Volkswagen Passat
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| Volkswagen Passat | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group |
| Also called | Volkswagen Dasher Volkswagen Quantum Volkswagen Santana Volkswagen Corsar Volkswagen Crossover |
| Production | 1973–present |
| Predecessor | Volkswagen Type 3 Volkswagen Type 4 Volkswagen K70 |
| Class | 1973-1988: Small family car / Compact car 1990-present: Large family car / Mid-size car |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Similar | Ford Mondeo Hyundai Sonata Mazda 6 |
The Volkswagen Passat is a family car built by Volkswagen AG ("VW"), produced in various forms since 1973. It falls between the Volkswagen Golf/Jetta and Phaeton in the current Volkswagen line-up, and is currently produced in Volkswagen's plants in Emden and Zwickau, Germany. Although normally known as the Passat in European and North American markets, it has been badged as a variety of other names including Dasher, Santana, Quantum and Crossover in some markets during its life. Its name is short for passatwind — German for "trade wind". While the first generation Passat was a compact car/small family car, the second generation grew in size, and later Passats are mid-size cars/large family cars.
The Passat has always been one of Volkswagen's most important models, falling in the middle of the sedan/saloon market segment. It was critical to Volkswagen on its introduction in 1973, as the sales of the aging Beetle were declining, and larger air-cooled rear-engined models like the Volkswagen Type 3 and 411 and 412 based on older technology were also failing to take hold in the market.
Following the Volkswagen Group's acquisition of Audi in 1964, Volkswagen was able to use newly gained engineering expertise to develop a modern front-wheel drive car with a water-cooled engine, and thus the Passat and Golf (the latter being introduced in 1974) were the first of a new generation of Volkswagens. Indeed, the first Passat was developed directly from the Audi 80/Fox and the two still share the same platform. The new Passat allowed Volkswagen to compete more squarely with its European rivals than was possible with its product line consisting of old-fashioned rear-engined models.
Contents |
[edit] Mark 1 (B1 platform)
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Also called | Volkswagen Dasher |
| Production | 1973–1981 |
| Assembly | Emden, Germany |
| Class | Small family car / Compact car |
| Body style | 2-door sedan 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback 5-door station wagon |
| Engine | 1.3 L I4 1.5 L I4 1.6 L I4 1.5 L diesel I4 |
| Related | Audi 80/Fox |
The reference to "mark" or "Mk" has been introduced by the Motoring Press and is not a reference used by the manufacturer VAG, which refers to progressive production versions by the German term "Veränderung" (alteration) abbreviated as "V".
The original VW Passat was launched in 1973. The body types offered originally were 2- and 4-door sedans and similar looking three- and five-door versions. Externally all four shared a modern fastback style design, styled by the Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The styling of the Passat B1 is very reminiscent of the Lamborghini Espada, which had been Giugiaro's last styling project. In many ways the Passat can be seen as the four door styling exercise based on the Espada. All the versions sharing the same external design was unusual, since two of the models were traditional sedans with a separate trunk (boot). A five-door station wagon/estate was introduced in 1974. Passat was effectively a less expensive version of the Audi 80 (Fox) sedan which had been introduced a year earlier and which had a more conservative body style, so that the Audi and Volkswagen models had distinct body styles and image. In Europe, Passat was equipped with rectangular or single round 7" or double round 5.5" headlights depending on specification.
In North America, the car was called the Dasher, and was only available with round DOT-spec lights. The three-door hatchback model was launched in North America for the 1974 model year.
The Passat was one of the most modern European family cars at the time, and was intended as a replacement for the ageing Volkswagen Type 3, and as a contemporary rival for popular Ford Taunus/Cortina and Opel Ascona/Vauxhall Cavalier. The Passat was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 1974 and its sister model Audi 80 was nominated car of the year by the European motor press a year earlier. The platform was named B1.
The Passat used the 4 cylinder OHC 1.3 l, 1.5 l, and 1.6 l petrol engines, also used in the Audi 80—longitudinally mounted with front-wheel drive, in Audi tradition, with either a 4-speed manual transmission or 3-speed automatic. It had a MacPherson strut front suspension with a solid axle/coil spring setup at the rear.
