New VW Passat In Depth

Press Release

Page 1 - In a nutshell
Page 2 - Technical Highlights
Page 3 - Exterior
Page 4 - Body
Page 5 - Passive safety
Page 6 - Engines / transmission
Page 7 - Running gear
Page 8 - Interior
Page 9 - Series provision
Page 10 - Series provision (cont.)
Page 11 - Special equipment
Page 12 - Chronology

In a Nutshell

 

Passion and Perfection

Superior technology does away with class boundaries

Biggest evolutionary design leap since product range was created

·          The new Passat is coming. A completely new, different, unknown but still familiar Passat. Over the last 32 years, this Volkswagen has also become a representation of automotive progress, representing what it means to be "Made in Germany". This representation is characterised by 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. The Passat is now more than just a middle-class saloon. It has matured into a car with character, the perfect companion over more than three decades. The rational qualities of the product line have been consistently perfected in the new Passat. However, at the same time, the development team has breathed new passion and pulsating liveliness into this Passat through an uncompromising combination of shape, functionality, design and ergonomics.

Exterior: New appearance and excellent quality

·          Body I – Design: The sixth Passat is characterised by a powerful, avant-garde design. The new VW front section with its chrome medallion-shaped radiator grille and challenging “staring” headlights, the athletic silhouette and powerful rear section design represent the biggest design leap that has occurred since the product line was created.

·          Body II – Dimensions: The design of the Passat outwardly displays that which also applies to the interior: everything is new and everything is different. Example dimensions: The new Passat is 4.77 metres long (+ 62 mm), 1.82 metres wide (+ 74 mm) and 1.47 metres high (+ 10 mm). The wheel base is 2.71 metres.

• Body III – Quality: A clear indication of excellent quality: the static torsion stiffness of the new Passat is 57(!) percent higher than its predecessor (which already had excellent static torsion stiffness), and represents the best value in its class. Furthermore, the new Passat has broken through the weight barrier by means of extremely innovative production methods and materials, in spite of body characteristics that have yet again undergone drastic improvement and a significant size advantage: the body of the new Passat weighs no more than its predecessor. As a petrol engine vehicle with 85 kW / 115 bhp, the scales tip at a mere 1.348 kilos.

Interior: perfect ergonomics and a 565 litre boot

·          Interior: A glance into the interior reveals a bright, fresh stylish yet strikingly simple design, top quality materials and people-oriented technology not aimed at breaking the theoretical bounds of the technically feasible. Here, the goal was to execute a combination of easy to operate ergonomics. The boot capacity has increased considerably to a maximum of 565 litres (+ 90 litres).

Engines: seven out of eight are injection engines

·          Four new petrol engines: Volkswagen is providing FSI engines with homogeneous direct injection in the Passat for the first time. The output of these engines is 85 kW / 115 bhp, 110 kW / 150 bhp and – in the case of the Turbo FSI – 147 kW / 200 bhp. 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. The entry-level engine is the economical 1.6 litre four-cylinder engine with 75 kW / 102 bhp.

·          Three new diesels: Every one of the TDI engines that are available 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 Passat TDI will also be available with a diesel particle filter. The most powerful TDI has the innovative piezo pump-jet high pressure injection system.

·          Dual clutch transmission (DGS) in the Passat: The 2.0 litre TDI (and eventually the V6 FSI as well) will be available with automatic dual clutch transmission (DSG). This has six forward gears and shifts extremely quickly. DSG plus TDI is an ideal transmission combination – for the first time ever it has been possible to maintain the lower consumption of a diesel engine in spite of having an automatic shift.

·          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: comfort characteristics at the highest level

·          New running gear: 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 (13.3 kilograms less weight) of the new Passat guarantee maximum agility, comfort and safety.

·          New ESP + trailer stabilisation: The running gear technology is perfected by the ESP + trailer stabilisation that is installed in all vehicles with trailer hitches.

·          New brakes with “disc wipers”: All Passats have a 16-inch brake system with integrated “disc wiper” as standard. The linings are gently applied at certain intervals. This “wipes off” any water film that may have built up on wet roads and therefore shortens the braking distance.

The power of innovation: the merging of middle and upper class technology

·          New electromechanical parking brake: The Passat is the first saloon in its class to have a pushbutton-operated electromechanical parking brake as standard. The electronic control system and networking with other control units have made it possible to integrate a dynamic emergency braking function, a starting assistant (such as on hills) and an auto­hold function (stop at traffic lights without constant brake pedal operation) in the system.

·          New starting and locking system: The starting and locking system with radio remote control has been completely redeveloped. There is no longer an ignition key in the conventional sense. Most of the transmitter components for unlocking and locking the central locking system have been moved into a retainer to the right of the steering wheel. The engine can now be started by pressing the transmitter. If the Passat is equipped with a keyless entry start and exit system (KESSY), the vehicle is started by pressing a button. How it works: When the newly designed door handle 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 anti­theft alarm system and allows the vehicle to be started. The vehicle is unlocked using a button located in the door handles. The vehicle can still be unlocked and locked by remote control, of course.

·          New adaptive cruise control (ACC): Another new option that is available in the Passat is automatic distance control. 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 free again the vehicle accelerates back to the previous speed setting. The system’s radar sensor also detects critical proximity situations. The Passat is prepared for subsequent braking operations by moving the linings against the disks and sensitising the braking assistant in order to increase the effectiveness of emergency braking.

·          New Bluetooth telephone: The Passat now comes with a new optional handsfree telephone system with 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 telephone is controlled using a separate keyboard, the multifunction steering wheel or by voice command. 

·          New sound system from Dynaudio and Volkswagen: The 600-Watt high-end sound system from Danish hi-fi specialist Dynaudio provides a special type of sound – the 10-channel system with its excellent components sets a new standard in this class. A Volkswagen sound system with output of 250 watts is also alternatively available. Both systems are available in combination with the RNS MFD2-DVD navigation system and the RCD 500 radio system.

·          New draught-free Climatronic: Like it did in the Phaeton, the dual-zone automatic air conditioning system available as part of the special equipment provides draught-free ventilation at the touch of a button.

·          New power supply: Business travellers will welcome the facility for charging their laptops using an optional 230 V power supply.

·          New bi-xenon headlights with corner illumination: All headlight systems have been significantly improved compared to the predecessor model, particularly the main beam. The controllable bi-xenon headlights of the new Passat also provide better long-distance visibility. The integrated corner illumination lamp follows the course of the road with a maximum swivelling angle of 15 degrees and therefore provides optimum visibility at all times. This system is rounded off by an additional static turn assist lamp, 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.

·          New tyre inflation pressure monitoring system (RDK): The sensors notify the driver of possible tyre pressure loss by means of a visual indicator.

·          New tyres with emergency running characteristics: the self-supporting tyres (SST) of the “Monza” light alloy wheel have reinforced side walls and allow the vehicle to be safely driven, even if inflation pressure is low or the tyre deflates altogether. The pressure loss is signalled by an indicator lamp.

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.

 

Exterior Design

Visible Passion

 

New face: the first Volkswagen equipped with the exterior of a new era Sensual: Design adds emotion to trademark definition

The Passat, which made its market debut for the first time in 1973, numbers among the world's most famous automobiles. Its varying, always independent design profile has been continually emphasised for generation after generation. Each new Passat design has been a reflective expression of its own era. The fifth generation's clear-cut design, now superseded, never failed to convince, a style exemplified by Volkswagen since the middle of the last decade. The fifth generation's extensively revised design, premiËred in 2000, powerfully accentuated production and material quality. And, in the wake of this Passat, the quality factor has developed into a design vocation.

The new Passat embodies what occurs when designers interpret this clear-cut, logical and comprehensible style more powerfully, athletically and passionately than ever before: design and innovative technology united, working together to catapult the saloon into a sportier, more discriminate, class-transcending dimension in the most ambitious evolutionary step since the series was invented.

