New VW Passat In Depth

Press Release

Technical highlights

Passion in all areas

The Passat has been completely reinvented

Detailed perfection for improved driving dynamics, driving comfort and driving enjoyment

The Passat has evolved into a representation of automotive progress over the last 32 years, representing what it means to be "Made in Germany". Vehicle size, drive technologies with acronyms like TDI, safety features such as airbags, ABS and ESP in addition to quality details such as galvanized bodies have left their mark in this representation. The Passat is now more than just a middle-class saloon. It has matured into a car with character which has been the perfect companion over more than three decades. The rational qualities of product line, body and running gear characteristics and therefore comfort have been consistently perfected in the new Passat. However, at the same time, the development team has breathed new passion and pulsating liveliness into the model by means of an uncompromising combination of shape, functionality, design and ergonomics.

A trip through the technical highlights of the sixth generation is probably the best way to explain the consistency and eye for detail with which the Passat has been designed.

Eight engines, four FSI's and three TDI's: performance range from 75 kW to 184 kW

Four new petrol engines: The four-cylinder FSI engines with homogeneous direct injection have output of 85 kW / 115 bhp, 110 kW / 150 bhp and 147 kW / 200 bhp in the case of the FSI. A 3.2 litre V6 FSI engine with 184 kW / 250 bhp will complete the top of the range in the fourth quarter of 2005. An economical four-cylinder engine with 75 kW / 102 bhp will be available as an entry-level engine.

Three new diesels: Each one of the available TDI engines is being used in this product line for the first time. They have output of 77 kW / 105 bhp, 103 kW / 140 bhp and 125 kW / 170 bhp. The diesel engines will also be successively available with a diesel particle filter. The most powerful TDI has the innovative piezo pump-jet high-pressure injection system.

Four transmissions:

5 gears for basic versions and 6 for all others, including DSG and Tiptronic

Dual clutch transmission (DSG) in the Passat: The two most powerful TDI engines will be available with the innovative dual clutch transmission (DSG). The automatic has six forward gears, shifts extremely quickly and is the ideal transmission combination, particularly in conjunction with turbo diesel direct injection engines. In the case of the TDI it is the first transmission maintaining the full consumption of a diesel engine in spite of having an automatic shift. Like the Volkswagen Tiptronic, this transmission can also be manually operated via a plus/minus lane, or alternatively, via shift paddles in combination with the multifunctional steering wheel. The 85 kW / 115 bhp 110 kW / 150 bhp und 147 kW / 200 bhp petrol engines can be optimally combined with a convenient six-gear automatic transmission (Tiptronic).

Running gear:

multi-control arm rear axle luxuriously decoupled from the running gear like the Phaeton

New running gear and ESP + trailer stabilisation: The new rear axle with four control arms that is acoustically decoupled from the body, and the McPherson front axle that has been designed with aluminium components of the new Passat are a guarantee of maximum agility, comfort and safety. The running gear technology is rounded off by the ESP + trailer stabilisation, with which all vehicles with trailer hitches are equipped. Apart from the well­known ESP functions, when towing a trailer the system ensures that the dreaded trailer yawing is detected immediately and remedied by means of appropriate brake and engine intervention.

Active tyre safety:

tyre inflation pressure monitoring, tyres with emergency running characteristics

The comfort and safety of the new Passat have now reached new levels in the middle class in many areas. Two examples of this are the optional tyre inflation pressure monitoring system (RDK) and the completely newly designed "Monza" light alloy wheels with tyres with emergency running characteristics.

Tyre inflation pressure monitoring system (RDK): Each wheel is equipped with sensors that transmit a data telegram to the Passat's so-called convenience control unit (KSG). The data is evaluated by the RDK software that is installed in this unit. If a significant deviation from the pre-programmed inflation pressure occurs (choice of partial load or full load) the driver is notified by a warning indicator on the instrument cluster. The sensors operate within a temperature range of -40°C to +150°C and are equipped with their own voltage supply. They should not need replacing for ten years.

New tyres with emergency running characteristics: the self­supporting 16-inch tyres (SST) have reinforced side walls and allow the vehicle to be safely driven, even if the inflation pressure is low or the tyre deflates altogether. Since this loss of pressure is hardly noticeable (or not noticeable at all) because of the emergency running characteristics of the tyre, the "Monza" tyre/wheel combination is equipped with a tyre monitoring indicator as standard that indicates the loss of pressure via a warning light in the speedometer.

