Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen Passat

Overview

Manufacturer Volkswagen

Volkswagen Dasher
Also called
Volkswagen Quantum

Volkswagen Santana

Volkswagen Corsar

Volkswagen Magotan

Volkswagen Carat

Production 1973present

Body and chassis

Class Mid-size car / Large family car (D)

Layout Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive

Platform US and China model: Volkswagen Group B platform

European model: Volkswagen Group MQB platform

Chronology

Predecessor Volkswagen Type 4

Volkswagen Type 3
 Volkswagen K70

The Volkswagen Passat ( listen (helpinfo)) is a large family car produced by

the German automaker Volkswagen since 1973, through eight design generations. It is
positioned between the Volkswagen Golf (Jetta) and the Volkswagen Phaeton in the current
Volkswagen line-up and its derivatives have been badged variously as
the Dasher, Santana, Quantum, Magotan, Corsar and Carat. The successive generations of
the Passat carry the Volkswagen internal designations B1, B2, etc. which originally ran
concurrently with those of the Audi 80 and A4 with which the Passat has shared its engineering
platform at certain model generations, although this link has now been severed.
In 2008, Volkswagen extended its range with the launch of the Passat CC, a "four-door coup"
version of the Passat.
Volkswagen currently markets two variants of the Passat globally. In January 2011,
Volkswagen announced that the new mid-size sedan (NMS) being built at the Volkswagen
Chattanooga Assembly Plant for the North American market would be named
the Passat.[1] Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive also manufactures the Passat NMS in its
Nanjing factory. The NMS is sold in the North American, South Korean, Chinese, and Middle
Eastern markets. The Volkswagen Passat NMS won the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year. A
new Passat model entered production in Europe in 2014, based on the MQB platform.[2]

Contents
[hide]

1B1 (Typ 32; 1973-1981)

2B2 (Typ 32B; 1981-1988)
3B3 and B4 (Typ 35i; 1988-1996)
o 3.11993 facelift (Passat B4)
4B5 and B5.5 (Typ 3B and 3BG; 1996-2005)
o 4.12000 facelift (Passat B5.5 - Typ 3BG)
5B6 and B7 (Typ 3C; 2005-2015)
o 5.1Passat CC
o 5.22010 facelift (Passat B7)
o 5.3Passat Alltrack
o 5.4DARPA driverless edition
6B8 (Typ 3G; 2015-present)
7North American model (2011present)
o 7.1Facelift
o 7.2Middle East
8References
9External links

B1 (Typ 32; 1973-1981)[edit]

Main article: Volkswagen Passat (B1)
VW Passat B1 5-door (Europe)

Volkswagen Passat B1 3-door (Europe)

VW Passat Variant LS 1980 (Australia)

The original Volkswagen Passat was launched in 1973. The body types offered originally were
two- and four-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. In
essence, the first Passat was a fastback version of the mechanically identical Audi 80 sedan,
introduced a year earlier. A five-door station wagon was introduced in 1974, which in North
American markets was sold as an Audi Fox. In Europe, the Passat was equipped with two
rectangular, two round 7-inch, or four round 5.5-inch headlights depending on specification.
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 Type 4. The only other European cars
of its size to feature front-wheel drive and a hatchback were the Renault 16 and Austin Maxi.
The Passat originally used the four-cylinder OHC 1.3-litre (55 PS (40 kW; 54 hp)) and 1.5-litre
(75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp)/85 PS (63 kW; 84 hp)) petrol engines also used in the Audi 80
longitudinally mounted with front-wheel drive, in Audi tradition, with either a four-speed manual
transmission or three-speed automatic. It had a MacPherson strut front suspension with a solid
axle/coil spring setup at the rear.
The SOHC 1.5-litre was enlarged to 1.6-litre in August 1975 with unchanged power ratings and
slightly higher torque ratings. In July 1978 the Passat Diesel became available, equipped with
the VW Golf's 1.5-litre diesel (50 PS (37 kW; 49 hp)), followed in February 1979 by the Passat
GLI with a fuel-injected version of the 1.6-litre engine.
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 four round or two rectangular headlights.
In North America, the car was called the Volkswagen Dasher. The three- and five-door
hatchback and a station wagon model were launched in North America for and during the
1974 model year. Sole available engine was a carburetted 1.5-litre inline-four developing 75 hp
(56 kW) (or 70 hp (52 kW) in 1975), supplanted from model year 1976 by a Bosch fuel-injected
1.6-litre four 78 hp (58 kW). North American cars were equipped with single DOT standard
headlights.
In 1978 the Dasher received a facelift along the lines of the European Passat, with quad sealed
beam headlights and big polyurethane covered bumpers. The trim was also upgraded and the
ride softened. 1979 saw the introduction of the 1.5-litre diesel engine, which produced just
48 PS (35 kW) in the 1,130 kg (2,490 lb) car. 0100 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.
In Brazil, the Passat B1 was produced from June 1974 until 1988. Since the Audi 80 was not
marketed in Brazil, the Passat received the Audi's different front-end treatment after a facelift
for 1979. Originally with a 1.5-litre engine, during its long life cycle many improvements from
the B2 platform were later introduced, like its 1.6 and 1.8-litre engines, a Brazil-specific face-lift
in 1985, and a five-speed gearbox. A sports version, named Passat TS 1.6 and later Passat
GTS 1.8 Pointer was also introduced.