The SOHC 1.5 produced 75 PS (55 kW) and was enlarged to 1.6 l for 1975. The larger engine included tighter emissions controls, so power output dropped to 70 PS (52 kW). Bosch fuel injection on the 1.6 was introduced in 1976 and brought power up to 78 PS (57 kW).
The whole range received a facelift in 1977 (launched 1978 outside Europe), featuring an interior upgrade and subtly revised styling including repositioned indicators and depending on model, either quad (round) or rectangular headlights. This generation was sold in Brazil well into the 1980s and extensively exported to Iraq, where many are still on the road. It was also assembled in Nigeria.
1979 saw the introduction of the Volkswagen Golf's 1.5 l diesel engine, which produced just 48 PS (35 kW) in the 1130 kg (2500 lb) car. 0–100 km/h time for the Diesel was 19.4 seconds, 6.2 seconds slower than the gasoline (petrol) engine. All gasoline engines were dropped for North America in 1981 in preparation for the next generation car the next year.
[edit] Mark 2 (B2 platform)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Also called | Volkswagen Quantum Volkswagen Santana Volkswagen Corsar |
| Production | 1981–1987 |
| Assembly | Emden, Germany |
| Class | Small family car / Compact car |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback 5-door station wagon |
| Engine | 1.3 L I4 1.5 L I4 1.6 L I4 1.8 L I4 2.0 L I4 1.5 L diesel I4 1.8 L diesel I4 1.9 L I5 |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 100.40 |
| Length | 179.5 in (GL) 180.7 in (GL Syncro) |
| Width | 67.2 in (GL) 66.7 in (GL Syncro) |
| Height | 54.8 in (GL) 58 in (GL Syncro) |
| Fuel capacity | 15.8 US gal (GL) 18.5 in US gal (GL Syncro) |
| Related | Ford Versailles Ford Royale Ford Galaxy |
The second generation Volkswagen Passat was launched in 1981. The platform, named B2, was slightly longer and the car's updated styling was instantly recognisable as Passat, with the most obvious difference being the rectangular headlights. The car was known as the Quantum in North America, where it was introduced in 1982, and Corsar in Mexico, where it was sold between 1985 and 1988.
As well as the Passat hatchbacks and estate (wagon) there was also a conventional three-box sedan, which until the beginning of 1985 was sold as the Volkswagen Santana in Europe. In North America, the Quantum was available in three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and wagon form, but the five-door hatchback was never sold there and the three-door hatchback was dropped after 1983.
The range received a minor facelift in 1986, with the sedan, now known as the Passat, sharing the same front end as the hatchback and estate. The Passat sedan and estate were produced in South Africa until 1987.
The range of engines was more extensive than that of the first generation Passat, and included a 5 cylinder Audi 2.0 L petrol, 1.9 L petrol and a 1.9 L diesel as well as all the engines previously available in the B1 model. The 2.0 GT5S version had a power output of 115 PS (85 kW) and was available with VW's 4WD system, Syncro.
[edit] Brazilian, Chinese and Japanese Santanas
In 1991, Volkswagen do Brasil was involved in its Autolatina partnership with Ford do Brasil. Rather than tool up for the third generation Passat (B3), retained the B2 shaped sedan and wagon & made structural changes to the grill, front and rear ends (including front & rear guards). These structural changes made it look like a modern B3 Passat, which some car enthusiasts commonly mistake it for.
Under terms with Autolatina, the car was also sold as the Ford Versailles in Brazil and as the Ford Galaxy in Argentina. This range included a unique station wagon version called the Ford Royale, which unlike the Volkswagen version, had only two doors. Although such models were relatively popular in Brazil, and had been sold by Ford before, it was also alleged that Volkswagen did not want the Royale to be available as a four-door model, as this would have posed a competitive threat.
The Brazilian Santana/Quantum proved very popular in their local market, even after VW finally introduced the more modern Passat. The Quantum was available in the VW line-up until 2002, and the Santana was finally retired in July 2006, more out of technological considerations than a drop in popularity, as the car was not a part of Volkswagen do Brasil's current flex fuel program.
