represent only a few percent of sales. The gearbox is basically a six-speed manual, but at the customer's request it can also be replaced by a DSG automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is available in two more powerful TDIs, i.e. the 140 and 176-kilowatt versions, the latter of which, in addition to exceptional performance, also surprises with extremely moderate consumption and emissions (only 140 grams per km). Expect more next fall plug-in hybrid version, whose name has already caught on Passat GTE.
Prices start at 23,140 euros for petrol and 24,704 euros for diesel pages for the sedan version, for Passat wagon but you must "have on the account" at least 24,613- and 26,162 respectively euros. At the presentation, we tested the most powerful version with a 176 kilowatt DSG diesel automatic and 4motion drive and we have to say that it pleasantly surprised us with both performance and economy, but it is true that such a Passat with a price of over 50,000 euros is already in the higher price range segment. The importer comments on the prices that it is "cleaned" prices new Passat (that is, versions with comparable equipment) even a little lower from those before the model overhaul. That also counts for something.
More purchase information:
www.volkswagen.si/novi passat