B2 (Typ 32B; 1981-1988)[edit]

Main article: Volkswagen Passat (B2)
See also: Volkswagen Santana

Volkswagen Passat B2 wagon (Europe)

Volkswagen Passat B2 hatchback (Europe)

The second generation Volkswagen Passat was launched in 1981. The platform, named B2,
was once again based on the corresponding version of the Audi 80, which had been launched
in 1978. The B2 Passat was slightly longer and the car's updated styling was instantly
recognizable as a Passat, with the most obvious difference being the rectangular headlights.
By this time, front-wheel drive and a hatchback were becoming commonplace on this size of
car a notable popular example being the Opel Ascona/Vauxhall Cavalier which was launched
in the same year.
In addition to the Passat hatchbacks and Variants (estate/wagon), there was also a
conventional three-box saloon, which until the 1985 facelift was sold as the Volkswagen
Santana in Europe. In USA, the Passat/Santana was sold as the Volkswagen Quantum,
available in three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and a wagon model, but the five-door
hatchback was never sold there and the three-door hatchback was dropped after less than two
years. The four-wheel drive Syncro version was introduced in October 1984, initially only with
the more powerful five-cylinder engine.
The Passat/Santana was also produced and commercialized in China, Mexico, South America
and South Africa, too. In Mexico, it was marketed from 1984 to 1988 as VW Corsar and Corsar
Variant (the 4-door saloon and 5-door wagon, respectively). In Argentina, from 1987 to 1991 as
the VW Carat. In Brazil, the wagon model was badged VW Quantum. The Passat saloon and
estate were produced in South Africa for the local market until 1987.
Like the previous generation, the B2 Passat was mainly sold with four-cylinder petrol and
diesel engines. Unlike its predecessor, however, top-of the line versions received five-
cylinder Audi or VW engines of 1.92.2 litres. The 5-cylinder version was sold in the US as the
Quantum GL-5. In addition to four- and five-speed manuals and three-speed automatic
gearboxes, the Passat/Santana was also available with the VW concern's interesting 4+E
transmission. This, also called the "Formel E" had a particularly high top gear, which combined
with a freewheeling mechanism, provided better gas mileage. An automatic stop/start was also
available in some markets. The four-wheel-drive system used in the Passat Variant Syncro
shared the mechanics of the Audi 80 and not the Volkswagen Golf Syncro. The Syncro's
bottom plate was almost entirely different, requiring a transmission tunnel, a relocated gas tank
and no spare tire well (to make room for the complex rear axle assembly). Only the more
popular estate was reengineered. Syncro was also available in the North American market,
only with the five-cylinder engine.
In 1985 the range received a slight facelift, consisting of new, larger bumpers, interior
retouches, a new front grille and new taillights on the hatchback versions. The three-door
hatchback was discontinued while the Santana nameplate was dropped in Europe. The
saloon's front end was now the same as the hatchback and estate. The North American
version, still known as the Quantum, gained European-style composite headlamps.
On 31 March 1988 production ended (although Syncro models continued in production until
June) with 3,345,248 built in Germany. World production totals amount to at least 4.5 million
units.

