As a mid-range model, the new Volkswagen Passat (2015) does not need a specific introduction here, as most Slovenians know it very well. Also due to the fact that in seven generations it has convinced many satisfied customers, and the latest model still stands for a concrete sedan and station wagon of the D-segment. The eighth generation Passat was thus faced with the difficult task of filling the large shoes of its predecessor.
He also had to justify this badge Volkswagen and a famous name Passat on the back, which, according to what has been seen and driven, it more than succeeds. Even more than that, the current Passat in many ways even exceeds the limits of the class it entered some time ago and is already quite significantly pushing the segment higher, into the class of business sedans.
From a design point of view, the designers did a really good job, with pronounced horizontal lines on the nose and a bulging hood, they managed to make the new Volkswagen Passat it looks even wider and more aggressive, making it look like a premium sedan again. The side of the vehicle is also more inflated and almost performance-like, while the rear is classically limousine with prominent LED lights. A lot of this bloat and imposingness is related to the equipment package, where only the highline means design excesses in the form of an additional amount of chrome on the lower part of the body, but even then the 17-inch cast shoes do not mean any excesses. The tester had an additional one 19-inch wheels, which we recommend, because with them the Passat becomes a real performance and premium limousine, and most passers-by will think that the car in front of them is significantly more expensive than it actually is.
The peculiarities, or rather the differences (compared to the predecessor), do not end there. In addition to the sporty curve drawn by the silhouette of the roof, they are lateral to make the observer's pulse faster mirrors attached directly on the body, which is, if not unicum, a great rarity for this brand. The rear is the least exciting part, but it lacks the same dynamics as the rest of the vehicle a pair of large exhaust pipes, which the more powerful versions only possess, and the shape of only these is also indicated by the contours on the bumper. It's a shame that he would look even more fierce and lustful with them.
Even inside, the designers took matters very seriously and we can say that the passenger cabin Volkswagen Passat adapted anew. A revolution is not to be expected, after all, it is only VW badge on the nose, but the changes are concrete and the newcomer offers small improvements in every respect, which in the end mean a big difference. In line with the increase in external dimensions, the spaciousness of the passenger cabin has also increased, the spaciousness of which in the second row can now finally only be compared with its sister too bad superb, at least in the current edition (because we haven't seen or tested the new version yet). Similarly growth it is also experienced the trunk, which is so deep that you can already lose something in it. Above all, it requires you to reach deep into it, where the depth of the trunk can also result in dirty pants.
The highline package and no other
In terms of equipment, we say the highline package and no other. It brings more chrome and piano black, which somehow fit into this segment, if they are not absolutely necessary. Horizontal lines dominated by slats from anodized aluminum are emphasized, and the seats feature a characteristic combination of Alcantara and leather. In front of the driver there are fairly simple gauges, but they can be replaced by otherwise "expensive" (together with navigation, which is necessary, they cost 2,400 euros) fully digital gauges with a 31-centimeter diagonal that you can read and write. We definitely recommend them, not only for their informativeness, but also for their appearance, as they raise the interior experience to a completely different level.
READ MORE: The new VW Passat – a breath of fresh air in business circles
In terms of equipment, in addition to the previously mentioned Passat Highline, it offers a somewhat confusing list of standard equipment. Among them, let's say, they are surprising three-zone automatic air conditioning and radar cruise control (which works perfectly), but it is necessary to pay extra for the second level of LED headlights named LED high, in addition, also for, say, navigation and the previously mentioned digital gauges. We would definitely put this in the highline package, because of the image and the overall impression, both as standard equipment, even at the expense of the higher price of the vehicle. However, it is a tester with almost eight thousand additional equipment, practically the second rank of the car, but with some moderation you will stop with the price at around 33 thousand. However, this is an expected and reasonable price, considering everything that the car is capable of and what follows.
Under the hood of the tester was the second diesel option out of four, in the form of the "weakest" of the three 2.0 TDI-is in. This one can do it 110 kW and 340 Nm, which in practice turns out to be quite sufficient and suitable for the vast majority of drivers. When it is fully loaded, it can get a little out of breath on a slope, but in this case the driver simply reaches for the quick and precise lever of the six-speed gearbox and everything is in perfect order again. Driven like this, the Passat is not a sportsman, although it feels like a fish in water in corners and the driver feels as if he is maneuvering a much smaller vehicle, rather than a leisurely highway cruiser. Those who want more pepper and dynamism have the higher 140- and 176-kilowatt versions of this excellent engine. We noted the latter because of the progress that can be seen and felt also in terms of economy, within the context of which the tester's consumption hovered around the limit of six liters all the time and flirted with five. Considering the dimensions and weight, this is a surprisingly low consumption, which the data on 109 grams emissions CO2 just reinforce it.
The previously mentioned chassis and suspension thus act as if they could transfer much more power, and the proof of this is, last but not least, 240-horsepower version. The Talent suspension shows its best and best with 19-inch shoes, when even with low-section tires only a few vibrations hit the rear of the passengers, and the ride is extremely comfortable despite the sporty chassis.
The price is suitable for the image and content
Taken as a whole, the Passat definitely won out for us, and that's why we welcome today's decision of the selection jury for European car of the year, which is this flattering title for the year 2015 intended for passata. In many respects, it represents a milestone in the D-segment and after the top it managed to completely overshadow its predecessor, which is still very concrete today. All this, of course, comes at a price, and the Passat has moved a little further from popularity, in particular, better equipped and motorized. But considering everything, we think the price is quite reasonable and justifiably higher than that of most of the competition.
More information:
www.volkswagen.si/novi_passat
Test model price:
28,579 euros (basic)/ 36,494 euros (test)
