Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI BiTurbo - like clockwork
The next generations of the Volkswagen Passat never surprised. The refined model regularly becomes even more technologically advanced, but at the same time remains initially restrained. Not everyone likes it, but now the voices seem different. What happened?
It is not necessary to be present on the forums to notice the reluctance of some drivers to relate to the Volkswagen. The focus is usually on the Passat as a flagship model. Some voices blame them for engine failure, others have a neutral, sometimes called boring, design. In the case of the new Passat, however, there are opinions, so far staunch opponents, who say that this particular model would be willing to buy. What could have made such an impression on them?
Elegant classics
First, the new design. Although, like Volkswagen, it is not so different from its predecessor, it is much more efficient. The wide, flat bonnet lends a dynamic character, while the chrome front apron looks more noble with slightly sinister headlights. So much so that it is still regarded as a "car for the people", Volkswagen Passat has now become a car that looks more expensive than it really is. Of course, the more equipped versions are most impressive, but it is enough to buy larger wheels for the base model, and now we can drive the car so that all the neighbors can see us.
On the Highline, we get 17-inch London wheels as standard. The test model was fitted with optional 18-inch Marseille wheels, but there are at least 7 more models with 19-inch Verona on top. However, the best choice between spectacular appearance and practical use will be the 18s.
On Comfortline and above, chrome strips appear around the windows, while Highline can be recognized by the presence of chrome even closer to the thresholds, at the bottom of the door. Looking at Passat not only from the front, but also from other angles, we notice that much less has changed here. The sideline is reminiscent of the B7 generation, as is the back of the sedan. In version 2.0 BiTDI, two exhaust pipes mounted in the bumper, with the addition of chrome around the perimeter, look especially interesting.
Full speed ahead!
Once seated in the cockpit, the most prominent feature is the screen behind the wheel. This is not only the on-board computer screen, because Volkswagen decided to give it all. It replaced the classic analog clock with one wide screen. It may not appeal to purists, but it actually expands the functionality of the space right in front of the driver's eyes. I already explain why. Pointers should not take up much space. By holding the "OK" button, you can increase or decrease them, leaving room for other information. We can show quite a few of them. Most impressive, however, is the navigation displayed in front of you - trying to navigate a new city, you do not have to take your eyes off the road. And we all know how cars with foreign numbers are driven when they seem lost. With navigation in this place it will definitely be safer. However, there are also disadvantages. When the sun shines on this display, its readability drops significantly. Some kind of anti-reflective coating or a brighter backlight would not hurt - preferably adaptive to the amount of light around, like in phones.
The multimedia center in the center console is one of the coolest systems of its kind currently installed in cars. It is fully tactile but has a wider field of view when not in use. The proximity sensor ensures that the available options are only displayed when you bring your hand close to the screen. Smart and practical. Navigation in this location can also be displayed with a satellite image - if we connect the system to the Internet - and a 3D view of some buildings. Other features include an entire audio tab with settings, vehicle data, vehicle settings, driving profile selection, and phone features.
However, let's not forget about the main function of the cabin - ensuring the comfort of the driver and passengers. The seats are definitely comfortable, and the driver's headrest can be adjusted in two planes. This headrest is very soft, so you want to lean your head against it. The seats can be equipped with both heating and ventilation - although the latter option is activated by first pressing the appropriate physical button, and then selecting the operating mode on the screen. Good visibility in almost all directions is also a plus.
There should be enough space in the back for almost every passenger. I would even venture to say that Tomasz Majewski, our Olympic champion in the shot put, has nothing to complain about here. Of course, there is a luggage compartment behind the back seat. We'll get to it with an electrically lifted hatch. The luggage compartment is really large, as it can hold up to 586 liters, but access is unfortunately limited by the relatively narrow loading opening.
Strength without emotions
Volkswagen Passat 2.0 BiTDI he can be fast. In our tests, acceleration to 100 km / h even reached a result identical to that of the Subaru WRX STI. The manufacturer claimed 6,1 seconds in this question, but managed to drop to 5,5 seconds in the test.
This 2-liter diesel engine with the help of two turbochargers produces power equal to 240 hp. at 4000 rpm and as much as 500 Nm of torque in the range of 1750-2500 rpm. The values are correct, but they do not violate the general concept of the car, which is becoming discreet. When accelerating, the turbines whistle pleasantly, although this does not cause much emotion. The fact is that overtaking is not the slightest problem, we can very quickly “pick up” from almost any permitted speed, but still we don’t feel anything special.