B3 and B4 (Typ 35i; 1988-1996)[edit]

Main article: Volkswagen Passat (B3)

Volkswagen Passat B3 sedan (Europe)

Volkswagen Passat B3 Variant (Europe)

The third generation Passat was introduced in March 1988 in Europe, 1990 in North America,
and 1995 in South America. The lack of a grille made the car's front end styling reminiscent of
older, rear-engined Volkswagens such as the 411, and also doubled as a modern styling trend.
The styling was developed from the 1981 aerodynamic (cd 0.25) Auto 2000 concept car.[3][4][5]
At the time it was the first transverse-engine layout Passat to be built on a Volkswagen-
designed platform, rather than sharing one with an Audi saloon. The car, although
designated B3 in Volkswagen's platform nomenclature, was based largely on the A platform as
used for the smaller Golf model, but was stretched in all directions. Many components are
shared directly between these vehicles. This generation of Passat was sold as a four-door
saloon or a five-door estate, with the Passat not being sold as a hatchback from this point
onwards. It was marketed under the Passat name in all markets; in North America, this was a
first.
The fuel-injected petrol engines gave better performance and refinement than
the carburettor units previously used. They were mounted transversely, and the floorpan was
engineered to accept Volkswagen's 'Syncro' four-wheel drive system. Engine options were the
2.0-litre 16-valve engine in the GL model, 1.8-litre engine in the CL model (not available in
North America, all CLs, GLs, and GLSs had the 2.0 16v), The 1.8 8v 112 bhp PB engine from
the Golf GTi was also used in the Passat GT model. Volkswagen's new 2.8-litre VR6
engine (also used in the Golf and Corrado) in the GLX/GLS model (introduced in 1991 in
Europe and 1992 in North America), and the G60 engine (only available on the Syncro model
in Canada for the North American market). The VR6 engine gave the top-of-the-range Passat a
top speed of 224 kilometres per hour (139 mph). The 1.9-litre and the 1.6-litre diesel
engine were also available as options.
1993 facelift (Passat B4)[edit]
Main article: Volkswagen Passat (B4)

Volkswagen Passat B4 wagon (Europe)

1996 Volkswagen Passat B4 sedan (Europe)

The B3 Passat was heavily facelifted in 1993 and although it was designated B4, it was not an
all-new model. The facelift revised external body panels except for the roof and glasshouse,
with most obvious exterior change seeing the re-introduction of a grille to match the style of the
other same-generation Volkswagen models of the era, such as the Mk3 Golf and Jetta. The
interior was mildly updated and included safety equipment such as dual front airbags and seat
belt pre-tensioners, although the basic dashboard design remained unchanged. The grille was
introduced to give the front end a more aggressive appearance, as the previous model looked
too 'passive'.
The car was available with a Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engine an inline four-
cylinder 1.9-litre turbodiesel, generating 210 newton metres (155 lbfft) of torque at 1,900 rpm,
66 kilowatts (90 PS; 89 bhp) at 3,750 rpm. It carried a US EPA fuel efficiency rating for the
sedan of 45 miles per US gallon (5.2 L/100 km; 54 mpg-imp) highway. Combined with a 98 litres
(21.6 imp gal; 25.9 US gal) 28 litres (6.2 imp gal; 7.4 US gal) reserve option fuel tank, the B4
TDI wagon had an 1800+ km (1200+ mi) range on a single tank of fuel. The B4 TDI wagon saw
less than 1,000 sales in the US during its 1996 to 1997 lifespan.

B5 and B5.5 (Typ 3B and 3BG; 1996-2005)[edit]

Main article: Volkswagen Passat (B5)

Volkswagen Passat B5 wagon (US)

Volkswagen Passat B5 sedan (Australia)