Striking signpost:

The new Passat points to a positive stylistic future for the brand

Front section: The new medallion-shaped radiator grille combined with headlights, bonnet and bumpers serves to succinctly sum up the traditional Volkswagen vitality and power of design innovation, successfully forming the new face of the brand as outlined here. The stylistic slant selected for this Volkswagen "face of the future" was anticipated by the much celebrated studies Concept R (Roadster) and Concept C (Cabriolet-Coupe). Now the first mass-produced vehicle, in the form of the new Passat, bears these characteristics, demonstrating its proportionate power in the process.

A "V" motif is subtly developed, with lines extending from the bonnet and winding their way to the front of the vehicle, forming a communal framework for the new medallion-shaped radiator grille. The shape and graphic effects of this element are underlined by the chrome construction and self-confident dimensions.

Similarly, the headlights make a significant contribution to the Passat's identity. Although dipped and full beam headlights are located in a single trapezoidal casing, they are, technically as well as optically, designed as round individual elements. The Passat's indicators are integrated into the bumper in the form of slender light strips. Their counterparts: stylish side indicators, located in the wing mirror casings.

Silhouette: An exciting mix of vitality and energy is recaptured, in concentrated form, in the graphic design of the side windows. A tightly-drawn lower edge is coupled with a powerfully elegant arch described by the window's upper edge, beginning in the A-pillar, subsequently fusing with the rear door seam in counter-motion in the environs of the B-pillar. The roof alignment itself arches eloquently down towards the rear. The combination of side window, door seam and roofing gradient produces a prominent C-pillar, optically boosting the dynamic impulse to push forward.

In general, this Passat's lateral alignment has more muscle than ever before: distinctive lines created in running area and the edge of the car body subsequently slope towards the rear before being "recaptured" in the roof's design. An impressive lateral touch: the side protection strips extend into the rear bumper.

Rear section: The Passat's rear is characterised by quick-activating LED tail-lights, completing the stylistic theme initiated by the matching headlights with their round main components. Here, a round element succeeds in interrupting the trapezoidal theme in a downward slant. The new headlights exhibit a distinctive nocturnal graphic effect, as initially demonstrated by the Phaeton.

 

Body

Perceptible Passion

 

Unshakeable: static torsion gains the best results in the middle class
Feather light: galvanized steel body breaks through weight spiral

The new Passat's exterior design says it all: 100% new, 100% different; and that goes for the entire bodywork too. The dimensions, for example: the Passat measures 4.77 metres in length (+ 62 mm), has a width of 1.82 metres (+ 74 mm) and a height of 1.47 metres (+ 10 mm). Its wheel base is 2.71 metres and the boot has a cubic capacity of maximum 565 litres (+ 90 litres). Statistics such as these mean that the Passat makes you question the significance of terms like middle class, upper middle class or upper class, being, as it is, an amalgamation of all these.

And this applies equally to the key quality and safety data. A typical example of both: the static torsion stiffness. At 32.400 Nm/°, this lies 57 per cent above that reached by an excellent predecessor, characterising the new optimum class level. And moreover, the new Passat has achieved a breakthrough in terms of the weight spiral: despite significant body improvements and increased dimensions, the highly innovative production techniques and materials have won the day. Free of fittings and equipment, the new Passat's body weighs no more than that of the previous model. The Passat's tare weight is 1.348 kilogrammes (petrol engine vehicle with 85 kW / 115 BHP).

Slim-line and strong: Bodywork made by Volkswagen

 

It was clear from the start: the new Passat should be as light as possible, while offering a concomitant plus in terms of crash safety and body stiffness. In other words, the engineers' task was to break new ground in terms of body design. And this through structural steel engineering, note, as an aluminium Space Frame would have exceeded the scope of the planned costing framework. The results produced by the development team are visible immediately. Although passive safety and vibration alleviation were improved, and both dimensions and the Passat's maximum permissible laden weight have increased, the so-called bodywork structural weight of 298 kilogrammes does not exceed that of its predecessor.

74 per cent high-tensile steelwork:

16 per cent of this is shape-hardened to stand up to the crash

This "slim-line" construction would have been unthinkable without the intentional use of "high-tensile steelwork", to use the specialist terminology of bodywork specialists. 74 per cent of the Passat's bodywork structure is constructed from this high-tensile steel. These high and highest tensile types of super metal are subdivided once again into four solidity levels; here, experts refer to differing "tensile yield points". The highly innovative, shape-hardened steels can almost be termed precious metals, although not in a classical sense, forming 16 per cent of the new Passat. They are exclusively located where just one thing counts: maximum safety.

Lighter through warmth:

20 kilos less weight thanks to "warm-worked" steels

In a nutshell: through the use of shape-hardened components (also termed "warm-worked"), the bodywork weight was able to be lowered by around 20 kilogrammes in comparison with the usual high-tensile "cold-formed" steels- with identical design criteria.

Laser welding and bonding:

when it comes down to it, the conventional weld seam serves its purpose

The well-directed use of high-tech materials is supported by "optimised tensile joining technology". When the first Passat was premiËred over 30 years ago, "welding" would have been mundanely referred to at this juncture. However, the matter has now become multi-layered. "Joining" denotes production techniques like welding, but also bonding, for example. As a high-tech car like the Passat has not been "welded" in a conventional sense for many years now, the specialist term "optimised tensile welding technology" would not be particularly accurate. In zones where maximum pressure is placed on the bodywork structure, both laser welding and spot weld bonding are used in componential bonding. These techniques are complemented by structural bonding and, naturally, conventional resistance spot welding.

Top of the class in terms of rigid torsion without excess weight, 34 percent rise in light-weight components, rigidity increased by 57 percent

 

This mix of joining techniques produces great results: despite better crash features and larger bodywork dimensions, the percentage of light-weight components has risen by a significant 34 per cent in comparison with the new Passat's predecessor. The sixth Passat generation concurrently goes to the top of the class with a static rigid torsion level of 32,400 Nm/°. To emphasise: the static rigidity has increased by 57 per cent compared with the previous model. The so-called torsion and flexion frequency were also subject to considerable improvement. These advances consequently optimise acoustics, vibration level and travel comfort.

Great aerodynamics:

basic model with drag coefficient measuring cW = 0.28

Its comparably low weight makes the Passat both speedy and economical. However, it becomes even faster and cheaper to run with the aid of its equilibrated aerodynamics. Generally speaking, both lift and cross-wind coefficients, wind noise levels and engine cooling have undergone improvements since the fifth generation. The basic model has a very low drag coefficient measuring cW = 0.28.

Perceptible vibrations: you perceive there aren't any!

Engine and running gear luxuriously uncoupled from the bodywork

Volkswagen places great value on the best possible vibration comfort levels. This rather technical term proves deceptive, being, in fact, a magic word as regards travel comfort as a whole. It really makes its mark. Optimum vibration comfort, whatever the class of vehicle, increases the sense of well-being on board. In essence, the driver 'feels' the quality of his car.

Unlike its predecessor, the new Passat is equipped with transversely integrated engines. Volkswagen has made the most of this conversion to continue to perfect comfort levels via engine and gear suspension. In addition to the vibration comfort levels, which once again play a significant role at this stage, the developers focussed their attention on the engine coupling and optimum no-load features. The Passat is thus equipped with a lavish three point pendular distribution, resulting in the near-perfect isolation of engine and bodywork. Uncoupling the multi-rod rear axle with the aid of subframes proves equally as innovative.

 

Passive Safety

Protective Passion

 

Dual-phase front airbags, active crash head-rests and belt tightener at the front

Side airbags and belt tighteners for the rear as desired

The sensible addition of highly effective passive safety elements using increasingly intelligent, active safety components such as ESP and ACC (adaptive cruise control) results in the fact that, in the new Passat, Volkswagen can proudly present one of the world's safest saloons. Here, the basis for optimum passive safety is, and will remain, highest possible bodywork rigidity. And here, once again, the new Passat sets new standards in its class. Yet the car's restraint systems improve safety levels at the most perceptible levels. The new Passat is equipped as standard with dual-phase front airbags, active crash head-rests in front in addition to side airbags (at the front) and head airbags (at front and rear). Belt tighteners and side airbags can also be optionally integrated at the rear as desired. It goes without saying that the Passat, as a well­established vehicle driven on all five continents, concurrently conforms to all worldwide crash norms.

