Volkswagen Passat was the first car launched by VW in India under its own name and now they have gone ahead and revamped it. Passat is actually one of the first models born from VW's acquisition of Audi in 1964. The first Passat came out in the year 1973. It was Passat which launched VW as a definitive luxury brand in India and started a market trend which saw them bolstering up high sales in India powered by a line up of new age cars including Jetta and Polo. There was a reason why Passat has been successful all over the world and has had various iterations and multiple spin offs. Let's investigate the Passat a bit more.
Engine
Though it was launched with a two engine option now there is only one engine option available and that is the 4 cylinder 1798 cc TSI diesel engine complaint with the BS4 statuettes. It shares this engine with the sister concern Skoda's Superb and its one hell of a performer. This is aided by a 6 speed manual transmission which is sporty and easy to handle but no automatic transmission is available. The engine is sturdy and delivers a maximum power of 160PS at 6200 rpm and a maximum torque of 250 Nm at an rpm of 1500 till 4500rpm. The missing of a diesel variant and the DSG automatic gearboxes that used to be available before will definitely hamper the sales as the petrol engine is a superb performer but lacks the advantage as a long distance traveler running on diesel.
Design And Comfort
Passat has passed through many design changes through the years and the new version available in India looks stunningly good. The massive V-shaped Volkswagen grille which is stylishly designed in attractive chrome grabs the attention at first sight. The chrome is inducted in all things including the radiator grills and frame. The rectangular Xenon headlights add an intense gaze to the car. The16 inch alloy wheels add to the overall sheen. The LED rectangular-shaped tail-lamps give the rear a high tech and complete look.
Interiors
Passat is what we call the luxury. The seats are large and comfortable with adequate leg room and shoulder room. But the Passat is more a comfortable 4 seater than a five seater; this is due to the small bump like arrangement in the back seat. Front seats boast of an electric 12 way adjustment. There is a multi function touch display on the strikingly handsome dashboard. There is a touch screen stereo also included which is assisted by a six cd changer. There are AC vents in the rear and plenty of storage space to store your knick knacks. The climatic control is also top class. The most intimidating feature of the interiors is the fact that you feel completely cut off from all the noise and commotion outside and its feels good…
Ride And Handling
The suspension is wonderfully well tuned to Indian terrain. The power assisted rack and pinion steering is quick and responsive. There is a bit of turbo-lag, almost negligible, but once past 2000rpm the motor pulls strong. The transmission is also lighter and precise. The ride quality is definitely best in class and the feel is plush. Handling is smooth and very easy.
Safety
Passat has acquired the highest rating of five-stars by the NCAP in Europe for occupant protection during crash testing and this has been carried into the Indian production model too. The safety features include 8 airbags, ABS, Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) and Electronic Immobilizer. These are aided by state of the art equipment including Parking sensors (front and rear) and anti-theft sensors. Fog Lamps are included as well.
Variants, Price And Color
The only variant available now has a price tag of Rs 19, 20, 777 (ex showroom, Delhi). The colors available are Candy White, Reflex Silver Metallic, Deep Black Pearl Effect, Mocca Anthracite Pearl Effect, Silver Leaf and Iron Grey Metallic.
Engine
Though it was launched with a two engine option now there is only one engine option available and that is the 4 cylinder 1798 cc TSI diesel engine complaint with the BS4 statuettes. It shares this engine with the sister concern Skoda's Superb and its one hell of a performer. This is aided by a 6 speed manual transmission which is sporty and easy to handle but no automatic transmission is available. The engine is sturdy and delivers a maximum power of 160PS at 6200 rpm and a maximum torque of 250 Nm at an rpm of 1500 till 4500rpm. The missing of a diesel variant and the DSG automatic gearboxes that used to be available before will definitely hamper the sales as the petrol engine is a superb performer but lacks the advantage as a long distance traveler running on diesel.
Design And Comfort
Passat has passed through many design changes through the years and the new version available in India looks stunningly good. The massive V-shaped Volkswagen grille which is stylishly designed in attractive chrome grabs the attention at first sight. The chrome is inducted in all things including the radiator grills and frame. The rectangular Xenon headlights add an intense gaze to the car. The16 inch alloy wheels add to the overall sheen. The LED rectangular-shaped tail-lamps give the rear a high tech and complete look.
Interiors
Passat is what we call the luxury. The seats are large and comfortable with adequate leg room and shoulder room. But the Passat is more a comfortable 4 seater than a five seater; this is due to the small bump like arrangement in the back seat. Front seats boast of an electric 12 way adjustment. There is a multi function touch display on the strikingly handsome dashboard. There is a touch screen stereo also included which is assisted by a six cd changer. There are AC vents in the rear and plenty of storage space to store your knick knacks. The climatic control is also top class. The most intimidating feature of the interiors is the fact that you feel completely cut off from all the noise and commotion outside and its feels good…
Ride And Handling
The suspension is wonderfully well tuned to Indian terrain. The power assisted rack and pinion steering is quick and responsive. There is a bit of turbo-lag, almost negligible, but once past 2000rpm the motor pulls strong. The transmission is also lighter and precise. The ride quality is definitely best in class and the feel is plush. Handling is smooth and very easy.
Safety
Passat has acquired the highest rating of five-stars by the NCAP in Europe for occupant protection during crash testing and this has been carried into the Indian production model too. The safety features include 8 airbags, ABS, Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) and Electronic Immobilizer. These are aided by state of the art equipment including Parking sensors (front and rear) and anti-theft sensors. Fog Lamps are included as well.
Variants, Price And Color
The only variant available now has a price tag of Rs 19, 20, 777 (ex showroom, Delhi). The colors available are Candy White, Reflex Silver Metallic, Deep Black Pearl Effect, Mocca Anthracite Pearl Effect, Silver Leaf and Iron Grey Metallic.
Technical Specifications of Volkswagen Passat
| Overview | |
| Model | Passat |
| Body Type | SUV |
| Number Of Doors | 4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Fuel Capacity | 70 litre |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4765 |
| Width | 1820 |
| Height | 1472 |
| Wheelbase | 2709 mm |
| Ground Clearance | NA |
| Minimum Turning Radius | NA |
| Weight | |
| Kerb Weight | NA |
| Engine | |
| Type | 1.8L TSI |
| Number Of Cylinders | 4 |
| Displacement | 1798 cc |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Max. Power | 160 ps (118kw) @ 4500-6200 rpm |
| Max. Torque | 250 Nm @ 1500-4500 rpm |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | NA |
| Rear Suspension | NA |
| Brake | |
| Front | NA |
| Rear | NA |
| Steering Type | Rack & Pinion |
| Tyre Size | 215/55 R16 (tubeless) |