An all-new Passat, based on the Volkswagen Group B5 platform, was launched in 1996 in
Continental Europe, in February 1997 in the United Kingdom, and 1998 in North America.
Its PL45 platform was shared with the first-generation "Typ 8D" Audi A4, which was unveiled 2
years earlier, and saw a return to the Passat sharing its longitudinal engine layout platform with
Audi's equivalent model for the first time since the second-generation (B2) Passat of 1981,
which shared its platform with the second-generation "Typ 81" Audi 80/Audi 90 (the A4 is the
successor to the Audi 80 line).
The Passat introduced a new design language, first seen on the Concept 1 concept car, for the
latest generation of Volkswagens such as the Mk4 Golf, Bora and Polo Mk4. Aerodynamic
work gave the B5 Passat a coefficient of drag of 0.27 (saloon model).
The car featured a fully independent four-link front suspension; and a semi-independent torsion
beam for front-wheel-drive models or a fully independent suspension on the 4motion 4WD
models. 4WD was introduced in 1997 as an option for the 1.8-litre, 2.8-litre V6, 1.9-litre TDI
and 2.5-litre V6 TDI engines, using a second-generation Torsen T-2 based 4WD system to
minimise loss of traction. The 1.8-litre petrol engine in the Passat and Audi A4 has a
lower oil capacity than transverse applications of the same engine (4.6 quarts in transverse,
4.3 quarts longitudinal), and may suffer from oil sludge problems as a result, if not changed at
regular intervals with fully synthetic oils. Four transmission options were available: a 5-speed
manual transmission, a 6-speed manual transmission (codename 01E), a 4-speed automatic
transmission and a 5-speed automatic transmission with tiptronic.
The 1.6-litre petrol engine had been dropped by 1999, leaving the 1.8-litre 20-valve as the
entry-level engine.
2000 facelift (Passat B5.5 - Typ 3BG)[edit]

Volkswagen Passat B5.5 Variant (Europe)

2003 Volkswagen Passat B5.5 SE V6 sedan (Australia)

B5 Passat models built after late 2000, also known as B5.5 models (3BG in Europe), received
minor styling and mechanical revisions including revised projector-optic headlights, bumpers,
tail lights, and chrome trim. The non-turbo 1.8 was discontinued, with an eight-valve 1.6-litre
now being the least powerful petrol engine.
A 4.0-litre W8 engine producing 275 PS (202 kW) was introduced in 2001 in a luxury version of
the car that included standard 4motion all-wheel drive.[6] This engine was intended to be a test
bed for Volkswagen Group's new W engine technology, which would later make an
appearance on the W12 in the Phaeton, Audi A8, and Bentley Continental GT, and the W16
engine in the Bugatti Veyron. The engine was discontinued in 2004.
In China the Shanghai-Volkswagen Passat B5 LW was introduced in late 1999. Based on the
lengthened B5 PL45+ platform, this long-wheelbase version was rebadged and launched in
Europe as the koda Superb in 2001. Both have a 100 millimetres (3.9 in) longer wheelbase
and length than the standard B5 Passat. In 2003, a powerful 2.0 litre Turbocharged Direct
Injection (TDI) diesel engine producing 136 PS (100 kW) was added. An updated version
called the Passat Lingyu was released in 2005. This receives the 2.0 litre, 1.8-litre Turbo, and
2.8-litre V6 petrol engines. At the 2009 Shanghai Motor Show, an updated Passat Lingyu was
shown.

B6 and B7 (Typ 3C; 2005-2015)[edit]

Main article: Volkswagen Passat (B6)

Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI wagon (Australia)

Volkswagen Passat sedan (Australia)

Volkswagen Passat sedan (Australia)