Front, side and rear collisions: the safest Passat of all time

Head-on collision: In the event of a head-on collision, passengers on board the Passat are protected by the high-tensile bodywork structure and extremely effective restraint systems. Here the passenger cell guarantees particularly good survival chances. As described in the bodywork technology section, the supporting structural bodywork is manufactured from high-load warm-worked steel types. In the case of an offset crash, or if car and hazard or accident antagonist partially "overlap", the passenger cell only suffered low-level intrusions. Distortions in the footwells were particularly low. Moreover, in the case of serious head-on accidents, the crash-optimised pedal control system (COP) reduces the risk of injury to the driver's feet and legs with the aid of an automatic pedal fold-up mechanism.

Side-on collision: This form of collision is considered the most dangerous, even if the barrier impact speed is very low, as the lateral crumple zone is apt to be very small. This is one of the reasons why the B-pillar is the most important structural component. As a central loading path, the Passat's B-pillar, also produced from highest­tensile sheet metals, offsets a large amount of the force produced by an accident by passing on the energy to the runners and roof frame. Both these elements are manufactured from highest-tensile, correspondingly shape-hardened steels.

The so-called seating crossbeams and roof frame shore up the passenger cell on the opposite side of the vehicle, resulting in its increased rigidity. The crash energy is broken down with extreme force in connection with the doors, which are strengthened by diagonal impact collision rods, thus reducing risk of injury.

Rear collision: When concentrating on the rear area, the focus was placed on the best possible bodywork crash conduct, this analogous to the approach taken when dealing with the front of the vehicle. Preserving an undamaged fuel system was the development team's top priority. An important advance was made in terms of the creation of a new position for the filler neck in front of the rear axle.

Pedestrian protection: The entire pedestrian design concept includes numerous constructional individual procedures in the front of the vehicle. The optimised mudguard links, joints and front hood all aim for added pedestrian protection and deserve special emphasis. And, in the bumper region, an additional protective crossbeam and deformation insulating foam provide more added pedestrian safety.

New starting and locking system replaces the knee airbag: Electronic steering lock facilitates new ignition lock position

Knee impact area: The Passat's interior is essentially designed to avoid injury with interior elements. That goes without saying. However, the numerous small and larger detailed solutions which make the Passat's interior so reassuringly safe cannot be considered a matter of course. Just two examples: the new starting and locking system enables the now electronic steering lock to be positioned independently from the ignition lock. The latter no longer has to be positioned in the knee impact area at all, thus making the use of a so-called knee airbag totally redundant. The steering column setting has been newly designed for the same reason.

Dual-phase front, side and head airbags, active headrests, the safest Passat of all time is also delivered with side airbags at the rear upon request

Dual-phase front airbags: Each Passat worldwide comes with six airbags as standard (front, side, and lateral head airbags). In this context, the front airbags now appear in the form of a dual-phase design system. They react with a different degree of hardness depending on the intensity of the collision. The correspondingly low­level aggressive reaction in the event of low impact speeds is just one of the many advantages of these dual-phase models. Moreover, the passenger airbag can be switched off to allow smaller passengers in child seats to travel in front, this independent of the dual-phase system.

Belt-up request: The new Passat is fitted with a control system, as is the rule in all new VW models, which requests driver and passengers to fasten their seatbelts both acoustically and with the aid of warning lights. The "seatbelt reminder system" is activated from speeds exceeding 10 km/h. Moreover, the saloon is equipped with lap and diagonal automatic seatbelts on all five seats as standard, seatbelt load limiters on the front seats and exterior rear seats in combination with rear side airbags. Driver and passenger seats are also fitted with active crash headrests, which adjust automatically, moving in the direction of the head in the event of a rear collision, thus reducing the risk of whiplash. Additionally, belt tighteners in front ensure that seatbelts are fitted to optimum standards in the pre­crash phase in order to reduce the retarding power on the body. The back seats can also be equipped with optional side airbags and belt tighteners upon request.

 

Engines / transmission

Dynamic Passion

 

Engines: There are seven new engines in the Passat range from 102 to 250 bhp

Six-speed automatic transmission: DSG for the TDI, Tiptronic for the FSI

Seven of the eight Passat engines are direct ­injection versions, and are new in the range for the series. All the engines conform to the EU-4 standard. They are installed in front and transversely. The power range extends from 75 kW / 102 bhp (basic engine) to a future 184 kW / 250 bhp.

The three four-cylinder FSI models with direct injection (homogenous) are rated at 85 kW / 115 bhp, 110 kW / 150 bhp and ñ in the case of the Turbo-FSI ñ 147 kW / 200 bhp. In the fourth quarter of 2005, a 3.2-litre V6 FSI with the aforementioned 184 kW / 250 bhp will complete the high end of the range.

Each of the three TDI offered is being used in this series for the first time. They are rated at 77 kW / 105 bhp, 103 kW / 140 bhp and 125 kW / 170 bhp, respectively. The Passat TDI will also be available with a diesel particle filter. The most powerful TDI features the innovative piezo pump-jet high pressure injection system.

Petrol engines:

four- and six-cylinder engines with a power range of 102 bhp to 250 bhp

1.6 with 75 kW: The basic 75 kW / 102 bhp engine of the new Passat series is both proven and economical. It accelerates the saloon from 0 to 100 kph in 12.4 seconds, gives it a top speed of 190 kph, and consumes an average of 7.7 litres of unleaded premium petrol over 100 kilometres.

1.6 FSI with 85 kW: The "smallest" direct-injection petrol engine in the new Passat develops 85 kW / 115 bhp. With it under the bonnet, the saloon is capable of 200 kph, and takes only 11.4 seconds to reach 100 kph. And this consuming a mere 7.5 litres of unleaded premium petrol over 100 kilometres.

2.0 FSI with 110 kW: The next level of motorisation is also provided by a direct-injection petrol engine. This four-cylinder has an output of 110 kW / 150 bhp, allowing a top speed of up to 213 kph and sprinting from 0 to 100 kph in only 9.4 seconds. The EU overall fuel consumption is 8.2 litres.

2.0 T-FSI with 147 kW: Volkswagen's most powerful four-cylinder is the 2.0 FSI with turbocharger and boost intercooling, which is already familiar from the Golf GTI. This 1,984 cc. direct-injection engine develops 147 kW / 200 bhp at 5,500 rpm, catapulting the Passat to 100 kph in 7.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 236 kph. This highly efficient combination of FSI and turbocharger is demonstrated by the average consumption of the Passat 2.0 T-FSI: just 8.6 litres.

At 10.3:1, the 2.0 T-FSI has a high compression ratio, and its powerful torque (280 Newton metres between 1,800 und 5,000 rpm) make it a very superior drive unit. To be precise, the Passat engine exploits the advantages of homogenous direct injection, and combines them with the superior power of turbo-loading. The result is an extraordinary torque curve, excellent response, pure joy of motoring, and not the merest hint of a turbo weak spot.

Turbo Diesel:

two 2.0 litre TDI (140 and 170 bhp) and one 1.9 litre TDI (105 bhp)

The Passat's three TDI engines meet the EU IV exhaust standard by virtue of internal measures alone. On top of that, they use a new generation of ceramic glow-plugs that lower the emission of particles even more, and at the same time optimise cold-start performance.

1.9 TDI with 77 kW: The economical, high-torque world of TDI engines begins for the Passat at 77 kW / 105 bhp (4,000 revs) und 250 Newton metres (1,900 revs). The Passat 1.9 TDI has a top speed of 188 kph, accelerates to 100 kph in 12.1 seconds, and has an average consumption of 5.6 litres of diesel over 100 kilometres.

2.0 TDI with 103 kW: 209 kph is the top speed of the 103 kW / 140 bhp (at 4,000 rpm) Passat 2.0 TDI. The four-cylinder engine develops a maximum torque of 320 Newton metres as low as 1,800 rpm, and takes just 9.8 seconds for an easy 0-100 kph sprint before reaching the top speed of 209 kph. Average consumption: 5.9 litres. This TDI performance level can be combined with a diesel particle filter.

