Wind From The West: A Detailed Test Of The Updated Volkswagen Passat Sedan

Last year, the Volkswagen Passat of the B8 generation underwent restyling and has been sold in Russia for several months in an updated form. Have you met such cars on the streets? We hasten to reassure you: perhaps you simply did not distinguish them from pre-styling ones. The sedan has changed little in appearance, in the interior and in the technology of innovations, too, it seems, there are not many, but they influenced the character of the entire car. How exactly? We understand all the details
Interior
Practicality
Technique and reliability
Riding
Equipment
Competitors
conclusions

Video: Wind From The West: A Detailed Test Of The Updated Volkswagen Passat Sedan

2023 Author: Natalie MacDonald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 02:36

Last year, the Volkswagen Passat of the B8 generation underwent restyling and has been sold in Russia for several months in an updated form. Have you met such cars on the streets? We hasten to reassure you: perhaps you simply did not distinguish them from pre-styling ones. The sedan has changed little in appearance, in the interior and in the technology of innovations, too, it seems, there are not many, but they influenced the character of the entire car. How exactly? We understand all the details

Volkswagen Passat 1,829,000 - 2,479,000 ₽ Editor's Choice: Business grade, 2.0 AMT, 190 hp for 2 339 000 ₽ Rating: 3.9 out of 5 Pros

Salon
Controllability
Equipment

Minuses

Price
Uncomfortable suspension
DSG Settings

Ownership cost per year with a mileage of 17,500 km: MTPL 13,750 ₽ CASCO 73,500 ₽ Maintenance per year 11,975 ₽ Transport tax 9,500 ₽ Fuel 78 135 ₽ Total 186 860 ₽

* The cost of policies and tax are calculated for a driver over 22 years old and with more than 4 years of experience living in Moscow

Today's D-class in Russia is like a pool with an open drain. Its surface is still confidently plowed by market dreadnoughts - Camry and Optima, supported afloat by pontoons of taxi companies and government orders, but the rest no longer swim - they flounder, trying to get away from the whirlpool. Mondeo, Teana, Accord, almost all big station wagons have already disappeared in it … Passat still holds on, although it also suffers losses. The Variant station wagon and its raised version Alltrack have disappeared from the Russian configurator, and the remaining sedan offers a minimal choice of power units and trim levels. We are testing a 190-horsepower car in the most expensive version. Exclusive … With additional options, it costs 3,045,000 rubles.

Interior

Inside, the Passat is as strict as any modern Volkswagen. But, unlike the others, it is not boring. Here simplicity and brevity are synonymous with elegance, which is supported by seemingly small strokes. Thin stripes of chrome, angular but precision-cut panel joints, unobtrusive contour lighting … It looks like not only the devil, but also the angel is in the details.

Restyling changed the interior a little and did not touch on the main thing - the convenience of the driver's seat. The ergonomics of the Passat are almost standard, and in order to forgive minor flaws, you do not have to be an ardent "fan of the car".

In this form, the interior is gloomy. But you can abandon the wooden slats in favor of standard silver ones, and the seats have an option with beautiful dark turquoise inserts. You can order Passat with very light upholstery, and at no extra charge

With the update, the Passat gets a new steering wheel - still grippy, but with a more compact hub

But there are even more buttons on the knitting needles. In particular, rim heating is now included here

The pre-styling sedan had an analog clock in this place. Suppose they were not very useful, but they looked much more elegant than a banal reminder of which model you are sitting in

ErgoComfort chairs are stiff, but the profile with good lateral support is close to ideal, and the upholstery with artificial suede inserts is more pleasant than pure leather

The driver's seat has a memory and a back massage function - for an additional payment of 40,000 rubles

For a driver of average height, the armrest is too short - it is impossible to steer with your elbow on it

See the ugly plastic frame around the visor? It was Volkswagen who figured out how to save a couple of euros on each car by reducing the screen diagonal

A couple of presses of buttons on the steering wheel - and the design of the shield changes dramatically. Its color scheme is customizable with the interior contour lighting

The transition to push-button control of light, apparently, was postponed until the next generation. On the right is the control knob for the projection display - an obsolete transparent plate sliding out of the panel

The optional Discover Pro multimedia combines home screens and gesture controls like the new Tuareg, with interface elements from simpler models

Practicality

A business sedan, by its very nature, cannot compete with a station wagon or a crossover in the convenience of transporting goods, but it must provide maximum passenger comfort. However, the Passat is quite strict with them - the rear sofa is spacious, but hard. And without the adjustments that, for example, even the Tiguan has. But the trunk pleases both in volume and organization.