Electromechanical parking brake:

more comfort and safety provided by new functions

Electromechanical parking brake (EPB): The Passat is the first vehicle in this class to have a pushbutton-operated electromechanical parking brake. New functions can be implemented because of the electronic control system and networking with other control units. These include a dynamic emergency braking function, the dynamic driving assistant (on hills, for example), and an auto hold function (stop at traffic lights without constantly operating the brake pedal).

Operating the EPB: The electromechanical parking brake is operated using a button to the left of the rotary light switch. Pushing a pedal or pulling a handbrake lever has now been replaced by tapping. Anyone who changes to a vehicle with a "normal" handbrake lever after using the Passat for a while feels like they are pulling the emergency brake of a train. An indicator light in the EPB button and on the dashboard indicate that the brake is active, i.e. applied. A separate control unit is needed to actuate and monitor the electromechanical parking brake. This is networked with the ESP control unit and is therefore a part of the Controller Area Network (CAN) in the drive area. This is important, because this means that all the convenience and safety functions of the electromechanical parking brake can be perfectly controlled. And as we have already indicated, this is more than can ever be achieved with a conventional handbrake.

EPB dynamic emergency brake function: The law says that a car must be able to be stopped by the parking brake in the event of main brake system failure (which is almost impossible). If the worst comes to the worst, the EPB can do this much more efficiently than a normal handbrake lever, since braking (6.0 m/sec.) is carried out on all four wheels by means of active brake pressure build-up. Dynamic emergency braking is initiated by pressing the EPB button. The ABS and ESP functions are also integrated. Emergency braking stops as soon as the EPB button is released.

Dynamic starting assistant (DAA) of the EPB: The DAA function provides jolt-free starting in almost any situation, since a Passat that is parked on a slope does not roll back when it starts off ñ a convenience characteristic that was previously the sole domain of automatic drivers.

Background: The parking brake no longer has to be carefully controlled when starting on a hill or the clutch and accelerator pedals operated with just as much care. The DAA function becomes active as soon as the propulsion torque (starting off) of the Passat is greater than the reversing torque (rolling back) ñ which is something that will not just please learner drivers.

Auto-hold function: Another major convenience feature is the so­called auto-hold function. This is activated by a button (auto hold) next to the gear shifting gate. This is used when the car stops for short periods (such as at a traffic light). The parking brake now becomes active automatically (braking pressure is ëfrozen') and prevents the car from rolling forwards or backwards. The brake is released as soon as the accelerator is pressed.

Locking and starting system:

the newly created ignition key brings more comfort and safety

Locking and starting system: The Passat's starting and locking system with radio remote control has undergone complete redevelopment. There is no longer an ignition key in the classical sense of the word. Most of the transmitter components for activating and deactivating the central locking system have been moved into a retainer to the right of the steering wheel ñ the electric ignition lock (EZS). The engine can now be started by pressing the transmitter. If the Passat is equipped with the keyless entry start and exit system (KESSY) that is available for this product line for the first time, the vehicle is started by pressing a button ("Press & Drive").

Start system operation: The new Passat is started as follows:

1.     Slide transmitter (ID sensor) into the EZS, and clearly discernible latching indicates that the "key" has been inserted.

2.     With manual transmission, press clutch, and with automatic transmission (Tiptronic or DSG) press the brake.

3.     Push transmitter in all the way. Engine starts.

4.     Press transmitter again to stop the engine.

Improved passive safety: The new Passat's passive safety has also been improved. Background: The electronic steering lock is not longer in the knee impact area because of the "by-wire" controlled functions. And last but not least, the new starting and locking system allows the Kessy locking and starting system to be integrated even more perfectly.

Kessy: After the Phaeton and the Touareg, the Passat is the third Volkswagen product line to have the Kessy keyless entry start and exit system. The system is being used in the Passat for the first time. What does Kessy do, or rather ñ what is it capable of? To bring it down to a common denominator: when one of the door handles (with completely new design) is touched, the system detects access authorisation by means of a transmitter in a jacket pocket, trouser pocket or handbag, unlocks the Passat, deactivates the immobiliser and the optional anti-theft alarm system and then allows the vehicle to be started at the push of a button. The Passat is unlocked by pressing a button in the door handles. The Volkswagen can also naturally be unlocked and locked by remote control.