Numerous details were modified in order to facilitate the use of an optional, additive-free diesel particle filter in the 2.0 TDI. Some examples: in order to allow the DPF to be mounted as close to the engine as possible, the position of the exhaust turbocharger was changed. The pressure with which the pump-jet element injects fuel into the slightly modified combustion chambers was also increased to as much as 2,400 bar. In addition to this, the pumping characteristic of the pump-jet was modified to allow additional injections for the thermal regeneration of the filter or other reasons. Engineers concurrently succeeded in further reducing the oil consumption, another measure to increase the efficiency of the DPF. The diesel particle filter is maintenance-free, and forms a modular unit with the oxidation catalytic converter.

2.0 TDI with 125 kW: The second 2.0 TDI, fitted with highly innovative piezo pump-jet high pressure injection and a compensator shaft, is a completely new design. This very quiet, four-valve TDI has an output of 125 kW / 170 bhp (4,200 rpm), develops a torque of 350 Newton metres (1,800-2,500 rpm), and accelerates the saloon to 100 kph in just 8.7 seconds. The top speed is 223 kph. Here, too, the average fuel consumption is low, at 6.1 litres over 100 kilometres.

Technically, the 125-kW TDI, with its switched induction manifold for turbulence control, is based on its 103-kW equivalent without diesel particle filter. This cultivated engine is the world's first piezo pump-jet TDI. Further technical features are two compensator shafts (reducing secondary vibrations by up to 80 percent), a maintenance­free diesel particle filter, and an injection pressure of up to 2,200 bar. The specific power of the 2.0 TDI, at 62.5 kW per litre, is a new best. Although the new TDI has power and convenience characteristics that come very close to those of a five- or six­cylinder turbo-diesel, the consumption and emission figures are in the low four-cylinder range.

Technologically, a central factor in the achievement of high power and convenience values together with low consumption is the use of the newly developed piezo pump-jet elements. Using one of the piezo actuators to control the high-pressure valve of the pump-jet permits:

·      -very high injection pressure, and thus low emission and optimum specific power.

·      -ideal hydraulic efficiency because of the very small high­pressure volume.

·      -ideal injection process.

·      -very precise, low-volume pre-injection at a low pressure level.

·      -flexibly controlled pre- and post-injection and injection intervals.

·      -low injection noise.

A further innovation in the TDI is the use of a newly developed compensator-shaft module. The term "module" is easy to explain: the two counter-rotating compensator shafts (turning at twice the engine revs), together with the oil pump, form a separate module located under the cylinder crankcase. The compensator shafts noticeably reduce the amount of vibration that is transmitted to the bodywork.

 

Dual clutch transmission (DSG):

the DSG is internationally the most sprightly, most economical automatic transmission

 

Dual clutch transmission (DSG): Both of the 2.0-litre TDI are paired with a manual six-speed gearbox as standard. There will be an optional alternative: the innovative dual clutch transmission (DSG). The DSG has six forward gears, shifts very quickly, and is regarded as the ideal transmission in combination with turbo diesel direct injection engines. In the case of the TDI, it is the first transmission world-wide that fully preserves the low fuel consumption of a diesel in spite of automatic gear-shifting functionality. Like the classic Volkswagen Tiptronic, this transmission can be shifted manually via a plus/minus lane. The DSG will also be available for the most powerful petrol engine in the Passat range, the 3.2-litre V6.

Automatic Transmission:

six-speed automatic for the four-cylinder petrol engines

Tiptronic: The petrol engines rated at 85 kW / 115 bhp, 110 kW / 150 bhp and 147 kW / 200 bhp can optionally be combined with a convenient six-speed automatic transmission (Tiptronic). In series, the petrol engines of 115 bhp and above will come with a manual­shift six-speed gearbox.

 

Running gear

Perceived Passion

 

Front axle: Aluminium components save more that 13 kilograms Rear axle: Four-arm architecture with uncoupled auxiliary frame

The new Passat demonstrates what a front­wheel drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle of today should look like, with regard to both comfort and handling. The new four-arm rear axle, acoustically isolated from the bodywork by an auxiliary frame; the McPherson front axle, newly designed around aluminium components; and the electrical-mechanical power-assisted steering that has been used for the first time in this class, guarantee agility, comfort and safety of the highest standard.

Optionally, or rather depending on the other extras, a 15 millimetre lower sports running gear (Passat Sportline series) and a 20 millimetre higher rough-track running gear are available.

The running gear technology is rounded off by the ESP + trailer stabilisation, with which all vehicles with trailer hitches are equipped. Apart from the well-known 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.

New in the sector is also the universal use of a 16-inch braking system. Used with a 75 kW Passat, this makes the same excellent braking effort available as in a 147-kW version. The brake discs are fitted with a kind of windscreen-wiper. Why? In heavy rain, a film of water could form on the brake discs, slowing their reaction to brake application. This is where the new "disc wiper" comes into play: at intervals of five minutes, the brake linings are applied with minimal pressure, and thus dried. The driver is oblivious to this procedure.

Front axle:

an innovative example of lightweight construction

The McPherson concept: The new front axle of the Passat is based on the McPherson concept, with low-mounted wishbones and wheel­controlling control arms. This axle is extremely light, and thus offers numerous advantages. An example of innovative lightweight construction: in the area of the especially rigid, crash-optimised auxiliary axle frame, weight was reduced by 4.5 kilograms alone compared with a conventional sheet steel construction.

Another lightweight part is the forged aluminium wishbone. Here, the weight saving over pressed steel amounts to 4.2 kilograms.

The methods of lightweight construction are of the greatest value when it comes to unsprung mass. That's why not only the wishbones but also the pivot bearings are made of aluminium. The weight advantage here adds up to 3.2 kilograms. Thanks to a special construction, it was possible to save 1.4 kilograms in the area of the stabiliser, too. Taken all together, the lightweight construction techniques used in the area of the front axle result in a weight advantage of 13.3 kilograms. And that means greater comfort, better dynamics, and lower fuel consumption.

Rear axle:

acoustically isolated from the bodywork by an auxiliary frame

Four-arm concept: The new Passat has a newly developed four-arm rear axle. Compared to other concepts, this offers maximum comfort and road-hold. The special arrangement of the arms allows longitudinal and lateral dynamics to be tuned separately. The separation of the functions ensures, on the one hand, optimum dynamics and active safety, and on the other hand convincing rolling comfort.

The remarkably compact four-arm rear axle consists of an uncoupled auxiliary frame, to which the wheel-bearer is attached crosswise via the three wishbones, suspension control shaft, tack rod and upper wishbone. The longitudinal control arm guides the wheel lengthwise. In addition, weight-optimised tube stabilisers are used on the rear axle.

The decisive feature that makes the new Passat so extremely comfortable is the auxiliary frame that uncouples the rear axle from the body. The frame itself is very light, thanks to the use of high­tensile steels. The insulation from the bodywork is achieved with four voluminous rubber-metal bearings. The rubber compound in the bearings is selected to ideally deal with the special dynamic demands of driving. As a result, the insulation of the auxiliary frame provides acoustics, driving comfort and wheel noise worthy of the upper class.

The fact that the new Passat is on the whole very quiet when it comes to wheel noises is all the more remarkable because of the further significant improvement in the dynamic characteristics compared with the previous model. And normally, good driving dynamics and comfortable wheel noise are virtues that are difficult to combine in a vehicle. With the Passat, it worked!

Accordingly, this Volkswagen has road-holding behaviour that makes it fun to drive on country roads or motorways, and is nonetheless conspicuously comfortable. This is one good reason why the new Passat is one of those saloons that can combine comfortable cruising and the fastest connection between two places.

Tyres and steering:

ten different light alloy rims and one electrical-mechanical steering mechanism

Tyres: The Passat is delivered with 16-inch rims and 205/55 tyres as standard. In addition, there are ten different light alloy rims with diameters of 16, 17 and 18 inches to choose from as optional extras.