The back is spacious, but the sofa is not very comfortable. It is short and the pillow is too long for short passengers. In addition, the high central tunnel does not encourage the idea of accommodating three of us here

Passengers have heating and their own climate control zone - however, they will have to pay extra for it, but the same Tiguan has it in the database

Under the cover are 12 and 220 V sockets, as well as a lone USB-C port. In the first row, everything is also newfangled, there are no ordinary USBs in the cabin

The trunk is of the correct shape, large and tidy. Loops do not tamp luggage, there is a net, a hook for bags, a small niche for small things

Even the Touareg will envy the length of the compartment, and you won't be able to put a small suitcase in the trunks of competitors like that

The backrests fold out of the trunk to form a step. But loading "oversized" is more hindered by the high threshold

Under the floor there can be a full-size spare wheel (pictured), and a stowaway. The battery is installed behind the upholstery in the niche of the left wing

Technique and reliability

Sometimes it seems that VAG, in addition to the assembly line, has built another conveyor - in the development department, where engineers fasten standard solutions taken from the nearest shelf to the project of a new car. It's a joke, of course, but there really are no revelations in the device of the updated sedan. Everything that makes up the Passat is already known from other models of the concern - from the elements of the body structure and suspension architecture to power units and electronic filling.

Together, this is called the MQB-B platform. Front suspension McPherson, rear multi-link scheme on a subframe, front or full drive based on the Haldex clutch, which connects the rear axle. Restyling has added optional adaptive dampers to the configurator. But they are also a novelty only for us: in Germany itself they have long been installed on the Volkswagen Arteon.

Among the power units, only the top-end 2.0 TSI can be called conditionally new, which replaced the 1.8-liter engine of the same EA888 series. But it has also been installed for a long time, for example, on the Tiguan, but here it was only slightly reconfigured - now the two-liter engine develops 190 horsepower. An alternative to it is the base 1.4 TSI with a capacity of 150 hp, which migrated from under the hood of the dorestyle without changes.

The more powerful engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG with wet clutches. Previously, such a box was installed on Alltrack, but now it has been adapted for front-wheel drive. And the versions with four presenters have not yet reached Russia. And it is unclear whether they will arrive at all.

Over the years of existence of the EA888 series, the two-liter turbo engine has gone through many updates, mainly for the sake of greater environmental friendliness and reliability. According to the experience of past years, the resource of the two-liter version is on average higher than that of the 1.8-liter

The updated Passat is the case when the start-stop system is better off. Otherwise, the electronics will shut off the engine even when braking in front of speed bumps

The surcharge for such 18-inch wheels (36,000 rubles) is more than for the adaptive DCC chassis! And we would choose wheels an inch smaller

Pirelli tires - with anti-puncture insert inside

The settings of the shock absorbers can be changed with pharmacological doses - the scale is marked very often. But it is more correct to choose one of the extreme positions

The stabilization system of the new Passat is not disabled. Traction control only

Volkswagen recommends three different tire pressures at once. For a trip without load, it is better to choose Comfort (all wheels - 2.3 atmospheres) in order to soften the ride at least a little

All-round visibility is offered for a surcharge in all trim levels, except for the basic one. The camera on the back is hidden under the emblem and is therefore always clean. Passat can park itself and even maneuver with a trailer in reverse

The front overhang is long and low, you need to park carefully

But behind the Passat is almost a crossover. Exhaust pipes, by the way, are fake

Of course, there are no reviews of the owners about the reliability of the updated Passat. And it is not a fact that extensive statistics will be collected in the near future: Passat is not used in taxis, and in general there are not many cars sold. But the modular design of Volkswagen cars makes it possible to predict with a high probability the problems that a person who buys a restyled sedan can expect in the future.

The motors, after numerous modifications, have become noticeably more reliable. Especially the basic 1.4-liter with a timing belt instead of a chain. Even the notorious "maslozhor" has become an infrequent phenomenon. The older 2.0 TSI added only 10 hp. due to other settings, and this is unlikely to affect its resource - after all, the same unit produces 220 forces on the Tiguan. Its weak points are traditionally considered to be a timing chain, a thermostat with a pump, and a high pressure fuel pump. A complex supercharged and combined injection unit requires attention and careful operation, but it is ready to drive 300 thousand km before overhaul.

Traditionally, great concern is caused by the resource of DSG gearboxes, but "wet" clutches in Russian conditions work longer than "dry" ones. And in general, each next model of "robot", as a rule, is more reliable than the previous one, so today these boxes have to be repaired much less frequently than five to ten years ago.