The B6 Passat was first displayed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2005, and launched in
Europe in the summer of 2005. Unlike its predecessor, the B6 Passat no longer shared its
platform with Audi's equivalent model (the Audi A4). Based on a modified version of the Mk5
Golf's PQ46 platform, the B6 featured a transverse rather than longitudinal engine layout of its
predecessor, like the previous B3 and B4 generations, which were related to the A2 (Golf)
platform.
The transverse-engine layout of the four-wheel drive version, marketed as 4motion, dictated a
switch from the Torsen centre differential of the B5, to the Haldex Traction multi-plate clutch.
The change to the Haldex system also changes the handling closer to a front-wheel drive car.
Compared to the Torsen, the Haldex can direct torque more unequally to the front wheels (from
100:0 to 50:50 front-to-rear bias), thus providing a wider bias range than the 75:25 to 25:75 of
the B5 Passat. Haldex is a reactive-type system, behaving as a front-wheel-drive vehicle until
slippage is detected, at which point up to a maximum of 50% of the torque can be transmitted
to the rear axle. See the Audi-related quattro (four-wheel-drive system) article for more
information.
Fuel Stratified Injection is used in every petrol engined version of the Passat, ranging from 1.4
to 3.6 litres (the 1.6-litre DOHC can reach 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 11.4 seconds, and 200 km/h
(124.3 mph) for manual transmission versions), but the multi-valve 2.0-litre Turbocharged
Direct Injection (TDI) diesel is the most sought after version in Europe (available in both
140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) and 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) variants). In the US market, a 200 PS
(147 kW; 197 hp) 2.0-litre turbocharged I4 is the base engine, or a 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp)
3.6-litre VR6 engine as the upgrade, with six-speed manual (only available on the base 2.0-litre
turbocharged model) and automatic transmissions. As of the 2009 model year, the VR6 engine
and 4motion option were no longer available in the US on the Passat sedan and wagon, but
are available on the Passat CC.[7]
In February 2008, the 2.0 FSI was replaced with the new Audi-developed 1.8-litre TSI engine
and 6-speed automatic transmission. The 1.8-litre T is rated at 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp),
250 newton metres (184 lbfft) and reaches 0100 km/h in 8.6 seconds, reaching a top speed
of 220 kilometres per hour (136.7 mph). At the same time the 2.0-litre TDI engine from the Audi
range incorporating common rail injection technology superseded the existing 2.0 litre TDI
units. The common rail technology uses less fuel and is quieter in operation. This engine is part
of the wider Volkswagen Group policy for engine sharing.
The Passat Estate won overall winner of Practical Caravans Towcar of the Year Awards
2008 for its array of towing features such as its Trailer Stability Programme.
In Asia, the PQ46 Passat was released by FAW-VW as the Magotan, after Volkswagen's other
joint venture Shanghai Volkswagen had decided to continue using the B5 platform for the
Passat and the Passat Lingyu (long-wheelbase Passat).[8] Since August 2010 the wagon
version of Passat B6 will be offered in Asia, which is a fully imported model. But this car is
simply called Volkswagen Variant in China, in order not to refer the name "Passat" or
"Magotan".
Exclusive to Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand was a limited edition Passat R36,
which featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine. This version of the Passat put out 300 hp, and featured
dual exhaust tips, an aggressive front bonnet, and All Wheel Drive.
Passat CC[edit]
Main article: Volkswagen CC

Volkswagen CC 130TDI sedan (Australia)

Volkswagen CC 130TDI sedan (Australia)

The CC ("Comfort Coup")[9] is a 4-door coup version of the Passat. It debuted at the
2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Originally aimed at competing with the
similarly styled Mercedes CLS, the Passat CC intends to be more stylish and luxurious than
the previously released Passat B6. In the US, the name Passat was dropped, and the car is
being sold as CC.[10]Some options specific to the CC include hands-free parking, lane-
departure prevention, intelligent cruise control, and adaptive suspension. Engines offered in
the CC mirror those of the regular Passat, with options of the base 2.0 litre turbocharged four-
cylinder, or the optional 3.6-litre VR6, which includes 4-motion all-wheel drive.
The Chinese-made CC was released by FAW-VW on 15 July 2010. Two engine options are
provided: 1.8 litre T and 2.0 litre T.[11]
Volkswagen facelifted the Passat CC in late 2011 for the 2012 year with styling updates akin to
those of the larger Phaeton. For the updated model, Volkswagen has dropped
the Passat name for all markets, now matching the Volkswagen CC branding used since
2008 in North America.[12]
2010 facelift (Passat B7)[edit]

Volkswagen Passat Variant

Volkswagen Passat Variant

Volkswagen Passat sedan

The B6 Passat was facelifted by Klaus Bischoff and Walter de Silva[13] and was unveiled at
the Paris Motor Show in September 2010. Although designated "B7", the car is not an all-new
model. The facelift resulted in new external body panels except for the roof and glasshouse,
with the prominent changes to the grille and headlights. Overall height and width dimensions
are unchanged from the B6 Passat, while length increases by 4 mm. New features
include Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC), Dynamic Light Assist glare-free high beams, a fatigue
detection system and an automatic "city emergency braking" system.[14] It arrived at dealerships
in January 2011.
The interior featured minor detail changes from the B6, although the basic dashboard design
remain unchanged.
In India, the B6 version is likely to be replaced with B7 version. Also the FAW-VW-built
Magotan will also be replaced by a long-wheelbase version of the Passat B7. The new model
will be exclusive to the Indian market, and at least 100 mm longer than the European B7. [15]
In China, the FAW-VW-built Magotan will also be replaced by a long-wheelbase version of the
Passat B7. The new model will be exclusive to the Chinese market, and at least 100 mm
longer than the European B7.[16] Engines available for Magotan B7L are ranging from 1.4-litre
T, 1.8-litre T to 2.0-litre T, a special-developed EA390 3.0-litre VR6 FSI[17] engine is opted for
the top model.
In Malaysia, Volkswagen Global had authorised DRB-HICOM for assembly in the Pekan facility
beginning 2011. The Passat was the best-selling model of Volkswagen Malaysia in 2012 and
2013.
Passat Alltrack[edit]