The Chinese Santana, with the European Passat B2 design, has been built by the Shanghai-Volkswagen joint-venture since 1986.
In 1991, the Volkswagen Santana 2000 was put into development with Volkswagen do Brasil and started mass production in 1995, it has since been replaced in 2004 by the Volkswagen Santana 3000 which was the first VW to be designed by Shanghai-Volkswagen. Both the original Santana and the Santana 3000 are still sold in China.
The Brazilian Santana and Chinese version were co-developed between the two companies, although the Chinese versions have a longer wheelbase.
The Santana was also built in Japan under license by Nissan. Outwardly it was all VW, however there were a few minor mechanicals (i.e. window wipers) that were Nissan.
[edit] Mark 3 (B3 platform) (1988-1993)
| Third generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Production | 1988–1993 |
| Assembly | Emden, Germany |
| Class | Large family car / Mid-size car |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
| Engine | 1.6 L Turbodiesel 2.0 L I4 2.8 L VR6 1.8 L I4 1.9 L TDI I4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 103.3 in |
| Length | 180 in |
| Width | 67.1 in |
| Height | 56.2 in |
| Fuel capacity | 18.5 US gal |
The third generation Passat (introduced 1988 in Europe, 1990 in North America, 1995 in South America) was a completely new car, and was moved to the large family car/mid-size class. Its curvy looks were a world away from the boxy appearance of its predecessor and owed much to the "Jelly Mould" style pioneered by Ford with the Sierra. The lack of a grille made the car's front end styling reminiscent of older, rear-engined Volkswagens such as the 411.
At the time it was the first Passat to be built on an independently designed platform, rather than sharing one with an Audi sedan. Instead, the car, although designated B3 in VW's platform nomenclature, was largely on the A Platform as used for the smaller Golf model. Only sedan and station wagon versions were available, without the fastback option of previous models. It was marketed under the Passat name in all markets; in North America, it bore the Passat name for the first time.
The fuel injected engines were all new and gave better performance and refinement than the carburettor units previously used. They were mounted transversely, and the floorpan was engineered to accept VW's Syncro four-wheel drive system. Volkswagen's new 2.8 V6 VR6 engine (also used in the Golf and Corrado) was also made available in 1991, giving the top-of-the-range Passat a top speed of 224 km/h (139 mph).
In Russia (where this generation of Passat was extremely popular at second-hand market from early 1990's) it had been affectionately known as "ski", because grille-less front looked like an upside-down cross-country ski or toboggan.
[edit] Mark 4 (B4 platform) (1994-1997)
| Fourth generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Production | 1994–1997 |
| Assembly | Emden, Germany |
| Class | Large family car / Mid-size car |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
| Engine | 1.6 L Turbodiesel 2.0 L I4 2.8 L VR6 1.8 L I4 1.9 L TDI I4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 103.3 in |
| Length | 181.5 in (sedan) 181 in (wagon) |
| Width | 67.5 in |
| Height | 56.4 in (sedan) 58.7 in (wagon) |
| Fuel capacity | 18.5 US gal |
The Mark 3 Passat was heavily facelifted in 1993, and as a result it has sometimes been referred to as the Mark IV Passat; Volkswagen even renamed the platform B4. This version was available from 1994 to 1997 in North America.
Though the car was mechanically nearly identical to the original Mark 3, except for the carried-over windows, every external body panel was new. The most obvious exterior change was the re-introduction of a grille to match the style of the other same-generation Volkswagen models, such as the Mark 3 Golf, whose styling theme didn't follow on from the original Mark 3 Passat. The estate version, however, identified the link to the original Mark 3. The interior design was also updated and improved safety equipment including dual front airbags were added.