Kessy operation: Touching the door handle "wakes the Passat up", so to speak. An inductive field is radiated outwards via an antenna integrated in the handle, via which the electronics look for a valid ID transmitter (suitable transmitter). If this is the case, the antenna relays the code sent by the transmitter to the relevant control unit in the Passat. This takes place faster than the blink of an eye. If the code is OK the system releases the car. In this case the Passat is started using a fixed start button in the EZS. Here too, other antennas check whether the ID transmitter is in the car. In order to protect children, for example, the Passat cannot be started if the ID transmitter is just a few centimetres away from the vehicle. It is not possible to put the transmitter on the roof, get in the car and drive off.

If no door is opened within thirty seconds, the doors lock again like they do in a conventional system that is operated by remote control. The system configuration facilities are controllable. This is done using the "Plus" multifunction display that is available as standard with "Kessy": Depending on requirements, either the driver's door only, both doors on one side or all the doors (the usual case) are unlocked. Background: particularly in North America, preference is given to unlocking the driver's door only for safety reasons. The three other doors can be opened from the inside if required using the central locking button. Interesting fact: in single door opening mode or one-sided opening mode the system detects the direction from which a person is approaching the vehicle with the relevant transmitter and then unlocks this side.

Adaptive cruise control:

technology transfer from the Phaeton to the Passat

Adaptive cruise control (ACC): A Passat with adaptive cruise control is something else new to the product range, similar to when Volkswagen introduced it in the Phaeton for the first time. The system can be intuitively operated using a separate stalk on the steering column. The Passat brakes automatically at a speed that has been set using the Tempomat (cruise control) as soon the vehicle is within a defined safety distance from the vehicle in front. When the road is clear again the vehicle accelerates back to the previous speed setting. The automatic distance control provides a completely new level of convenience on long trips and has to be experienced to appreciate the full benefits.

ACC operation: The automatic distance control operates in a similar way to a Tempomat. The ACC basically operates within a speed range of 0 to 210 km/h and has two programmes: "Normal" and "Sporty". The system detects traffic up to 200 metres in front of the Passat using radar over an angle of 12 degrees.

The ACC is activated using a third steering column stalk on the left­hand side. A button (SET) on the front of the lever is used to store the required continuous speed. Pushing the steering column stalk up (+) or down (-) increases or decreases the speed in steps of 10 km/h. Accelerating or braking deactivates the ACC. If the driver then pulls the steering column stalk towards him (Resume) the system resumes using the previously stored speed. If the driver presses the lever in the direction of the instrument panel the system switches off (Off / Cancel). Another small slider on the steering column stalk allows the distance to be varied within a defined tolerance range (for safety reasons).

The main information concerning the ACC can be read off the "Plus" multifunctional display in data and pictographs. In addition to activation status, this shows the speed setting, the respective target and actual distances or a "detected object" in front of the Passat picked up by the radar.

The ACC provides predictive safety: As well as convenience functions, a function has been integrated in the Passat's ACC which serves to shorten the braking distance if emergency braking takes place. The system detects critical proximity situations via the radar sensor. The Passat is conditioned for subsequent braking operations by moving the linings against the disks and sensitising the hydraulic braking assistant in order to increase the effectiveness of emergency braking.

Perfect communication:

the Bluetooth mobile phone becomes a fully operational car phone in the Passat

Bluetooth telephone: Two different optional handsfree telephone systems can be used in the Passat. The top-of-the-range system known as the "Premium Mobile Telephone Preparation" identifies a Bluetooth interface. The driver's mobile phone is integrated in the vehicle (wireless) and can remain in his jacket pocket. The actual mobile phone functions in the car are dealt with by a fixed telephone installation that obtains the necessary data from the SIM card of the mobile phone. The driver's mobile phone itself ceases GSM operation during this time. The car phone does not stop using the SIM data until the vehicle is exited and the mobile phone logs itself back into the GSM network. A decisive advantage, particularly for frequent business users who appreciate the reception quality and operating convenience of a powerful car phone. Complicated management of two SIM cards is not required, although the driver can fall back on the full convenience of a fixed installation including phone book display in the multifunction display.

The telephone is operated using a keyboard which slides out of the dashboard via the multifunctional steering wheel or using voice commands. As well as the handsfree facility, the Bluetooth system includes function keys for making information and breakdown calls, a separate keyboard and the voice control system.