It is not clear how long and reliably the adaptive shock absorbers will work - earlier Volkswagen did not dare to install such units on cars for the Russian market, citing its decision with too bad road conditions. From the experience of other automakers, one thing is clear: even if when ordering a new Passat for an adaptive suspension, you need to pay only 34,000 rubles, replacing worn shock absorbers after the end of the warranty period will cost the owner much more expensive.

Riding

We are somehow already accustomed to the fact that the Volkswagen turbo engine and DSG work as a couple, regardless of the power of the first and the model of the second. The engine with a wide flange of torque confidently pulls the car forward, the "robot" quickly and almost imperceptibly changes steps. Yes, he loves higher gears, but if you want to drive, just switch it to Sport mode.

However, the Passat - or rather, its box - destroys this idyll. First of all, she … kicks. The jolts are not strong, and do not always occur, but they are felt even when switching up. And this is hardly a malfunction of a specific unit: the test sedan has very low mileage. And the main drawback: the usual DSG passion for higher gears and fuel economy has already taken manic forms here. Often the box drops the engine speed so low that it starts to twitch and vibrate during acceleration due to lack of torque!

In order for the motor to regularly pull the strap at all its 190 forces, it needs to gain at least 2000 rpm. Further acceleration will be energetic and even, but without dramatic turbo pickups - until the very cutoff. Although it makes no sense to turn the engine "to ringing". It is more pleasant to keep at medium revs to drive "on the moment". In addition, when the tachometer needle goes to the right, the sound of the engine in the cabin becomes more than one would like from a business-class sedan. Especially in the absence of any musical timbre.

As a result, the most comfortable, and perhaps the most economical, turns out to be the Sport mode, which you want to turn on once and for all. Chassis settings are worth experimenting with. After all, the slider regulating the stiffness of the DCC adaptive suspension has … 43 positions! True, this is pure marketing: there is no point in changing the settings in small steps. More precisely, you will not feel the difference anyway.

In reality, two extreme attitudes are enough, but even between them the difference is not cardinal. Although palpable. If you move the slider all the way to the right, the Passat transmits all the bumps to the interior noticeably harder, but at high speed it seems to stick to the road, repeating its relief in more detail.

In a position that is even to the left of the Comfort mark, the suspension seems to breathe a little - especially where the road is in waves. In fairness, there is no trace of swing and secondary fluctuations, but this still does not add confidence to the driver at high speed. But passengers feel less cracks, joints, patches and other asphalt flaws.

But even this “less” is far from the comfort zone: even on a seemingly flat road, the Passat creates a vibrational background in the cabin, which is noticeable both on the seats and on the steering wheel. Previously, a German sedan was not seen in such a thing.

Perhaps it is not the adaptive chassis that is to blame for this, but the Pirelli Centurato P7 tires with a maximum dimension of 235 / 45R18 and with an anti-puncture layer inside. How Seal Inside technology changes the properties of tires is not yet clear - there is still little experience with their operation. Perhaps it, like the run flat, makes the tire too stiff for our roads. And you can't call these Pirelli quiet either.

But the Passat still handles well, pleasing with quick and linear reactions. The steering wheel is informative, with a clear "zero" and not very sharp - what is needed for a car of this class that does not claim to be a sports car. The steering also, by the way, has a Sport mode, only it does not need it. The steering wheel is just getting heavy, but it doesn't help to go faster.

But adjusting the shock absorbers changes the sedan's behavior, although not as much as its comfort. If you do not drive, the difference may not be noticed at all. Hence our recommendation to future owners - in everyday driving, it is worth using the most comfortable mode, leaving only the power unit in "Sport". Fortunately, all this is compatible in the paragraph with individual settings.

What do the adjustments of the shock absorbers change when the pace is approaching the limit? In the sporting program itself, the Passat turns a little more willingly and responds faster to steering commands. And also - the work of electronic imitation of interwheel locking is less noticeable here. Obviously, the inner wheel is not relieved that much when cornering, although the feel of playing with the settings does not affect the rolls. And yes, the Passat rolls noticeably - it can be clearly seen in the photographs. But regardless of the selected settings, the rides are interesting and even recklessly. In his character there is what is called driving pleasure. It's a pity that this pleasure is not cheap.

Equipment

The price list for the new Passat only starts from the mark 1,829,000 rubles … This is a sedan version Respect with the only option of the power unit - 1.4 TSI (150 hp) plus a 6-speed "mechanics". A combination that is of little interest to anyone in this class. Moreover, for this money you can buy a 150-horsepower sedan not only with an automatic transmission, but also in the maximum possible configuration from competitors from Asia. And the basic Passat can only boast of LED headlights, a virtual instrument panel and cruise control. But it will come with 16-inch steel wheels, fabric upholstery, simple air conditioning and a radio. All of this (except for the upholstery) can be improved by adding optional equipment packages, but the Passat Respect "in full dress" easily surpasses the two million mark.