The car was available with a TDI diesel engine, an inline 4 cylinder 1.9 L turbo diesel, generating 210 N·m (155 ft·lbf) of torque at 1900 rpm, 90 PS (66 kW) at 3750 rpm. VW introduced the TDI engine to the North American market in the 1996 B4 Passat, with a U.S. EPA fuel efficiency rating for the sedan of 45 mpg highway (5.2 L/100 km). Combined with a 70 L (18.5 U.S. gallon) fuel tank, it had a 1300+ km (800+ mi) range on a single tank of fuel, nearly unheard of in the North American market. The TDI version is in high demand today and commands a high resale price in the U.S. due to its fuel economy and ability to operate on locally produced biofuels. The B4 TDI wagon is even rarer, fewer than 1000 having been imported to the U.S. during its 1996 to 1997 lifespan.
[edit] Versions available, and differences between them
Trim levels were virtually the same across Europe; L, CL and GL, (VR6 from 1993) were available, although in the United States it was CL, GL and GLX versions. The GLX version was a U.S.-edition only, with VW's 2.8 V6 engine. Other engines available in the U.S. were the base model 2.0 I4, and the 1.9 TDI.
Canadian versions of the Passat were similar to their European counterparts, unlike models sold in the U.S., due to a trade agreement that Canada had with Europe at the time. However, Canada did not get the 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrol version, nor the 1.6-litre turbodiesel, both of which were on sale in Europe at the time.
In 1994, agreements existed between Canada and several European counties which allowed any car federalized in one participating country to legally be sold in any of the others.
Versions sold in Mexico had a choice of 2.0-litre 4-cylinder or a 2.8-litre VR6 petrol. Trim levels were GL or GLX. These versions were more expensive than the Volkswagen cars built in Mexico, due to the import tariffs and the fact the Passat was built in Germany.
[edit] Mark 5 (B5 platform) (1996-2005)
| Fifth generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Production | 1996–2005 |
| Assembly | Emden, Germany Mosel/Zwickau, Germany |
| Class | Large family car / Mid-size car |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
| Engine | 1.8 L I4 2.0 L I4 2.3 L VR5 2.8 L V6 4.0 L W8 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 106.4 in |
| Length | 184.3 in (2001-05 wagon) 185.2 in (2001-05 sedan) 184.1 in (1998-2000 sedan) 183.8 in (1996-2000 wagon) |
| Width | 68.7 in (2001-05) 68.5 in (1996-2000) |
| Height | 59 in (wagon) 58.9 in (2001-05 wagon) 57.6 in (2001-05 sedan) 57.5 in (2001-05 sedan) 57.4 in (1998-2000 sedan) |
| Related | Audi A4 Škoda Superb |
The all-new fourth-generation Passat (sometimes referred to as the 5th generation Passat) (B5 platform) was launched in 1996 in Europe and 1998 in North America. It was significant in that it shared a platform with the Audi A4 (1995 onwards), using the classic "overhung" longitudinally mounted engine with front-wheel drive.
The Mark 4 Passat was a very significant car in its class. Not only was it the first step of VW moving its products upmarket to plug a gap between the mainstream machines and the premium cars, with SEAT and Škoda taking over as the "mainstream" brands, it also brought in a new level of interior quality and sophistication never seen before from a mainstream brand in the class. In fact, the quality of the Passat was on a par with its sister Audi A4 and it undoubtedly took some sales from its more costly premium in-house rival. The £16,000 starting price in the UK put it £1,000 above the equivalent Ford Mondeo, but the price difference showed when it came to luxury and upmarket feel. Rivals launched before 1996 now appeared cheap.
However, the advent of the Mark 4 Passat meant that most mainstream rivals in the class had to raise their game with interior quality to the point where there are now virtually no differences in quality levels between mainstream and premium cars in the class. The 2000 Ford Mondeo was the first car to show the effect the Mark 4 Passat had on the class. Only the budget brands in the class have not raised their game, but this is reflected in their prices. Volkswagen was about to play the same game in the class below with the Mark IV Volkswagen Golf in 1997.
Styling-wise, the Passat introduced a new design language, first seen on the Concept 1 concept car, for the latest generation of Volkswagens and this was evident with the Mark IV Golf, Bora and Mark IV Polo. The curvy lines, heavily raked windscreens, and smooth underpinnings helped give the B5 Passat an incredibly low coefficient of drag, rated at 0.27 (sedan model). The drag coefficient is lower than many sports cars, and even bests the latest design of the C6 Chevrolet Corvette, rated at 0.29. The Passat also influenced the styling of many yet-to-be-launched rivals, including modern releases from Ford, such as the 500, and Fusion.