Volkswagen Alltrack (Europe)

Volkswagen Alltrack (China)

In October 2010 Volkswagen presented at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show the Passat Alltrack.
The Passat Alltrack bridges the gap between the passenger VW range and the SUV range
comprising the Tiguan and Touareg.The Passat Alltrack was aimed at competing with Subaru
Outback which created a new market niche. They (Alltrack & Outback) both bear resemblance
in ride height and external body kit.
The Passat Alltrack has raised ground clearance from 135 to 165 mm which improves
approach angle from 13.5 to 16 degrees, departure angle from 11.9 to 13.6 degrees and ramp
angle from 9.5 to 12.8 degrees when compared to the standard Passat wagon. Passat Alltrack
is the only VW in the passenger range to offer 4Motion with off road driving programme, the off
road system works in conjunction with the ABS, electronic differential lock (EDL), DSG & hill
descent assist system to control the vehicle in an off road expedition.
The engine range of the Passat Alltrack consists of two 2.0 litre TDI with outputs of
103 kW/140 hp & 125 kW/170 hp and two petrol engines, 1.8-litre producing 118 kW/160 hp
and 2.0 litre TSI producing 155 kW/207 hp. The TDI models come standard with BlueMotion
Technology packages with Stop/Start system and battery regeneration mode for recovering
braking energy. The two lesser powered engine variants 2.0 litre TDI and 1.8-litre TSI are only
available in front wheel drive format with a manual 6 speed transmission. The rest of the range
with 4Motion has a 6 speed DSG automated manual transmission, except the 2.0 litre TDI with
103 kW/140 hp has an option of 6 speed manual.
In 2012 at the New York Auto Show, VW showed a Passat Alltrack with 2.0 litre TDI
125 kW/170 hp under Alltrack Concept nameplate to gauge response for a future market in the
offroad wagon segment.
DARPA driverless edition[edit]
A driverless version of the Passat Wagon finished second in the 2007 DARPA Urban
Challenge.[18] In spring 2015, Swiss telecommunications company Swisscom tested the
driverless Volkswagen Passat on the streets of Zurich.[19]

B8 (Typ 3G; 2015-present)[edit]

Main article: Volkswagen Passat (B8)

Volkswagen Passat (B8) Highline sedan

Volkswagen Passat (B8) Variant

The eighth generation model of the Passat was introduced in November 2014 in Continental
Europe and in January 2015 in the United Kingdom as a four-door saloon and estate.
Following other Volkswagen Group passenger vehicles such as the Volkswagen Golf Mk7, it is
based on a stretched variant of the MQB platform, a modular automobile construction platform
designed for transverse, front-engined cars. To reduce weight, lightweight materials such as
aluminium and vacuum-formed steel have been utilised.[20] According to the chairman of the
board of Volkswagen, Martin Winterkorn, the B8 is " [...] a premium car without the premium
price", indicating that the Passat nameplate was moved to the compact executive car segment,
as opposed to the previous generation models that were conceived as large family
cars.,[21] although some auto journalists have criticised this strategy since it effectively puts the
Passat in competition with the Audi A4 which is expected to move further upmarket for its B9
generation, due for launch in late 2015.
The Passat was introduced with a great number of advanced driver-assistance
systems including an semi-automatic parking system, emergency driver assistant which will
automatically take control of the vehicle if the driver has suffered a medical
emergency, autonomous cruise control system for highway speeds up to 210 km/h, a collision
avoidance system with pedestrian monitoring and variable ratio steering marketed as
"progressive steering" which will adjust the steering gear ratios in relation to the current
speed.[22]
The engine line-up of the Passat B7 was re-introduced with this generation with slightly
increased power outputs, variable displacement for the 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine and
two selective catalytic reduction (SCR) diesel engines, with one being twin-turbocharged. A
plug-in hybrid, the Passat GTE,[23] with an updated battery pack from the Golf GTE and Audi A3
Sportback e-tron is scheduled for launch in mid-2015 in the United Kingdom with sales
commencing in 2016.[24]
Led by new chief of design Walter de Silva and VW's acquisition of coachbuilder Bertone, the
2015 Passat won the 2015 European Car of the Year award.[25][26]