To get the Passat with two pedals, you have to pay even more - from 2,249,000 rubles … This is how much the following equipment costs Business … Another 90 thousand will be asked for the 190-strong version. But the level of equipment will also be different: light-alloy wheels are added (with 2.0 TSI - 17-inch), a rear-view camera with parking sensors "in a circle", more comfortable chairs in leather with artificial suede, multimedia with navigation and App-Connect interfaces, 3 -zone climate control.

The third and final configuration is called Exclusive, and she stands 2 389 000 and 2,479,000 rubles accordingly. Its differences from the "Business" - in heated steering wheel, keyless entry, electric boot lid, 220 V socket and richer interior trim. You will have to pay extra for the rest.

Also, the top version has a wider choice of additional equipment packages. For example, matrix headlights, a head-up display and a parking heater (IQ Light package for 162,000 rubles) or an adaptive DCC chassis (34,000 rubles) are available only to it. And also - a hatch (60,000 rubles), soundproof glass (17,000 rubles) and curtains on the rear windows. If you get carried away with the arrangement of checkboxes in the configurator, you get a perfectly equipped Volkswagen Passat with a price of more than 3 million rubles - like the one we had on the test.

Competitors

KiOptima

Корейский седан больше остальных конкурентов похож на Passat настройками шасси (особенно в версии GT) и в целом идеологией. Optimскромнее оснащена и отделана, у неё меньше багажник и теснее задние места. Однако она и намного доступнее – даже в топовой версии GT с 245-сильным турбомотором. Цены – от 1 424 900 до 2 134 900 рублей" style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

KiOptim The Korean sedan is more similar to the Passat than other competitors in terms of chassis settings (especially in the GT version) and in general ideology. The Optim is more modestly equipped and trimmed, has a smaller trunk and tighter rear seats. However, it is much more affordable - even in the top version of the GT with a 245-horsepower turbo engine. Prices - from 1,424,900 to 2,134,900 rubles

ToyotCamry

Бестселлер D-класса тоже дешевле Пассата. Camry не обладает столь рафинированной управляемостью, но на плохой дороге окажется комфортнее. Особенно в богатых комплектациях с регулируемым задним диваном. Седан предлагается только с классическим «автоматом» и с тремя двигателями мощностью 150–249 л.с., а стоит от 1 690 000 до 2 653 000 рублей " style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Mazda6

Mazda6 имеет репутацию спортивного автомобиля, в том числе за счёт яркого дизайна и интерьера. У японского седана три двигателя (150, 192 и 231 л.с.), все в комплекте с «автоматом», хорошо настроенное шасси и не очень большой багажник. Цены на «шестёрку» - от 1 573 000 до 2 506 000 рублей (с пакетом максимального оснащения) " style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

SkodSuperb

Чешская «народная» альтернатива некогда «народного» немецкого седана. Кавычки здесь уместны в обоих случаях: недавно обновлённый Superb с теми же силовыми агрегатами (только без «механики») и стоит примерно как Passat – от 1 980 000 до 2 940 000 рублей. Зато лифтбек практичнее. А можно заказать и ещё более дорогой Superb-универсал с огромным багажником " style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

Audi A4

Премиальный немецкий седан имеет с Пассатом разные платформы, но едет похоже. Под капот А4 устанавливаются те же моторы, только продольно. Есть также 150-сильный дизель и полноприводные версии, причём даже они укладываются в 3 миллиона рублей (без учёта опций). А модификация со 190-сильным мотором и передними ведущими стоит от 2 290 000 рублей. Audi A4 тоже пережил рестайлинг, но обновлённые машины пока в России не продаются " style="width: 823px; margin-right: 8px;">

conclusions

The final picture is bleak, isn't it? During the renewal, the Volkswagen Passat retained its main advantages - austere design, impeccable finish quality, high-tech equipment, excellent ergonomics. As well as the pleasure of managing it. At the same time, an ever-increasing dose of "Western values" that Passat seeks to instill in customers is already becoming toxic in Russian conditions: for our roads, the sedan has too stiff suspension and too "environmentally friendly" powertrain control program. As a result, it is no longer perceived as such a comfortable and balanced car as its predecessor.

However, buyers could close their eyes to the lopsided scales of the consumer properties of the German sedan - if it did not cost so much more expensive than competitors that are assembled in Russia. The European passport and, as a result, the extra two or three hundred thousand rubles to the price pull the Volkswagen Passat to the bottom of the pool of the stagnating D-class, like weights. Hopefully, for now, he has enough strength to stay away from the center of the whirlpool.