Steering: Electrical-mechanical power-assisted steering is making its premiËre in this class of the new Passat ñ one of the most innovative steering systems in the world. The same applies to the system used in the Passat as it did in the earlier Touran, Golf and Golf Plus; it provides definite feedback that gives the driver a proper "feel" for the steering. Besides numerous benefits in the area of vehicle dynamics, the electrical-mechanical steering has a positive effect on fuel consumption, because, in contrast to conventional hydraulic solutions, it "works" only when the steering-wheel is turned. This reduces the average fuel consumption by about 0.2 of a litre. A further feature of the "self-teaching" steering is straight­running correction. The system recognises transverse angles in the roadway by itself, and compensates for them. Straight-running correction thus adds significantly to driving comfort.

 

Interior

 

Experience Passion

 

Design: bright, fresh, appealing with a strikingly simple design
Technology: aimed at people and not at technical feasibility

Just a glance into the interior of the new Passat reveals a bright, fresh, stylish yet strikingly simple design, top quality materials and people-oriented technology not aimed at breaking the theoretical bounds of the technically feasible. Here, the goal was to execute a combination of easy to operate ergonomics. Smoothly linked functional elements and stylistic simplicity dominate here. The total effect is to produce a space which enthuses as much as it protects. A space, which although new at first sight, becomes familiar in a moment, with timeless appeal.

Control centre:

friendly, clear, unambiguous

Fittings: Designing an instrument console reflecting a vehicle's character from the inside out, clear and ergonomically perfect and self-explanatory to boot counts among the biggest challenges interior designers and engineers have to face. This is why there are so few examples where interior fittings are lauded as leading the way with their clear, harmonious, perfect designs. The Passat could very well succeed in joining these.

Its fittings make a friendly, clear and unambiguous impression. Let's take the main instruments as an example: their smooth linking and integration into fitting applications, the sophisticated blue rear-lit scaling and the standard chrome trimmings turn them into a stylistic highlight prompting parallels with the Phaeton, fully independent of their functional role. Example 2: the ignition lock: This name has been abolished in connection with the Passat. The transmitter used to activate the centrally controlled locking system is stowed in a type of "docking station" located to the right of the steering wheel, far above the knee. Just press and start. Try it out once, and using a key subsequently seems very unnatural.

Electromechanical parking brake: The button operating the newly designed "hand brake" is located to the left of the typical VW main headlight switch. A light touch now replaces pressing down a pedal or pulling up the handbrake lever.

Central fittings area: An optical feast of bespoke ergonomics. Simply adjust seat and steering-wheel and feel at home already. The right hand will intuitively locate manual gear change, air conditioning (lower and central console levels), radio or radio navigation systems (central level) or the hazard warning switch (upper middle level). The whole display has a completely individual flair, the central console clearly paving an optical path between the seats before reaching the hazard warning switch. Here, the area between gear lever and stereo system cuts a diagonal angle across.

Material world:

burr-walnut and aluminium as degrees of refinement

 

Four designs and a new material world: The interior can be adjusted, at personal request, to match the four design lines Trendline, Comfortline, Sportline and Highline in addition to four worlds of colour ("Black", "Latte Macchiato", "Classic Grey" and "Pure Beige"). High-grade wood applications (burr-walnut, poplar, makassar and aluminium) continue the individualisation process according to the chosen design line. The burr-walnut combination on the instrument panel is, for example, perfectly tailored to the fittings' simplicity, while aluminium trimmings give a classy finish to the entire central console.

Suitable for every day:

the Passat raises no questions, just solves transportation problems

Love of detail: The Passat's interior demonstrates detailed perfection. Example: the numerous storage compartments. The glove compartment turns out to be multi-talented in this context. Firstly, the standard air conditioning in all models means it can be cooled. Secondly, it is so large, that even A4 documents can be safely stowed with no worries. Thirdly, it is variable, as log book, or optional CD-changer which can be installed here, slide into the very depths of the compartment via a new cable-controlled mechanism and can be retrieved with no trouble at all as quickly as they disappeared in the first place. Fourthly, the glove compartment has been joined by a slightly smaller counterpart on the driver's side.

Multi-functional central console: Adequate storage space abounds in the central console. Two automatic drawers appear to the left and right of the hazard warning switch with just a light touch, available from the Comfortline model upwards. And, as the electromechanical parking brake excludes the need for a hand brake lever, the space between the seats can also be used to its full potential. The central console in this area can be extended by an extremely comfortable optional arm-rest which is ergonomic as it is tactile (from Comfortline upwards). A second, coolable and lit storage compartment (4-litre cubic capacity) is concealed underneath. In this case, a large storage compartment is located in from of the arm-rest which can be closed with a shutter mechanism. A Bluetooth mobile phone can be safely stowed and charged in a compartment directly below the arm-rest if the requisite mounting is installed.

Roof console and door compartments: A practical roof console for those perpetually endangered items like sunglasses comes as standard with every model. Considering the extremely dense storage space, it is logical that the door trims are exploited to the last possible millimetre. The front door compartments can accommodate between 1.0 (left) and 1.5 (right) litre drinks bottles respectively, and won't blanch at the sight of a road atlas - even in this era of navigation systems.

Passat umbrella: Space was even planned in for the indispensable umbrella. This can be stowed in a door compartment on the driver's side for optimum accessibility. A high-quality umbrella (for two people) was specially developed for the Passat by a leading German weather protection expert. High-quality leather trimmings plus integrated VW logo are optical features of the handle.

Front seat system: The newly designed seats highlight the new Passat's highly ergonomic nature. They demonstrate their markedly long-range capacity even in the basic Trendline model, complete with height-adjustable driver seat. An electronically operated 6-mode driver seat is available from the Comfortline model upwards. In this case, the comfort seat is equipped with an electrically adjustable lumbar vertebra support (this manual in the case of the passenger seat). In general, the range of both length and height settings has witnessed an increase in comparison with the fifth generation Passat. An added plus: the front seats' incline is simultaneously adjusted in the new model as soon as height adjustments are made. The taller the driver and passenger, the more intense the incline ñ for ergonomic reasons. Drivers (and passengers) of fifth generation Passats will also be able to detect a more subtle adjustment of the front seating in a lengthwise direction thanks to a new rail control mechanism when changing to the new model. Furthermore, the back of the passenger seat can be folded down as an added extra (Trendline, Comfortline).

Rear seat system: The rear seating's design is as luxurious as up front. Three ergonomically contoured seats with ample head and leg space and excellent side restraint capacity are located in the rear.

The rear seat back is asymmetrically separable and fold-down, and is also equipped with a middle arm-rest including storage space. Two retractable drinks holders are integrated into the arm-rest from the Comfortline design upwards. And another standard luxury with Comfortline, Sportline and Highline is a large loading facility, which has no problem "swallowing" four pairs of skis.

The back rest locking system is another new addition. The robust clasps are provided with a red indicator, as newly premiËred in the current Golf model, which displays their status. The indicator is visible from the front seats. The seat backs can be additionally secured with a lock in order to prevent thieves from pilfering the contents of the boot.

Boot: No one would even hazard a guess at a storage capacity of 565 cubic litres in the back of a Passat. But there they are. Chrome­plated lashing straps make luggage easier to store safely. An optional combi-net also proves invaluable, a device which can either be completely stretched over the floor of the boot or, as in the Sharan, tautened and used as a vertical net bag. Two lateral bag hooks ensure that the milk stays upright and doesn't leak into the emergency wheel cavity, already occupied by the tire mobility set (from Comfortline upwards).

One detail which reflects the Passat's high level of construction is the smoothly worked bonnet hinges, built into the exterior of the boot itself. These can be unbolted to open completely at the touch of an interior button. What's more, the bonnet lining handily even has room for the warning triangle, so that it can be quickly accessed even when the boot is fully laden. And if you often tend to sit on the rim of the boot to change your shoes after jogging or skiing, the new Passat provides you with a clean solution ñ a foldable protective towel over the bumper, which disappears into the boot when no longer required.