North American model (2011present)[edit]

Main article: Volkswagen Passat NMS

Volkswagen Passat (US)

Passat NMS TDI Clean Diesel (US)

Known as the New Midsize Sedan (NMS) before its unveiling in January 2011, this unique
larger model designed specifically for the North American market replaces the B6 Passat
sedan and wagon for the 2012 model year in Canada, the United States and Mexico. It is also
sold in China alongside the Passat Lingyu and Magotan. North American and South Korean
models will be built at its Chattanooga Assembly Plant,[27] while Chinese market versions are
built by Shanghai-VW in 2011.[16]
NAIAS 2013: VAG presented a pre-production concept Passat Performance with 1.8-litre TSI
(250ps)[28]
When the 2012 hit the showrooms in late 2011 there were three engine choices: the base-
model 2.5-liter five-cylinder, the 3.6-liter VR6, and the 2.0-liter TDI diesel four-cylinder (which
later went on to set a new Guinness World Record.)
The Volkswagen Passat won the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year and in 2013 Passat TDI
set a new Guinness World Record for fuel economy under the non-hybrid car category. It
achieved a fuel consumption of 3.02 L/100 km (78 mpg-US).[29]
For 2014 Volkswagen decided to part ways with the old and sluggish naturally aspirated 2.5-
liter five-cylinder engine and replaced it with a 1.8-liter TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The turbo-charged four-cylinder made the same 170 hp (130 kW) that the five-cylinder made
and saw a bump in torque by 7 lbft (9.5 Nm). Additionally, the motor not only helped
accelerate the Passat quicker and improve fuel economy by more than 20 percent but later
went on to win Wards Auto Top-10 Best Motors of 2014.
Facelift[edit]

Facelift Volkswagen Passat NMS

Volkswagen refreshed the North American Passat in 2015 for the 2016 model year with styling
and technology updates.[30][31][32][33]
Volkswagen's new design language of horizontal lines has found its way to the mid-size,
American-market Passat. For 2016, VW gave the mid-size four-door a subtle yet significant
aesthetic upgrade, as well as several new features aimed at keeping the family sedan
competitive among an ever-improving field.
For 2016, the revamped Passat's doors, roof, and rail stampings are the only pieces shared
with the outgoing model. The hood, front fenders, front and rear bumpers, and trunklid are all
new, bringing with them a more substantial look that carries on the Passat's tradition of
reserved European styling (despite the fact that this car is built in Tennessee).
The Passat now offers optional LED headlights and taillightsa first among VW sedansand
optional R-Line trim brings unique side skirts, a black-accented front bumper, a rear-diffuser-
esque piece and special 19-inch wheels.
Inside, the Passat receives many updates for 2016. The dashboard features the company's
MIB II system (modular infotainment platform) with two different sizes of touch screens
available, depending on option package. VW says most models will use capacitive touch
screens, which respond to taps rather than pressure and enable swipe-and-pinch control.
These screens also will feature proximity sensors to pop up the relevant controls as your hand
gets closer to the screen. The system is set to offer Volkswagen's Car-Net connectivity system,
with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink compatibility, which allow you to seamlessly
connect nearly any smartphone.
The Passat refresh also brings many new high-tech safety features. Automatic post-collision
braking, which prevents the car from pinballing away and crashing into other objects after an
initial impact, is standard on all models, as is a rearview camera. Adaptive cruise control,
forward-collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor with rear
traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and parking steering assist are all available depending on
trim level.
The 2016 Passat offers the same three engine choices featured in the outgoing car: the base-
model 1.8-liter TSI turbocharged four-cylinder, the 3.6-liter VR6, and the 2.0-liter TDI diesel
four-cylinder. The 1.8 T will do 38 mpg-US (6 L/100 km) highway with the automatic
transmission. Given that VW halted sales of 2.0-liter TDI-equipped vehicles in the wake of the
ongoing drama surrounding the EPA-cheating emissions-control systems the automaker
admitted to installing on nearly half a million U.S. TDI vehicles, the 2016 Passat diesel will be
delayed.
Middle East[edit]
The American version of the 2013 model year Volkswagen Passat made its way to Middle
Eastern markets, namely Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, by the
summer of 2012.[34] The five-seater sedan is available in four trim levels, all with a 170 hp 2.5-
litre five-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission only.[35]