The New Standard from VW

After more than 40 years, the Volkswagen Passat, a best-selling mid-size four-door sedan, and its station wagon model, the Passat Variant, have arrived in Japan. Following our test drive report last October,test drive reportthis popular model has consistently ranked high in popularity.

However, in the Japanese market,the Mercedes-Benz C-ClassandBMW 3 Series,Audi A4have held a dominant position, making the Passat's presence somewhat understated. To change this perception, the new model features a significantly revised exterior design.

The front fascia, in line with models like theGolfandSharan,incorporates Volkswagen's latest design language, with a radiator grille featuring three chrome bars and three-dimensional headlights, creating a sharp and sporty impression. Numerous other refinements have been made to the new model, details of which will be shared in an upcoming interview with designer Fumihiro Ogawa.

The interior, true to Volkswagen's style, is simple, uncluttered, and of high quality. By significantly extending the wheelbase, the cabin length has been increased by 33mm, resulting in a more spacious and comfortable interior. The luggage capacity is 586 liters for the sedan and 650-1,780 liters for the station wagon, enhancing practicality.

Naturally, the new model is not just about exterior and interior updates; the chassis and body structure have also been completely redesigned. The latest platform, "MQB," which debuted with the Golf, is also employed in this Passat.MQBis also used in this Passat.

The engine is a 1.4-liter inline-four turbo equipped with Active Cylinder Management (ACT), which deactivates two cylinders under light load, and the "BlueMotion Technology" package, comprising a Start/Stop system and a brake energy recovery system. This further improves fuel efficiency, achieving an excellent 20.4 km/ℓ under the JC08 test cycle.

The engine produces a maximum output of 110 kW (150 ps) at 5,000-6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 250 Nm (25.5 kgm) at 1,500-3,500 rpm. A 7-speed DSG automatic transmission is standard across all models.

Numerous aspects of the new Passat are noteworthy, including its safety features. The inclusion of Volkswagen's latest preventative safety technologies as standard on all models is welcome news, featuring a pre-crash brake system to prevent rear-end collisions, a lane change assist system for safe lane changes, and a rear traffic alert to prevent accidents when reversing.

The initial lineup includes a total of eight models: four trims for the sedan and four for the station wagon – "TSI Trendline," "TSI Comfortline," "TSI Highline," and "TSI R-Line." All models are right-hand drive. The engine is the aforementioned 1.4-liter TSI for all variants. Prices range from 3.29 million yen to 4.6098 million yen for the sedan, and 3.4899 million yen to 4.8097 million yen for the Variant. Sales begin today, July 16th.

Furthermore, Volkswagen Japan announced at the press conference that the "TDI" series with diesel engines, the "GTE" series plug-in hybrids, and the "Alltrack" 4WD models will be introduced from 2016 onwards. The new Passat lineup will be significantly expanded to meet a wide range of customer needs.

Volkswagen Passat
Body Dimensions |
(TSI Trendline, TSI Comfortline) Length 4,785 x Width 1,830 x Height 1,465 mm
(TSI Highline, TSI R-Line) Length 4,785 x Width 1,830 x Height 1,470 mm
Wheelbase | 2,790 mm
Tread Front/Rear |
(TSI Trendline, TSI Comfortline, TSI Highline) 1,585 / 1,570 mm
(TSI R-Line) 1,580 / 1,560 mm
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.4 meters
Weight | 1,460 kg
Engine | 1,394 cc Inline 4-cylinder Turbo
Bore x Stroke | 74.5 x 80.0 mm
Compression Ratio | 10.0
Max. Output | 110 kW (150 ps) / 5,000-6,000 rpm
Max. Torque | 250 Nm (25.5 kgm) / 1,500-3,500 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed AT (DSG)
Drivetrain | FF
Suspension Front/Rear | MacPherson Strut / 4-link
Brakes Front | Ventilated Discs
Brakes Rear |
(TSI Trendline) Discs
(TSI Comfortline, TSI Highline, TSI R-Line) Ventilated Discs
Fuel Economy (JC08) | 20.4 km/ℓ
Tires Front/Rear |
(TSI Trendline) 215/60R16
(TSI Comfortline, TSI Highline) 215/55R17
(TSI R-Line) 235/45R18
Trunk Capacity | 586 Liters
Steering Position | Right
Price | (TSI Trendline) ¥3,290,000 (TSI Comfortline) ¥3,590,000
(TSI Highline) ¥4,140,000 (TSI R-Line) ¥4,609,800

Volkswagen Passat Variant
Body Dimensions |
(TSI Trendline, TSI Comfortline) Length 4,775 x Width 1,830 x Height 1,485 mm
(TSI Highline, TSI R-Line) Length 4,775 x Width 1,830 x Height 1,510 mm
Wheelbase | 2,790 mm
Tread Front/Rear |
(TSI Trendline, TSI Comfortline, TSI Highline) 1,585 / 1,570 mm
(TSI R-Line) 1,580 / 1,560 mm
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.4 meters
Weight | 1,510 kg
Engine | 1,394 cc Inline 4-cylinder Turbo
Bore x Stroke | 74.5 x 80.0 mm
Compression Ratio | 10.0
Max. Output | 110 kW (150 ps) / 5,000-6,000 rpm
Max. Torque | 250 Nm (25.5 kgm) / 1,500-3,500 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed AT (DSG)
Drivetrain | FF
Suspension Front/Rear | MacPherson Strut / 4-link
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Discs / Ventilated Discs
Fuel Economy (JC08) | 20.4 km/ℓ
Tires Front/Rear |
(TSI Trendline) 215/60R16
(TSI Comfortline, TSI Highline) 215/55R17
(TSI R-Line) 235/45R18
Trunk Capacity | 650-1,780 Liters
Steering Position | Right
Price | (TSI Trendline) ¥3,489,900 (TSI Comfortline) ¥3,789,900
(TSI Highline) ¥4,339,900 (TSI R-Line) ¥4,809,700