The most powerful version of the Volkswagen Passat was combined with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, which is implemented by the fifth generation Haldex clutch. The new Haldex is a really advanced design, but it's still a connected drive. This is felt even in long corners, when we hold the gas pedal in one position, and at some point we feel a more stable rear end. In Sport mode, there is sometimes a slight oversteer, which clearly tells us that the rear axle drive is already working. Selecting a driving profile can fine-tune engine and suspension performance. In the "Comfort" mode, you can forget about ruts, because even in areas with the worst surface condition, uneven surfaces are hardly noticeable. Sport mode, in turn, makes the suspension stiffer. Maybe not drastically because it's still comfortable enough, but we do start to jump around after hitting potholes and bumps in the road.
Driver assistance systems are also advanced technology, but we have become accustomed to it. The list of equipment may include active cruise control, emergency braking and a Front Assist or Lane Assist distance control system with lane keeping. However, a new feature is Trailer Assist, which is especially useful for boaters and campers, i.e. those who travel a lot with a trailer. Or rather, those who begin to ride with him? In any case, with the help of this system, we set the angle of rotation of the trailer, and the electronics take care of maintaining this setting.
One of the features of Volkswagen engines is their low fuel consumption, despite the high power. Everything is different here, because a 240 hp diesel engine. content with 8,1 l / 100 km in undeveloped areas and 11,2 l / 100 km in the city. As usual in my tests, I give real fuel consumption, where during the measurement it seemed that he was overtaking even faster. It will be easy to achieve a lower result, but that's not why we choose the most powerful block from the proposal. For the economical, weaker units are provided, but it's nice to know that in 2.0 BiTDI, even with dynamic driving, average fuel consumption will not ruin us.
like clockwork
Volkswagen Passat This is an automotive analogue of a suit watch. The rules for choosing a watch for an outfit suggest that one that shows our financial capabilities should be worn everyday, and for more formal occasions, choose a classic suit. In many ways, these types of watches are similar to each other - they are not too big to easily fit under a shirt, and mostly have a black leather strap. While we've seen the hero with the great Omega in the James Bond films, and it's true that we're allowed to wear more expensive watches, in some environments we'd still be considered a tactless memory.
Likewise, the Passat shouldn't be flashy. He is restrained, cool, but at the same time not at all devoid of elegance. The design also includes subtle additions that add a bit more character and visual dynamism. This is a car for those who do not want to stand out, but love with taste. The new Passat won't ruin the parking lot under the opera house, but it will allow you to get out of it without attracting too much attention. In the version with the 2.0 BiTDI engine, it will also help you quickly get from place to place, and the comfort inside will reduce fatigue on a long journey.
However, Passat prices have risen slightly. The cheapest model with Trendline equipment package and 1.4 TSI engine costs PLN 91. From that point on, prices gradually rise, and they end on the proven version, which costs less than 790 without any extras. zloty. This, of course, is a niche equipment, because Volkswagen is still a car for the people. People with a slightly better income who choose rather indirect offers - here they cost about 170 zł.
The competition is primarily Ford Mondeo, Mazda 6, Peugeot 508, Toyota Avensis, Opel Insignia and of course Skoda Superb. Let's compare versions similar to the tested one - with a top-end diesel engine, preferably with a 4×4 drive, and the maximum possible configuration. The top-of-the-line Mondeo is the Vignale version, where the 4×4 diesel engine produces 180 hp. The cost is PLN 167. The Mazda 000 sedan cannot be equipped with all-wheel drive, and its most equipped 6-horsepower diesel model costs PLN 175. The Peugeot 154 GT also puts out 900 hp. and costs PLN 508. Toyota Avensis 180 D-143D costs PLN 900 but is only available for 2.0 km. The Opel Insignia 4 CDTI BiTurbo 133 HP in the Executive package again costs PLN 900, but here the 143×2.0 drive reappears. Last on the list is the Skoda Superb, which costs PLN 195 with 153 TDI and Laurin & Klement equipment.
although Volkswagen Passat 2.0 BiTDI it is the most expensive in the area, but also the fastest. Of course, the offer also includes a model closer to the competition - 2.0 TDI 190 KM with DSG transmission and Highline package for PLN 145. With weaker engine versions, prices become more competitive and it seems to me that the sharpest battle will be with the loudest newcomers in the segment - Ford Mondeo and Skoda Superb. These are different designs, where the Mondeo offers a more interesting design, and the Skoda boasts a rich interior for less money.