Sun protection: First of all, the Comfortline and Highline versions are equipped with retractable sun visors which come in the form of double sun visors in typical Touareg tradition. The electric rear windscreen sun protection shutter (via rail control in the C-pillar) has also been newly designed, in addition to lavishly conceived rear door shutters.

 

Series provision

Principled Passion

 

Basic Trendline design comes equipped with air-conditioning system, ESP, six airbags

Comfortline, Sportline and Highline fitted with electric driving seat settings

The new Passat will be available in the four design lines Trendline, Comfortline, Sportline and Highline. Each of these features not only a particular standard range of equipment, but determines the vehicle's own indomitable character. Here, the Trendline can be classified as the most recent adaptation. Comfort­oriented design line Comfortline succeeds in epitomising its name just as much as the dynamic Sportline version. The Passat Highline appropriately takes its place as the series' high-end model.

The Passat offers a broad range of exclusive comfort fittings and functional and safety equipment from the basic Trendline version upwards ñ as standard. Included in this are dual-phase front airbags, side and head airbags, active front head-rests, ESP, central locking, electromechanical power-assisted steering, electric windows in front and the semiautomatic air-conditioning system Climatic.

A detailed look at the standard fittings for the Passat Trendline (excerpt):

Trendline exterior fittings

-   Wing mirror casings and door handles in vehicle colour

-   Side indicator lights integrated into front bumper

-   Side indicator LED lights integrated into wing mirrors

-   LED tail-lights

-   Chrome radiator grille

-  4 steel wheels (6 O Jx16) with full wheel covers, 205/55 R16 tyres

-  Green warmth protector glaze

Trendline interior fittings

-    Shuttered storage compartment in roof console

-  Storage compartments in all doors with support for 1l bottle on driver's side and 1.5l bottle on passenger side

-  2 drinks holders in front

-  Instrumentation embellished with ornamental chrome rings

-  Patterned inlay ("Black Point") for instrument panel/central console

-  Height-adjustable driver seat

-  Textile luggage compartment lining

-  Lockable, lit glove compartment, which can be cooled as desired

-  Umbrella compartment on driver's side

-  Asymmetrically adjustable rear seat back; can be folded down in separate sections; includes central arm-rest

-  Gear lever /lever selector

-  Fabric seat covers with 'Calino' pattern

-  Tufted velour carpeting

Trendline safety fittings

-  Dual-phase airbag for driver and passenger, plus passenger airbag deactivation function

-  2 active front head-rests

-  5 automatic lap and diagonal height-adjustable safety belts in front with belt tightening facility

-  Automatic warning light activation for full brake application

-  Electronic stabilising programme (ESP) including comfort brake assistant, ABS, EDS and ASR

-  Isofix support eyelets for two child seats on the rear seating

-  Head airbag system for front and rear passengers

-  3 head-rests at the rear

-  Passive rear reflector in all doors

-  Front and rear disk brakes, inner ventilation in front

-  Side airbags in front

-  4 lashing straps in luggage compartment

- Hazard triangle integrated in rear hood

 

Trendline functional fittings

-  Aspherical wing mirror on driver side

-  Electrically adjustable wing mirror with heating facility

-  Outdoor temperature indicator with frost alerter

-  Auto-hold function (only with automatic gear systems)

-  Automatic opening facility for luggage compartment

-  Electric windows in front

-  Electric remote unlatching device for luggage compartment and petrol cap cover

-  Front and rear interior lighting with time delay and dimmer function, 2 reading lights in front

-  Blue-lit instrument panel, regulated; nocturnal switch design in red

-  "Climatic" air-conditioning system

-  Convenient start function "Press & Drive" on instrument panel

-  Steering column with height and length adjustor

-  Integrated make-up mirror in the sun visor

-  Electromechanical parking brake

-  Disk-type antenna

-  Electro-mechanical power-assisted steering, speed-regulated

-  Tyre mobility set, 12 volt compressor and tyre density device

-  Warning light appears in case of unclosed doors and open luggage compartment

-  Warning light for washing water level

-  Central locking with radio remote control, 2 remote keys

 

The Passat Comfortline - multifittings contrasted with the Passat Trendline (excerpt):

Comfortline exterior fittings +

-  White indicator lights, integrated into front bumper

-  Chrome-edged side windows

-  Protective strips at the front in vehicle colour, lateral and rear protective chrome strips

-  4 steel wheels (6 O J x 16) with full wheel covers, 215/55 R 16 tyres

Comfortline interior fittings +

-  Storage space on left and right of luggage compartment

-  Storage pockets on front seat backs

-  Ambience lighting

-  Height-adjustable passenger seat with lumbar vertebra support

-  Patterned inlay on instrument panel ("Black Point") with "Soft Silver" on central console

-  Rear seating loading capacity

-  Electrically operated 6-mode driver's seat for lumbar vertebra support and lean incline

-  Comfort seats in front

-  Illuminated make-up mirror in sun visors, retractable sun visors

-  Central rear arm-rest fitted with storage box for first-aid box and 2 retractable drinks holders

-  Illuminated central front arm-rest with stereo speaker, 2 rear air emission vents, drinks holders in front with shutter mechanism

-  Leather gear stick or lever selector (only 4MOTION or direct manual transmission)

-  Central seating strip in looped velours, "Verona" pattern

-  Textile foot mats in front and rear

Comfortline safety fittings +

-  Rear-view mirror with automatic screen-off function

Comfortline functional fittings +

-  Automatic vehicle light switch, with coming home and leaving home function

-  Rear electric windows

-  Speed regulator

-  Front and rear interior lighting with time delay and dimmer function, 2 chrome-ringed reading lights in front and rear

-  Rain sensor

-  12-volt socket at rear and in luggage compartment

- Bag hooks in luggage compartment

 

 

-  Rear electric windows

-  2 front footwell lights

-  Speed regulator

-  Front and rear interior lighting with time delay and dimmer function, 2 chrome-ringed reading lights in front and 2 at rear

-  Multifunctional display

-  Rain sensor

-  Heatable windscreen washer nozzles in front

-  Door hooks in luggage compartment

-  12-volt socket at rear and in luggage compartment

-  Heatable front seats

 

Special equipment

Individual Passion

Special fittings break barriers between middle and upper class
Individualisation level assumes 'Phaetonic' proportions

The new Passat generation makes a point of perfecting the possibilities of individualisation. Details like five different patterned inlays, a wider interior colour and pattern range and the uncompromising high-quality, function-guaranteed integration of info and entertainment technology are comparable to a safari through the desires and needs of today's car drivers. They expect the best and most individual solution ñ at an honest price. And precisely these elements are standing by in the form of the new Passat ñ on call whenever required, as the following overview of special fittings amply demonstrates (excerpts):

- Electrically retractable wing mirror, with integrated peripheral illumination (model series including front seats with memory function)

- Chrome-edged side windows (Comfortline and

Highline models)

- Aluminium patterned inlay on instrument panel and central

console with 'Pure Beige' interior (Highline)

- Makasser wood patterned inlay on instrument panel and central

console

- Burr-walnut patterned inlay on instrument panel and central

console

- Burr-walnut patterned inlay on instrument panel, central console

in Aluminium design (Highline)

- Poplar wood patterned inlay on instrument panel and central

console

- Thief alert system with electronic drive-off locking device, back-

up horn and easy-lock facility

- Thief alert system plus with electronic drive-off locking device, interior monitor, back-up horn, tow-away protection and easy-lock facility

- Garage door opener in form of built-in, programmable radio remote control in driver sun visor, retractable double sun visors (not available in connection with insulating glass

- Luggage rack

- Luggage rack and protective towel for rear bumper

- Luggage compartment reversible mat, rubber/fabric

- Speed regulator, can be operated via separate drop-arm switches (Comfortline and Highline models)

-"Climatronic" air-conditioning system, dual-zone temperature regulator, left and right separation, with indirect ventilation (Highline model)

- Leather fittings in "Vienna", central seating strip and corners, front of head-rests and central arm-rest covers in leather ("Vienna") central seating strip with perforated design, 3-spoke leather steering wheel, leather gear lever knob, heatable front seats, heatable windscreen washer nozzles (available with Comfortline) - Leather fittings in "Nappa", central seating strip and corners, front of head-rests and central arm-rest covers in leather ("Nappa") (available with Sportline and Highline), heatable front seats, heatable windscreen washer nozzles, (both Highline model)