Although the mobile phone does not have to be integrated in a special holder, Volkswagen also provides an optional facility for connecting the phone to the in-car network in a special compartment in the central console, where it will also be charged.

Overview of the advantages of the Premium mobile phone service:

§            Volkswagen call centre: Information and breakdown call buttons for connecting to the Volkswagen service call centre.

§            Reception quality: Good GSM reception quality by means of optimum connection of car telephone to the vehicle antenna.

§            Frequencies: Dual-band capability of the system.

§            The car phone stores user-specific information (phone book, call lists, short dial assignments, SMS, call tones etc.). The user is detected via their SIM card, and when the ignition is switched on a link is automatically established .

§            Private space: Undisturbed telephone conversations via Bluetooth headsets.

§            Special functions: Call lists, short dialling, SMS.

§            Voice quality: Handsfree operation with good audio quality by using a Digital Sound Processor that is coordinated with the vehicle.

§            Phone book: Access to the mobile phone telephone book via Bluetooth.

Compatibility: The Premium car phone system can be operated with mobile phones that support the so-called Bluetooth SIM Access Profile. Among others, Nokia models N6230, N6810, N6820, N9300 and the Siemens S65 and SK65 mobile phones have been launched on the market.

Entertainment and Infotainment:

DVD navigation and Dynaudio sound system

The Passat will be launched onto the market with several Radio/CD and Radio/navigation CD/DVD systems. Each of these systems is new and provides extremely good sound quality. The performance range extends from 40 to 600 watts. The systems can optionally be controlled by the multifunctional steering wheel. Two new sound systems and the DVD radio navigation system are particularly outstanding.

Both the RNS MFD2-DVD high-end navigation system and the RCD 500 top radio/CD system can be optionally combined with the new VW sound system (250 watts) or the Dynaudio sound system that has been specially developed for the Passat (600 watts). Volkswagen is therefore starting an audio offensive in the middle class. A look at the technical design of the Dynaudio sound system provides an example of the scale of the sound quality that is provided in the new Passat:

Dynaudio sound system: Danish company Dynaudio manufactures top-of-the-range high-end audio systems. The new Passat therefore provides a sound that cannot be found in any other middle-class premium saloon. The Passat system was developed conjointly by Volkswagen and Dynaudio sound experts. The technical design and the installation position of the ten speakers were coordinated exactly to the acoustics in the Passat during a series of complicated tests. The speaker system is acoustically perfected by a 10-channel digital amplifier. The result is audio quality that simply cannot be achieved with retrofitted solutions.

Dynaudio speakers: The configuration of the speakers that have been used in the Passat clearly shows that high technology and stylish use of materials have also produced extraordinary results in this area. For example, for the upper frequency range a 28 millimetre fabric tweeter has been used in order to provide the typical silky, natural treble resolution for which Dynaudio is well known. There is no sound distortion in this case. Aluminium vibration coils are another exclusive feature of the speakers. This metal, which is lighter than copper, makes it possible to have vibration coils with a larger diameter, with which the diaphragm movement can be controlled in a much better way ñ the music reproduction is of a higher resolution and clearer. In the rear of the Passat there are two other 20 millimetre tweeters that provide homogeneous sound distribution throughout the interior.

The medium frequency range is controlled by two special 52 millimetre fabric structures. The mid-range speakers in the front of the interior are new in the car industry. These also have large aluminium oscillating coils and pave the way for perfectly balanced, relaxed voice reproduction without distortion. Deep, precise bass is also provided by the four woofers installed in the doors. Aluminium vibration coils with extremely strong double magnets have been used in this case. Characteristics: High mechanical load capacity and freedom from distortion. The diaphragms of the woofers consist of the MPS (Magnesium Silicate Polymer) material that is exclusively used by Dynaudio. This combines light weight with maximum dimensional stability and freedom from resonance.

Dynaudio + Radio + Navigation: Like the Volkswagen sound system, which also has ten speakers, The Dynaudio sound system is operated via the navigation system or the radio/CD system. In the case of the RNS MFD2-DVD navigation system, the information and functions are shown on a 6 O-inch colour display. The entire digitised west European road network can be accessed via DVD in navigation mode.