Dynamically, the most notable thing about the Passat was its good ride, which was as good as anything produced by Mercedes-Benz or BMW. The handling though was generally accepted to be some way off the standards of the Mark I Ford Mondeo and the Peugeot 406 which was launched in 1995. The interior was also luxurious and well equipped, with a long equipment list which included power windows, air conditioning, CD player, power mirrors, power sunroof and leather upholstery.
The car featured sophisticated four-link front suspension, designed to eliminate torque steering. Four-wheel drive was later introduced as an option, using an expensive Torsen center differential which helps avoid loss of traction by using a 50:50 power distribution under normal conditions, and gave excellent superior handling on slick surfaces. The B5 Passat shared its platform with the Audi A4. Power came from entirely new gasoline engines, including a 1.8 L turbocharged 4-cylinder (150 bhp for the B5 and 170 bhp for the B5.5), or 2.8 L V6 (190 bhp). The 1.8 L engine in the Passat and Audi A4 has a lower oil capacity than transverse applications of the same engine, and may suffer from oil sludge problems as a result, if not changed at regular intervals with full synthetic oils. Two transmission options were available: a 5-speed manual transmission and a 5-speed automatic transmission with tiptronic.
[edit] Awards
- 1999 Used Car Buyer Greatest Used Buy Awards - Most Sensible Car Award Overall & Best Family Car
- 1999 Auto Express New Car Honours - Best Family Car
- 1998 What Car? Car of the Year Awards - Best Family Car
- 1998 Top Gear Magazine Top Cars - Best Medium Car
- 1998 Which? Magazine Best Buy - Large family car market winner
[edit] 2001 Facelift (B5.5 Platform)
 Volkswagen Passat Sedan B5.5 (USDM) |
 Volkswagen Passat Wagon |
 Volkswagen Passat Wagon |
 Volkswagen Passat Wagon |
 Headlight of Volkswagen Passat (HID bi-xeon) |
 Turn signal of Volkswagen Passat in rearview mirror |
 Trunk of Volkswagen Passat Wagon |
 Dashboard of Volkswagen Passat |
 Left 1/3 of Volkswagen Passat dashboard |
 Middle 1/3 of Volkswagen Passat dashboard |
 Driver seat of Volkswagen Passat |
In mid-2001, the Passat received a facelift, involving a minor tweaking of the styling and some mechanical alteration, and the platform is now commonly known as the B5.5. Although some of the body panels remained unchanged, new projector-optic headlights and bumpers gave the car a fresher look. The Passat was still very much the comfortable, well-built and luxurious large saloon and estate which had been launched four years earlier. Traditional Volkswagen trademarks of build quality and reliability continued to boost the Passat's reputation.
The naturally aspirated 1.8 L gasoline engine was dropped, and a 4.0 L W8 engine producing 275 PS (202 kW) was introduced in 2001 in an upmarket version of the car that included standard all-wheel drive, but this was a slow seller and the engine was retired in 2004.
In 2004, a powerful 2.0 L turbocharged diesel TDI engine producing 136 PS (100 kW) was added (making the Passat the only mid-sized diesel powered car sold in the U.S., and one of the most fuel-efficient). This variant, sold from 2004-2005, is relatively rare on the used market and examples in good condition command high resale prices for their fuel economy and ability to operate on increasingly inexpensive biofuels.
[edit] Awards
- 2001 Auto Express Used Car Honours 2001 - Best Family Used Car
- 2001 Diesel Car 2001 Awards - Overall Diesel Car of the Year & Best Family Car
- 2000 Used Car Buyer: Used Car of the Year Award - Best Overall Used Car & Best Family Car
- 2000 What Car? Used Car of the Year - Overall winner & Best Family Car
- 2000 Auto Express Used Car Honours - Best Family Car
- 2000 Auto Express New Car Honours - Best Family Car
- 2000 Fleet World Honours - Best Fleet Car
[edit] Mark 4 LWB
A long-wheelbase version was introduced in China in late 1999 by Shanghai-Volkswagen, this lengthened platform went on to underpin the Škoda Superb. Both have a 100 mm longer wheelbase and length than the standard B5 Passat. An updated version called the Passat Lingyu was released in 2005, which has the 2.0 L, 1.8 L Turbo and 2.8 L V6 gasoline engines.
