Volkswagen Passat Variant: 50 years old, but as fresh as ever (TEST)

One year after the limousine, the Volkswagen Passat Variant appeared in 1974. Now the intelligent station wagon arrives as its ninth generation – with Bulgaria behind the whee supapa ae pret.

Volkswagen Passat Variant: 50 years old, but as fresh as ever (TEST)

Over 34 million Passats have been sold since 1973. Given this incredible number, Volkswagen has given the favorite of companies providing company cars and heads of large families another chance. This is its ninth edition (B9) – but now only as a Variant.
Estate car enthusiasts will appreciate it. At 4.91 m long, the classic from Wolfsburg has grown by 14.4 cm compared to its predecessor, the B8. The wheelbase has been extended by 5 cm to 2.84 m, which gives passengers in the second row additional space, and the boot has been increased from 690 to 1,920 l, compared to 650 to 1,780 l previously.

Future Passat drivers, however, will have to invest at least 73,174 leva. The 1.5 eTSI with 150 hp we tested was equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission with dual clutch DSG, which transmits the maximum torque of 250 Nm without delay to the front wheels. Without a serious load on board, our Passat weighs only 1.5 tons and so quickly accelerates in just 9.2 seconds from 0 to 100 and can even reach a maximum speed of 222 km/h. Since this 1.5 eTSI has a 48-volt belt starter-generator, the car can support the available internal combustion engine with a small electric motor (13.5 kW/18 hp) if more power is needed, as well as completely turn off the gasoline unit and let the car float. Thanks to this technology, the people from Wolfsburg promise fuel savings of up to 0.5 liters and an average consumption of 5.4 liters per 100 km.

Those who want to be even more economical can take advantage of the 2-liter TDI. The diesel consumption is announced at an average of 4.9 liters (WLTP) and impresses with a generous torque of 360 Newton meters and an impressively low noise level during operation. The diesel with the Business equipment level starts at 81,012 BGN.

In terms of price, this will probably also be the level of the Plug-in hybrids expected in the middle of the year. The two-heart machines, which use the ICE base of the 1.5 eTSI engine, generate 204 and 272 hp respectively. With the 19.5-kilowatt-hour battery (net), it is expected that up to 100 km can be covered entirely and only on electricity. Charging with 50 kW at a fast charging station from 10 to 80 percent takes 23 minutes.

Ultimately, however, it doesn't matter what type of drivetrain you choose, the undeniable fact is that with the new Passat, Volkswagen is betting on even more premium and is now perceived as an opponent of the Mercedes C-class and BMW 3 Series.

To enter their orbit, a lot of effort has obviously been put into the processing of the materials, which have been selected especially carefully in the interior. Whatever you touch, everything creates a genuine high-quality feeling. Whether it was a good idea to move the gear lever to the steering column, similar to the ID range, everyone will have to judge for themselves.

In any case, this way the center console looks much tidier and uncluttered, opening up space for the mobile phone and company.

We should also not forget that aristocratic additions such as the new adaptive suspension control DCC Pro, the impeccable ergoActive seats or the central monitor with a 15-inch diagonal diligently ensure that the base price jumps up significantly. So it remains for everyone to check for themselves whether the value in the invoice will still remain below that of the models, which today already turn out to be the new competitors of the model with a half-century history. After our first short test, however, we have absolutely no doubts that the new Passat No. 9 contains a serious amount of premium.

CONCLUSION

The Passat is once again entering the race, this time competing with BMW and Mercedes. The possibilities are there. Time and, above all, the extras on the list of extras will determine who will emerge victorious.

Technical data: VW Passat Variant 1.5 eTSI

Engine 4 cyl., turbo Displacement 1498 cm3 Power 110 kW (150 hp) Max. torque
250 Nm from 1500 rpm Front-wheel drive/ 7-speed DSG L/W/H 4917/1849/1497 mm Weight (empty) 1572 kg Boot 690-1920 l 0–100 km/h 9.2 sec Max. speed 222 km/h Fuel consumption 5.4 l A95H/100 km (WLTP) CO2 emissions 122 g/km Price from 73,174 leva

Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

Over 34 million Passats have been sold since 1973

Future Passat drivers, however, will have to invest at least 73,174 leva