Passat for the seventh time
Everyone can see the Passat for what it is. The seventh generation, which debuted at the end of last year, will not disappoint, but will not surprise with anything new either. VW says it's a new model, we say it's too optimistic.
Expectations for the seventh generation Volkswagen Passat, designated B7, were very high. After all, it replaces a model that has been on the market for five years. Everyone was waiting for something completely new, a break with existing canons and a new direction. And, as with the next generation Golf, everyone was deeply disappointed. VW's head of design, Walter De Silva, acknowledged that the next incarnation of the Passat is not a revolution, but an evolution. Although VW representatives say that only the roof remains unchanged from the outside. One way or another, looking and driving the Passat B7, we can say that we are dealing with a deep facelift, and not with a new generation of the model. First things first.
New?
The appearance of the "new" Passat has not changed dramatically. Of course, the biggest changes are to the front bumper, which (as De Silva intended) now resembles the Phaeton and… the rest of the VW family from the Polo to the T5. The taillights have been given sharper shapes and now extend further into the wheel arches. Contrary to the rule that each new generation should be larger than the previous one, the Passat's external dimensions remain unchanged - with the exception of the length, which in the case of the sedan has increased by 4 mm. And these side mirrors are new, but kind of familiar. After a while, you will notice that they (live) are borrowed from the Passat CC. In fact, there are a lot of tangible changes.
Here the question always arises about the emotions caused by the Passat (more precisely, their absence). Well, looking at the many and varied entries of automotive "enthusiasts" under any publication about the Passat, it's pretty hard to say that this car does not evoke emotions. In fact, it seems that in our country, the Passat, including its design, causes even more bewilderment and excitement than many 600-horsepower monsters. After all, the “new” generation during our weekly test aroused great interest among other drivers, and not a single gas station was complete without a short interview (“New?”, “What has changed?”, “How does it ride?”, “How much does it cost?”? ”).
What did they change?
Inside? Several. Or, as VW marketers would put it, the changes are as significant as they are on the outside. Now the cabin design has become even more thoughtful. The first thing you notice when you get behind the wheel (and maybe even earlier) is the analog clock in the center of the dashboard. This is a subtle nod to the higher class, although the accuracy of setting the clock into the decorative wooden slats of the tested version of the Highline is comparable to the lower class. Looks like he was forced to come in here. Between the elegant and legible pinnacles of the tachometer and speedometer is a color on-board computer display (PLN 880 option) that can also display navigation readings. The handbrake release handle has been replaced with a solid button located next to the slimmer DSG dual-clutch shift lever. The air conditioning panel has also changed - every Skoda Superb driver probably knows it.
Soft materials predominate around, while hard materials are pleasant to the touch and look quite decent. The mention of the quality of fit of individual elements in the case of VW is a pure formality - it is excellent. Well, maybe except for these hours.
The highest-equipped test unit was trimmed with polished walnut slats and brushed aluminum on the center console. On paper, this statement looks much better than it really is. Brushed aluminum is actually aluminum. Only this wood is questionable.
There is definitely room for four people. Even tall people (190 cm) in the back need not worry about the space in front and above them. Only the fifth passenger, who will take the place in the middle of the rear seat, will have to contend with the large central tunnel under their feet.
Not to mention the latest driver assistance systems that have found their place on board the "new" Passat. Who knows if they are not the biggest novelty here and the element that defines the B7 generation. There are 19 of them in total, although there are slightly fewer of them in the tested version. In addition to the adaptive cruise control, we can activate the Front Assist system, which ensures that we do not collide with the rear of another car. If he detects a dangerous situation, he will slow down or help push the pedal to the floor. I have to admit that the system is not too intrusive and can really save us from the unpleasant consequences of staring. Slightly useful, but no less impressive, is the second-generation parking assistance system (in the PLN 990 package). Now it helps to park (in fact, it parks itself) both along the road and perpendicular to it. It is enough to drive through the free space, then release the steering wheel and dose the gas accordingly. It makes an impression! A nice addition is an assistant called Auto Hold, which saves the driver from the burden of constantly keeping his foot on the brake when parking (with a DSG gearbox). The corresponding tire pressure can be constantly monitored and displayed on the computer screen, and another system that detects driver fatigue takes care of breaks while driving and our mental and physical state.
Of the more interesting “boosts” that our model was deprived of, we can replace a system that automatically turns on high beams, warns of uncontrolled lane changes, objects in the blind spots of mirrors, a traffic sign recognition system or an electronic differential. block XDS. Also interesting is the patent that facilitates access to the trunk by opening its lid with the appropriate movement of the foot behind the car (if the key is with you). In short, for the right price, the new Passat is going to be a very well-equipped and intelligent vehicle. In this field, you can see an advantage over its predecessor.
How does he drive?