[edit] Versions available and differences between them
In the United Kingdom, trim levels were E, S, Sport and SE, along with V5 and V6 models. The E trim level had a 1.6-litre/105bhp engine only, while S models had a choice of 1.6, 1.8, 1.8 turbo and 2.0 petrol or 1.9 TDi in 90, 100, 110, 115 and 130bhp versions. The S trim level was considered well-equipped by the motoring press at the time, and What Car? magazine recommended the 1.8 S as the best version in 1999. SE models were more upmarket than the S; this had the same engines as the S version. The V5 models had a 2.3 V5 engine, and were available in one trim level, the V6 was available with a 2.8 V6 as well, this was a single trim level, luxuriously equipped.
Models sold in Europe and the Republic of Ireland. were similar apart from the trim level naming schemes; the trim levels were "lifestyle" names, such as Comfortline, Trendline and Highline, although a base model was available too, this was spartan equipped and sold to the fleet market as well as private buyers.
A 2.0-litre engine with 130bhp was available from 2000 on models sold in Eurasia.
Models sold in the U.S. had the 1.8-litre 20-valve turbocharged engine, 2.0 TDI, the 2.8 V6, or 4.0 W8; trim levels were GL (2003 onward), GLS, GLX, and W8 (2002 to 2004). The W8 was only available with the 4motion all-wheel-drive system and a slightly higher trim than the GLX models. The V6 had 4motion as an option as did the 1.8T starting in the 2004 model year. The GLX trim was only sold with the V6.
Versions sold in Mexico were slightly similar to their European equivalents; although some of these versions were slightly more expensive than their European counterparts.
[edit] Mark 6 (B6 [now PQ46] platform) (2005-present)
| Sixth generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Production | 2005–present |
| Assembly | Emden, Germany Mosel/Zwickau, Germany |
| Class | Large family car / Mid-size car |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
| Engine | 2.0 L I4 3.6 L VR6 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic 6-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 106.7 in |
| Length | 188.2 in (sedan) 188 in (station wagon) |
| Width | 71.7 in |
| Height | 58 in 59.7 in (station wagon) |
| Related | Volkswagen Golf Volkswagen Jetta Volkswagen Touran Škoda Octavia |
The latest Passat was first displayed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2005 and launched in Europe in the summer of 2005. The new PQ46 Passat features a return to the transversely mounted engine and, unlike its predecessor, no longer shares its platform with the Audi A4. Instead, much of its platform (the PQ46 platform) is now based upon the Golf Mark V. Confusingly, this model is sometimes referred to as the "B6" Passat, despite its lack of commonality with the "B6" (Typ 8E) Audi A4.
Styling-wise, the car follows the latest design language first introduced on the Volkswagen Phaeton luxury car, and is a dramatic departure from the styling of the B5.5 Passat. Although the new design is somewhat controversial, sales have improved over the old model.
The current Passat, although stylistically more sophisticated, has displayed lower build quality than the previous version in order to avoid direct competition with its Audi cousins. Problems that plagued the B5 Passat and the MKIV Golf/Jetta have been exorcised from the newer models however new reliability issues have cropped up involving some of the new technology.
On the four-wheel drive version, the transverse-engine platform dictated a switch from the Torsen center differential of the B5 to the Haldex multi-plate clutch. This change also changes the handling closer to a front-wheel drive car, with better fuel economy and a more spacious interior. The Haldex can direct power more unequally than the Torsen, which was limited to 66:34 or 34:66 in the B5 Passat. This may help with extraction from deep sand, although the Passat is far from being an off-road vehicle.