Climatronic:

draught-free cooling following the example of the Phaeton

Automatic air conditioning with indirect ventilation: As well as the standard Climatic, Volkswagen also provides a unique dual-zone automatic air conditioning system that is unique in this class as special equipment. Like the Phaeton and the Golf, draught-free ventilation and cooling is provided. The air is blown into the interior via an additional vent in the instrument panel at the touch of a button. Because the vent is actuated electrically, it has been possible to integrate the indirect ventilation function in the control concept of the automatic air conditioning system, increasing operating convenience considerably.

Two additional vents can be installed in the rear of the central console so that passengers in the back can control the flow of heating and cooling air. These are normally optional but are installed as standard from the Comfortline upwards. Anyone who would rather have their chocolate bars in solid rather than liquid form will appreciate the cooled glove compartment that comes with the two air conditioning systems. The temperature in the large storage compartment in the central console (equipment dependent) can also be controlled with cool air.

Attention to detail: The air conditioning systems automatically switch to recirculated air when reverse gear is selected, a feature which was first introduced in the Golf.

Stationary heater at the plant: the end of ice scraping

An option with warmth: Volkswagen is now offering a stationary heater as special equipment in the new Passat for the first time. The heater is controlled via the air conditioning system and the "Plus" multifunctional display that is installed as standard in this case. The stationary heater (auxiliary water heater) is also optionally available with radio remote control. Irrespective of the operating method, the stationary heater can be activated immediately by pushing a button or using a timer. This system does not just improve the climatic well-being of Passat passengers in winter. A stationary ventilation function keeps the interior temperature of the parked vehicle down in summer.

Ventilation during break periods: Both the stationary heater and the stationary ventilation system can be switched on via the instrument cluster. When the outside temperature is warm and the sunlight is intense, the interior ventilation creates a pleasant temperature in the vehicle before the occupants get in.

230-volt socket:

full charge for laptop & co

Power supply: Business travellers will welcome the facility for charging their laptops using an optional 230 V European socket with 50 Hz alternating current. The Passat has a co-called rectifier for generating the alternating current. Both the European and the North American version can be operated with continuous output of 150 watts. Peak power of 300 watts is even available for about 2 minutes.

The system is safeguarded by a child-proofing facility, general accidental contact protection and overheating protection. The socket is integrated in the rear of the central console.

Dynamic corner illumination and LED tail-lights: more light that looks better and comes on faster

All the headlight systems in the new Passat have been significantly improved compared to the previous model, particularly the main beam. The controllable bi-xenon headlights of the new Passat also provide better long-distance visibility. The integrated corner illumination light follows the course of the road with a maximum swivelling angle of 15 degrees, ensuring that effective lighting is provided at all times. This system is rounded off by an additional static turn assist light, which has major advantages due to its side alignment of about 35 degrees in relation to the vehicle axis, particularly when turning at crossings and junctions.

LED indicators and tail-lights: For the first time, the indicators in the wing-mirrors and the components of the twin round tail-lights now use the LED technology that was introduced in the Phaeton. LED's react much more quickly than conventional light bulbs, are more durable and consume less energy. There is also something about the style that is an argument in favour of using LED's: the night-time appearance of the illuminated Passat is unmistakeable and avant-garde.

Like the bigger Phaeton, the Passat's tail-lights are installed in two areas. The indicator LED's, the tail-light LED's and the brake light LED's are installed externally in the wing. The rear fog light and the reversing light are installed internally in the boot area, and use conventional light bulbs because they are only for occasional use.

The reversing lights have a concise, clear and technical design. The inner and outer round elements are integrated in a red transparent trapezoidal base unit. The brightly-illuminating LED lamps are designed as follows: The outer ring consists of two-colour LED's that form the indicator and the rear light. The rear light is red and the indicator is yellowy orange as usual, and the alternating effect of the two functions is just as impressive as it is exciting. In the centre of the LED unit there is another rear light element that turns into an extremely bright LED brake light within milliseconds. The central high-mounted stop light also uses LED technology and is situated beneath the rear window.

You would think that integrating the LED lamps in the overall vehicle network would be a matter of course - far from it. It is not the wiring harness for the driving lights, the indicators and the brake light functions that we are talking about here, but integration in parameters such as the braking intensity. This makes it possible to provide a so-called emergency braking warning flasher, which is activated if the driver decelerates by more than seven metres per second at speeds of 60 km/h or above using the brake pedal, or ABS control is activated for more than two seconds.