This is all for theory. Time for practical training behind the wheel of the Passat B7. Here, too, no diametrical differences can be expected. It is enough to pay attention to the fact that the "new" generation is based on the previous one. And good. Driving performance was a clear advantage of the B6. Our Passat is additionally equipped with adaptive suspension adjustment (PLN 3480), which offers Comfort, Normal and Sport modes, and also lowers the suspension by 10 mm. It must be admitted that the difference in the operation of shock absorbers between the extreme modes is significant. In normal mode, the Passat behaves very decently. Even despite the 18-inch wheels, ride comfort is excellent - any bumps are absorbed quickly, quietly and without much fuss from the suspension. It's nicely springy and gives a feeling of confidence, and isolation from uneven road surfaces is the Passat's strong point (especially in Comfort mode).
The power steering takes on a pleasant resistance at higher speeds, and the driver constantly receives clear signals about what is happening to the front axle. Although it is the rear that eagerly wants to surrender to centrifugal force with a sharper turn. Too bad the infinite ESP system will never allow effective oversteer. After switching the DGS suspension and transmission to Sport mode (you can control the paddles on the steering wheel), driving a Passat (even without XDS) can be interesting and cause a pugnacious smile from the driver. Not the last role in this is played by the diesel engine under the hood.
Our Passat was equipped with a 140-horsepower version of the 2-liter diesel engine with direct fuel injection. Now it's even more friendly to the environment and your wallet. The engine comes with BlueMotion technology as standard, and VW says it's the most fuel-efficient unit in its class. With the right traffic jam (outside the city), you can achieve the fuel consumption declared by the manufacturer - 4,6 l/100 km. And that's something. In the city and on the highway it is difficult to exceed 8 l/100 km. The reduction in consumption was achieved through the use of the Start & Stop system (quite annoying in diesel, fortunately it can be switched off) or energy recovery during braking. 140 hp at 4200 320 rpm and 1750 Nm, available from 100 10 rpm, are quite enough for smooth driving around the city. Also on the road, overtaking will become an easy and pleasant maneuver without risking your life. The 0-tonne Passat accelerates to 211 km/h in less than 3 seconds, and the refined operation of the DSG transmission ensures uninterrupted traction from up to maximum km/h (on a closed road). At higher speeds, you can clearly hear in the cabin what kind of fuel our car is running on, but the hum of the diesel engine never gets boring.
How much?
Unfortunately, we do not find significant differences compared to its predecessor in terms of price. The seventh generation averages 5 thousand. more expensive than outgoing. The rationale for this can be easily found, although the new Passat is cheaper on the German market.
Prices for the tested version of the Highline with a diesel engine start from PLN 126. Prices for people? Not necessary. As standard we get a set of airbags, ESP, dual-zone air conditioning, a CD/MP190 radio with eight speakers, leather and Alcantara upholstery, wood trim, heated front seats and 2-inch alloy wheels. For all the rest, more or less luxurious, you have to pay... And then it’s easy to go over 3. It’s annoying that even the possibility of electrically folding side mirrors requires an additional 17 zlotys. It remains only to add that the prices for the new Passat with the 140 TSI engine with 750 hp. start from 1,4 zlotys.
Either way, the Passat will still sell very well. Although the price is quite average compared to the competition, the B7 is a comfortable, solid and versatile limousine in every way. Somewhere in the noise of complaints about minor changes from its predecessor or subdued styling, the Passat will quietly and quietly continue to do well in the marketplace. And its strength will not be its exceptional virtues (because they are hard to find in it), but the shortcomings of competitors.
Zakhar Zawadzki, AutoCentrum.pl: Is the B7 generation innovative enough? In my opinion, a simple perfunctory reading of the new Passat's list of optional equipment makes these considerations redundant. The list of innovations in equipment is so long that even if this car looked and drove the same as its predecessor, it would already be close to new. And it doesn't look the same - and it doesn't drive the same way.
The issue of appearance has already been the subject of many discussions - I personally join the voices that the designers were too conservative (I refer, among other things, to my report from the first trips http://www.autocentrum.pl/raporty-z-jazd /nowy-passat-nadjezdza/ where this thread has been heavily affected). I've also heard the idea that the car now looks like an unfinished sculpture, allowing the judges to fill in the missing curves in their imagination. How do you like it? A bold idea... at least that's how you can safely say about his appearance. Observing the reaction of passers-by, this car cannot be recommended for new acquaintances, if someone looks at the car, then it usually has a mustache.
As for driving, I personally had a chance to try out the Passat 1,8 TSI version with 160 hp. and a torque of 250 Nm. The price list of this engine version starts from PLN 93.890 (Trendline) and is an offer worth considering for lovers of petrol engines. In this version, there are not so many gadgets on board in the car, but the price is not prohibitive, and we will find here everything you need for a comfortable trip. A car with this engine convinces with its energy (paid for by high revs), absolutely amazing damping and an economy bonus for a driver who does not use high revs too often - fuel consumption for a given mixed driving (city, road, highway). was only less than 7,5 l/km.
To sum up: Passat fulfills the postulates of its brand, which is a "car for the people" - it does not discourage with its shortcomings, does not scare away with its extravagant appearance. The wife will be glad that the young ladies do not follow her husband, the husband will be glad that the neighbor is languishing with jealousy, the family budget does not break either when buying or from the distributor, and when reselling, the buyer will quickly be found and pay well. Car without risk - you can say that "every scratch card wins."
