An Exterior That's Instantly Recognizable as a Passat

With cumulative sales of 22 million units, it is the best-sellingVolkswagen Passat Undergoes Full Model Change. On Sardinia, Italy, I test drove this eighth-generation model, known as the B8. Its significantly improved refinement left a strong impression.


The new Passat was announced in September 2014. The body is available in two forms: a sedan and a station wagon called the Variant. Engines include a 1.4-liter gasoline four-cylinder and a 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder (with output variations). Drivetrain options are front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, known as 4MOTION. The gearbox is available as a manual or a dual-clutch transmission called DSG.



"Everything is new, from the design, technology, and engines to the smallest details. We have reduced weight by up to 85 kg and improved fuel efficiency by 20 percent," a representative proudly stated to journalists at the press conference held at a resort hotel in Porto Cervo.



The exterior was designed to be immediately recognizable as a Passat. However, the body panels exhibit virtually no distortion, and the character line along the side is so sharp it feels like it could cut your hand. This improvement in quality is a testament to the significant investment in production technology.



A sense of luxury is immediately apparent. It feels as though the car's class has been elevated by one step compared to the previous model, a common impression for both the sedan and the Variant. The driving performance has also improved accordingly.

The New Passat's Greatest Strength

The Passat sold 1.1 million units worldwide in 2013 alone. In Japan, while some rationally choose it for its size (convenience) and fuel efficiency, its brand appeal has been somewhat lacking.



The 1.4-liter TSI (Turbocharged, Gasoline, Direct Injection) engine, with its 150 PS maximum output and 250 Nm of torque at 1,500 rpm, delivers significant power at low revs, as the figures suggest. Acceleration is improved, and it's so flexible that you can drive without constantly shifting gears. I initially drove the manual transmission; at speeds around 50 km/h, I could leave it in third gear without issue, even with acceleration and deceleration. Of course, if you push it, the torque pulls strongly all the way to the redline.



When Volkswagen first introduced 1.4-liter engines, I worried if such a small displacement would be sufficient. However, through continuous refinement, they have achieved a superb result. As I will discuss later, the 2.0-liter TDI diesel is also a remarkable engine, showcasing the pinnacle of Volkswagen's technological prowess.



In response to the European Commission's decision to limit CO2 emissions to 95g/km by 2020, European manufacturers are urgently working on countermeasures. The new Passat with the 1.4TSI engine achieves 115g/km, which, while not yet meeting the target, indicates steady progress towards the goal.

Satisfying Those Interested in the Passat

The new Passat (both sedan and Variant), advertised as "shorter and wider," compares to the previous model with a 2mm reduction in overall length to 4,767mm, while the wheelbase has been extended by 79mm to 2,791mm. The overall height is 14mm lower at 1,456mm, and the width has increased by 12mm to 1,832mm.




Bischoff explains that the reason for this was, "We wanted to express a powerful and sporty character." He further elaborates that the goal was to create an impression comparable to premium-class vehicles like the Mercedes-BenzC-Classand BMW's3 Series"We aimed to elevate the car to a higher class. We sought a shape that possessed the potential to evolve into a business sedan."



The result is evident. Driving on the roads of Sardinia, the suspension meticulously absorbs bumps, the seats offer excellent cushioning, and the cabin is clean and spacious, front and rear. The new Passat is sure to satisfy anyone interested in the model.

High Likelihood of Diesel Model Introduction

During this test drive, I had the opportunity to experience various combinations: the 1.4 TSI with DSG, the 150 PS 2.0 TDI with a 6-speed manual, and the 240 PS 2.0 TDI 4MOTION with DSG. It is expected that Japan will first receive the 1.4 TSI with variations based on equipment differences, followed by the TDI. All models destined for Japan will reportedly be front-wheel drive with DSG.



While I was impressed by the flexibility of the TSI engine, the TDI is also a superb power unit.



The 240 PS version boasts a maximum torque of 500 Nm, providing powerful acceleration at low speeds with minimal throttle input, while impressively revving smoothly up to 5,000 rpm. The suspension is also well-tuned, and with the optional progressive steering that varies the gear ratio according to steering speed, cornering proved to be enjoyable.





The 150 PS TDI also offers ample power. While the characteristic diesel clatter can be heard faintly inside, the cabin is generally quiet, with only a slight hint of road noise. Furthermore, with a generous maximum torque of 340 Nm, the acceleration is quite impressive.



Volkswagen Group Japan plans to introduce the 1.4 TSI to Japan by the summer of 2015, followed by the TDI around the following year. Pricing is yet to be determined, but it is expected to be slightly higher than the current model (approximately ¥3.4-4.4 million).

Abundant Safety Features

The new Passat is equipped with a wealth of safety features, a significant improvement over the current model. While some are optional, here are the main highlights.



"Area View" processes image data from four cameras in real-time to display a bird's-eye view of the car's surroundings on the screen, aiding in obstacle detection. "Side Assist," which warns of vehicles in blind spots, now includes "Rear Traffic Alert," which detects and warns of approaching vehicles from the sides when reversing out of parking spaces.



The "Lane Assist" system, using camera input, gently pushes the steering wheel back if the driver attempts to steer towards a detected hazard. Furthermore, it can prevent lane departure by automatically steering the vehicle.



When "Adaptive Cruise Control" with automatic following and braking functions for preceding vehicles is combined with "Lane Assist," the system learns and maintains the vehicle's position in the center of the lane or a preferred location. By automatically controlling braking, acceleration, and steering, it functions as a "Traffic Jam Assist."



"Front Assist including City Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection" warns the driver if a collision is imminent. Additionally, automatic braking is activated to avoid the collision. This system detects not only vehicles but also pedestrians.



Beyond safety, computer technology also enhances convenience. "MirrorLink" allows for the sharing of applications with Android mobile devices and enables the transfer and checking of vehicle status via smartphone. In today's terms, this is referred to as an infotainment system, and the new Passat has been significantly modernized in this area as well.