- 3-spoke leather steering wheel, leather gear lever knob (Sportline and Highline models)

- Multifunctional 3-spoke leather steering wheel operating multifunctional display, radio and telephone, leather gear lever knob, multifunctional display plus, (only with radio systems, navigations systems or telephone facilities)

- Multifunctional 3-spoke leather steering wheel with wooden annulus operating multifunctional display, radio and telephone, Burr-walnut gear lever knob, multifunctional display plus (only available with radio systems, navigation systems or telephone facilities and not with ëMassakar' and ëPoplar' patterned inlays)

-"Light and Sight" ñ Package 1, ambience lighting, automatic vehicle light switch equipped with coming home and leaving home function, front and rear interior lighting with time delay and dimmer function, 2 chrome-ringed reading lights in front and 2 at rear, rear­view mirror with automatic screen-off function, illuminated make-up mirror in sun visors, retractable sun visors, rain sensor (Comfortline and Highline models)

-"Light and Sight"-Package 2, range identical to "Light and Sight"-Package 1, above, with additional electrically retractable wing mirror with integrated peripheral illumination and automatic screen­off function on left-hand side

-"Light and Sight"-Package 3 for front seats with 12-mode electric settings and memory function, range identical to "Light and Sight"-Package 1, above, with additional electrically retractable wing mirror with integrated peripheral illumination plus automatic screen-off function on driver's side and memory function

- Multifunctional display plus with additional display functions (additions include door unlocking selector and easy-lock function, "auto-lock function" from 15 km/h +, easy-switch-on and ñoff indicator function and unit, language, clock and automatic vehicle heater settings as required)

- "RNS MFD2" navigation system, 6 O inch multifunctional display (in colour), interactive map with navigation CD, (symbol conversion also possible), CD-ROM for Germany, CD-ROM drive can also be used for audio CDs (not possible when destination guide activated), acoustic route recommendations (synthesised voice), optical route recommendations displayed on multifunctional display plus in driver's direct field of vision, if desired also shown on navigation system's multifunctional display, multifunctional display plus, 4 x 20 watt radio system, 8 loudspeakers, dynamic destination guide via TMC

- ParkPilot, front and rear space indicator with acoustic warning signal

- "RCD 300" radio system, 2 X 20 watts, 4 loudspeakers in front, in-built CD-player

- " RCD 300" radio system, 4 X 20 watts, 8 loudspeakers in front and rear, CD-player

- "RCD 500" radio system, 4 X 20 watts, 8 loudspeakers in front and rear, in-built CD-changer with capacity for 6 CDs, traffic radio storage memory with four-minute recall function (TIM: Traffic Information Memory)

- "RCD 500 Volkswagen Sound" radio system, range identical to "RCD 500",above, with addition of 8-channel amplifier, radio operation, 10 loudspeakers, specifically performance-adjusted, total power 250 watts

- "RCD 500 Dynaudio Sound" radio system, range identical to "RCD 500",above, with addition of 10-channel amplifier, radio operation, 10 loudspeakers, specifically performance-adjusted, total power 600 watts

- CD-changer with capacity for 6 CDs in glove compartment

- Light alloy wheels ("Milwaukee"), 7J x 16, 215/55 R 16 tyres - Light alloy wheels ("Monza"), 7J x 16, forged, gloss-lathed, 215/55 R 16 tyres, emergency running characteristics, tyre monitoring indicator

- Light alloy wheels ("Macau"), 7O J x 17, 235/45 R 17 tyres

- Light alloy wheels ("Monte Carlo"), 7O J x 17, 235/45 R 17 tyres

- Light alloy wheels ("Le Mans"), 7O J x 17, gloss-lathed surface, 235/45 R 17 tyres

- Light alloy wheels ("Westwood"), 7O J x 17, multipart, gloss­lathed rim flange, 235/45 R 17 tyres

- Year-round tyres, 4 year-round tyres, 205/55 R 16, (only available for 75 and 85 kW petrol engines and 77 and 103 kW TDI)

- Spare wheel (in tyre equipment package) steel model, light alloy model for 16" and 17"wheels

- Tyre monitor gauge

- Umbrella, suitable size for umbrella compartment

- Darkened rear side windows and rear window, 65% light absorption

- Front windscreen in insulating glass, increased air-conditioning with reflective infra-red coating (only in conjunction with "Light and Sight" packages, not available with Winter Packages 3 and 4; heatable front windscreen available)

- Headlight cleaning system

- Electric glass sunroof, ambience lighting, front and rear interior lighting with time delay and dimmer function, 2 chrome-ringed reading lights in front and 2 at rear

- Protective towel for rear bumper

- Rear side airbags, with belt tightener for outer back seats

- Front seats with lumbar vertebra support, height-adjustable passenger seat (Trendline only)

- Electric 12-mode setting front seats, for lengthways positioning, seating height, seating and leaning inclines and lumbar vertebra support, available as comfort seats, driver's seat with memory function, electrically retractable, adjustable wing mirror with separate heating facility, with memory function and peripheral lighting (Comfortline only)

- Electric 12-mode setting front seats, for lengthways positioning, seating height, seating and leaning incline and lumbar vertebra support, available as sports seats, heatable front and rear seats, driver's seat with memory function, electrically retractable, adjustable wing mirror with separate heating facility, with memory function and peripheral lighting (Sportline and Highline only)

- Ski- and Snowboard pocket

- Sun protection shutter for rear windscreen (electric)

- Sun protection shutter for rear side windows (manual)

- Sports running gear, approx. 15 mm lower, higher shock absorber setting (Sportline model)

- Sports package "Monte Carlo", 4 light alloy wheels ("Monte Carlo"), 7O J x 17, fog-lights (Highline model), 235/45 R 17 tyres, darkened rear window and rear side windows, 65 % light absorption, sports running gear, approx. 15 mm lower (Sportline model)

- Sports package "Le Mans", accessories identical to "Monte Carlo", with additional 4 light alloy wheels ("Le Mans"), 7O J x 17

- Sports package "Macau", accessories identical to Monte Carlo", with additional 4 light alloy wheels ("Macau"), 7O J x 17

- Sports package "Westwood", accessories identical to "Monte Carlo", with additional 4 light alloy wheels ("Westwood"), 7O J x 17

- 230 V socket at rear replacing standard 12-volt rear socket (from Comfortline model upwards), central front arm-rest with storage box and cooling facility, illuminated, 2 rear air emission vents and drinks holders in front with shutter (in central arm-rest models from Comfortline upwards), (not in conjunction with Winter Packages 2 and 4 and including heatable rear seats)

- Telephone facilities (mobile) available in form of adapter set as Volkswagen Genuine PartsÆ from Votex, handsfree set,

GSM 900 / 1800 MHz, radio muting, cabling and power supply (only with radio or navigation system)

- Winter Package 1, heatable front windscreen washer nozzles, heatable front seats, (Winter Package 1 standard with Highline and Leather Packages)

- Winter Package 2, accessory range as Winter Package 1, with addition of heatable outer rear seats

- Winter Package 3, accessory range as Winter Package 1, with addition of heatable front windscreen, (not in conjunction with insulating glass front windscreen)

- Winter Package 4, accessory range as Winter Package 2, with addition of heatable front windscreen (not in conjunction with insulating glass)

- Winter wheels, 4 steel wheels, 6 O J x 16, full wheel covers, 205/55 R 16 winter tyres

- Winter wheels, 4 light alloy wheels ("Cortina"), 6 O J x 16, 205/55 R 16 winter tyres

Chronology

The Theory of Evolution

32 years: In 1973, Volkswagen entered the front-wheel-drive era with the Passat 13 million: The Passat is the most successful Volkswagen after Golf and Beetle

32 years ago, Volkswagen presented the first Passat, which was to become a bestseller. Meanwhile, five generations and more than 13 million of this successful vehicle have been sold world-wide.