Fuel Stratified Injection is used in nearly every petrol version of the Passat, ranging from 1.6 to 3.2 L, but the multivalve 2.0 L TDI is the most sought out version in Europe (available in both 140 PS and 170 PS variants). In the US market, it features a 200 hp (147 kW) 2.0 L turbocharged I4 as the base engine, or a 280 hp (206 kW) 3.6 L VR6 engine as the upgrade and six-speed manual (only available on the base 2.0T model) and automatic transmissions.
Volkswagen made a series of commercials in mid-2006 claiming the Passat had the "lowest ego emissions" on the road. The ad campaign attempted to suggest that Passat could give people luxury without being a status symbol or an ego booster; the man behind these commercials is Matthew Schwing.
Chinese B6 Passat
At the Beijing International Automobile Exhibition FAW-VW released the B6 Passat as the Magotan, due to Shanghai-Volkswagen using the Passat name for its Passat Lingyu & Magotan is apparently more appealing to Chinese customers than Passat.
[edit] Technical specifications
[edit] External links
- Swedish Passat Community
- Passat World: Passat Enthusiast Website
- VW of America: Passat
- VW UK: Passat
- VW Australia: Passat
- History of the Passat
- Autocar Road Test July 2005: Volkswagen Passat Saloon 2.0TDI SE 4dr (Mk 6)
- TDI FAQ
- Volkswagen Passat B6 Outdoor Ads
- Volkswagen Passat Galleries and Mod List at Boompa
- Legendary and now buffed up VW revealed to public - Passat R36
- Passat.ca - Canadian Passat Site.
- TDI Volkswagens - Information site for Diesel versions of the Passat and other VW Diesels.
- Australian Passat Forum
- French Passat Forum
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| Type | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||
| City car | Lupo | Fox | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supermini | Polo I | Polo II | Polo III | Polo IV | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derby I | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small family car | Type 1 (Beetle) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Golf I | Golf II | Golf III | Golf IV | Golf V | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jetta I | Jetta II | Vento | Bora | Jetta V | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Large family car | Passat I | Passat II | Passat III | Passat IV | Passat V | Passat VI | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Executive car | Phaeton | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coupé | Scirocco I | Scirocco II | Scirocco III | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corrado | New Beetle | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Van | Caddy 14 | Caddy 9U / 9K | Caddy 2K | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type 2 (T3) | Caravelle/Multivan (T4) | Caravelle/Multivan (T5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact MPV | Golf Plus | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Touran | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Large MPV | Sharan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Off-roader | Tiguan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Touareg | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| <- Previous | Volkswagen car timeline, North American market, 1980s-present | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| Subcompact car | Fox / Fox Wagon | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact car | Rabbit I | Golf II | Golf III | Golf IV | Rabbit V | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jetta I | Jetta II | Jetta III | Jetta IV | Jetta V | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dasher | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size car | Quantum | Passat III | Passat IV | Passat V | Passat VI | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size car | Phaeton | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Coupé | Scirocco I | Scirocco II | Corrado | Scirocco III | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New Beetle | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Convertible | Rabbit Convertible | Cabriolet | Cabrio | Eos | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New Beetle Convertible | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Van | Vanagon (Type 2 - T3) | Eurovan | DCX | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pickup | Rabbit LX | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact SUV | Tiguan | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Luxury SUV | Touareg | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| <- Previous | Volkswagen car timeline, South American market, 1980s-present | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
| Economy car | Gol / Parati (I) | Gol / Parati (IF) | Gol / Parati (II) | Gol / Parati / Gol Country (III) | Gol / Parati / Gol Country (IV) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Voyage / Gacel (I) | Amazon / Senda (IF) | Polo Classic (III) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supermini | Fox / CrossFox | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SpaceFox / Suran | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supermini | Polo (IV) | Polo (IVF) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small family car | Pointer | Golf III | Golf IV | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Apollo | Logus | Bora | Vento / Jetta | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Large family car | Passat I | Passat III | Passat IV | Passat VI | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Santana / Carat / Quantum | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Panel van | Caddy III | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pickup truck | Saveiro (I) | Saveiro (IF) | Saveiro (II) | Saveiro (III) | Saveiro (IV) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