Let's turn back the clock to July 1973. This is when Volkswagen introduced the successor of the "1600" and "411" models on the market. A modern hatchback saloon with front-wheel drive and a front-mounted, lengthways inline engine. Water-cooled! The horse before the cart. Sensational. Because up to then, with the exception of the K70, the rear-mounted, air-cooled boxer engine had dominated the history of the Volkswagen.

Of course, the Beetle was still there. And how! But the future lay with this Passat, with its superior drive and body concept. One thing is certain: it was a good product. Under the bonnet, petrol engines of up to 63 kW / 85 bhp provided pretty agile propulsion. But you would have needed a crystal ball, if anything, to see that, generations later, there would be up to 132 kW / 180 bhp V6 TDI engines or a W8 with 202 kW / 275 bhp.

The same goes for a lot of other things. When the first Passat left the assembly line at the Emden plant, Willy Brandt was steering the Germans' fate as Chancellor, Hillary Rodham and her boyfriend Bill Clinton were just taking their law degrees at Yale University, Roger Moore was saving the world as James Bond in Live and Let Die, Heino was singing about Edelweifl, Pink Floyd were releasing The Dark Side of the Moon, and IBM were presenting the first floppy disc, paving the way for the era of the personal computer.

The dimensions of the Passat's sales figures were to far outstrip all forecasts: 13 million units! Statistically speaking, that means that, for three decades, 1,149 Passats and Passat Variants have been delivered each day (in 2004 it was 2,700 per working day). A bestseller par excellence.

The first Passat was a weight-optimised car with two or four doors and room for five occupants. On the motorisation side, there was a choice of three petrol engines in two capacity classes. As early as February 1974, the new Passat Variant took over the major transportation duties. Thanks to its stretched outline and variability, it also became an immediate bestseller.

The overall concept was accepted. Right in the first full year on the market (1974), 133,000 customers decided on a Passat, and as early as December 1976 a million Passats had been sold.

In 1977, while the Bee Gees unleashed the disco craze in Germany with Stayin' Alive in Saturday Night Fever, Volkswagen presented the stylistically and aerodynamically optimised Passat ñ still the first generation, but with a classic facelift. Plastic-coated bumpers were an outward characteristic of the series from then on; inside, many components were ergonomically improved.

In March 1978, the 1.5-litre diesel engine (37 kW / 50 bhp) that had proved successful in the Golf followed for the Passat. 7.5 litres average consumption ñ a lot less with careful driving ñ heralded a new world of economical cars. In April 1980, the Passat shot through the two-million barrier in terms of units sold. When the successor was introduced in late autumn, the Passat was already assured of its place in motoring history with 2.6 million units.

November 1980 saw the debut of the second generation of this sensationally successful middle-class model. It was a new design: larger, more aristocratic, more grown-up. The Passat had now separated from the Audi 80, and was making its own way. In the second generation of the Passat, Volkswagen remained faithful to the successful hatch-back saloon, but this time presented the new Variant at the same time. Both versions were technologically exciting, with a new, innovative compound-arm rear axle.

A particularly economical unit, the new 1.6-litre diesel with 40 kW / 54 bhp made its first appearance; in August 1982 the power of this self-starter was to climb to 51 kW / 70 bhp with the first turbo diesel in the Passat. Right from market introduction, the Passat was available with its first five-cylinder petrol engine (85 kW / 115 bhp).

The same year saw the debut of a classic Passat saloon with four doors and a conventional boot: the Santana. Parallel to this, more and more high-tech components were integrated in the range. For instance, the all-wheel drive in the Passat Variant GT syncro, first available in 1984. The series underwent a thorough facelift in 1985.

It was also in 1985 that Volkswagen began to deliver the first Passat with a computer-controlled catalytic converter (66 kW / 90 bhp), and the three-millionth Passat as such. The top-end Passat with a top speed of 200 kph from a 2.2-litre five-cylinder engine (100 kW / 136 bhp) entered the running. In March 1987, the series passed the four­million mark.

In the spring of 1988, Volkswagen put the third generation of the Passat and Passat Variant on the market. The Passat displayed new qualities. It had grown considerably, resplendent in a new line of styling, had a considerably longer wheel base, and now had transverse engines. And again, Volkswagen presented the Variant at the same time. Both body versions were characterised by pronounced aerodynamic perfection. In June 1990 the Passat broke the production barrier of five million units.

A further highlight in the early summer of 1991 was the introduction of the VR6. With a capacity of 2.8 litres, the compact R6 developed a sprightly 128 kW / 174 bhp; the top speed of the Passat VR6 saloon was in the region of 224 kph, and that of the Variant 218 kph.

After building more than 1.6 million units of this bestseller, Volkswagen presented its successor in the summer of 1993. At this point in time, exactly 20 years after its introduction, 6.2 million units had already been produced.

The first Passats of the fourth generation were delivered in the autumn of 1993. The most conspicuous visual feature was that the front was no longer almost closed; instead, there was a classic radiator grille. In only three years, this generation of the Passat and Passat Variant, further optimised in many areas, sold almost 700,000 times. The passive and active safety were optimised by series driver and front-passenger airbags, belt tighteners and the anti-blocking system (ABS).

A technical revolution in 1993 was an engine bearing the acronym TDI. The turbo-diesel direct injector developed 66 kW / 90 bhp, allowing speeds of up to 178 kph; average consumption was only 5.3 litres (Variant 5.4 litres). In February 1996, a 1.9-litre four-cylinder with 81 kW / 110 bhp rounded off the TDI range.

The fifth-generation Passat presented in August 1996 heralded a new epoch for the series, with a level of quality, safety and comfort that in many areas completely broke the boundaries to the next higher class of vehicle. The newly designed bodywork is fully galvanised with extremely high static torsion. The newly styled interior corresponds perfectly to this standard. Two of the many technical highlights are the running gear with the four-arm front axle and the standard side airbags.

The basic version of the Passat had a new 1.6-litre aluminium engine (74 kW / 100 bhp). Attractive alternatives to this were the new V5 engine with 2.3 litres capacity and 110 kW / 150 bhp (from September 1997) and the V6, now rated at 142 kW / 193 bhp.

The Variant made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1997. Month by month, the trim and the choice of engines were refined step by step. In 1998, for instance, the first TDI with pump­jet direct injection (85 kW / 115 bhp) and the Passat V6 TDI with 110 kW / 150 bhp followed. From September 1999, ESP was standard for all series Passat models in Germany.

In October 2000, Volkswagen presented the comprehensivelyreworked fifth generation of the Passat. Forward-looking features were the newly styled front with its high-class chrome radiator grille, and the new rear with the characteristic tail-lights. The quality of the bodywork set new records in the middle class. In addition to the front and side airbags, optional head airbags at the sides were now available. As with many other details, the air-conditioning was included in the standard series package.

An exclusive special role fell to the 202 kW / 275 bhp all-wheel­drive Passat W8 and Passat Variant W8. In the area of high-capacity motorisation, December 2001 then saw the introduction of a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 96 kW / 130 bhp. March of that year was also to witness the dEbut of a new V6 TDI with 132 kW / 180 bhp. And shortly after, in May, the TDI range for the Passat would have a further V6 added to it. It developed 120 kW / 163 bhp and, like the more powerful V6, conformed to the strict EU-4 exhaust standard.

On the 13th of May 2003, the twelve-millionth Passat was produced at the Volkswagen plant in Emden. A further innovation in the area of motorisation followed in the autumn of 2003: the Passat 2.0 TDI (100 kW / 136 bhp) with soot-particle filter. In the same year the "sales millionaire" was further ennobled: the Passat received new wing mirrors with integrated indicators, as first presented in connection with the Phaeton. Shortly after that, Volkswagen celebrated the production of the 13-millionth Passat. Manufactured in the Emden plant, this Passat reflects a success story that is typical of the brand. A bestseller par excellence, in Europe just as in China, South Africa, Australia or the USA. At the end of 2004, the last units of the Passat saloon rolled off the assembly line. To make way for the new, sixth generation, whose history began with the world premiere on the 15th of February 2005 in Hamburg…