Volkswagen Passat 2014 Review

Volkswagen Passat Highline 2.0 BiTurbo TDI 4MOTION

The new eighth-generation Passat represents the third model from Volkswagen to crack 20-million model sales across its lifetime. Last year alone the Passat sold 1.1 million examples globally, which translates to one every 29sec, or more than 3000 per day.

It’s an impressive set of figures; almost as impressive as the list of technology (both from under the bonnet and inside the cab) the latest Passat boasts.

Don't let the conservative styling fool you. Beneath it is a comprehensively modern and technologically advanced mid-size sedan which, although longer in wheelbase, is shorter from front to rear and from roof top to rubber.

A fraction wider, the new Passat is larger inside too, and offers more head and legroom than ever before (+26mm and +33mm respectively). Cargo space has also increased, adding 47 litres to the seats-up figure of the sedan (now 586) and 21 litres to the wagon (now 650).

Based on Volkswagen’s modular MQB architecture (the same used beneath Golf VII, Audi A3, Skoda Octavia, et al), the new Passat is lighter to the tune of 85kg. Weight has been stripped from the body (-33kg), electrical system (-3kg), chassis (-9kg) and powertrain (-40kg), improving fuel efficiency and vehicle dynamics.

Engine offerings have always been a strong drawcard for the Passat portfolio and, not surprisingly, the new B8-series is no different. Depending on market, the Passat will offer a choice of no fewer than 10 turbocharged and direct-injected petrol and diesel units. There's even a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid, dubbed Passat GTE.

For Australia, the choices will be fewer. The Passat will arrive locally with 135kW 2.0-litre TDI (diesel) power or a 132kW TSI (petrol), with the 176kW 2.0-litre BiTurbo TDI tested hereabouts also under consideration.

The Passat’s build quality, both inside and out, is Audi-esque. In fact, on this front, Volkswagen’s head of Passat project management Dirk Nessenius says: “We always challenge each other, it’s the Volkswagen Group way”.

Tight shut-lines, lustrous paint, quality plastics and high-spec materials throughout the cabin are all Passat calling cards. The drive experience is also impressively refined with the new car boasting a well insulated ride, degraded only on the coarsest of surfaces and then only on low-profile tyres.

The technology offerings, of which there are numerous, are also well presented, yet remain concise and intuitive to operate. The optional Active Info Display, which replaces the analogue instrument panel, is a particular highlight. A central 12.3-inch high-resolution display offers easy-to-read vehicle and infotainment data, as well as brilliant 3D navigation instructions.

The infotainment panel's 8.0-inch screen is equally detailed, and with Wi-Fi connectivity accessing Google points of interest, traffic data and an Android phone interface known as MirrorLink, there’s very little for which the astute buyer could want. That is unless they are an Apple user – CarPlay functionality arrives in 2015.

Of course, the Passat also offers smaller points of detail including LED tail-lights that change shape under braking for improved safety. LED headlight and running lamps are also available, while ergonomically correct seats on higher grade variants match well to a choice of leather hues, seat heating and position memory.

The Passat’s radar-based adaptive cruise control, in conjunction with lane-keeping technology, is also capable of driving and stopping the car in stop-start traffic at speeds of up to 60km/h, all while passengers enjoy the tri-zone climate control and Dynaudio premium hi-fi system.

In short, the Passat offers many of the technologies that not too long ago would have been reserved for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and its ilk. It’s an impressive catalogue for a car that retails locally from less than $40,000, and one we’re set to receive most of when the model appears in Australian showrooms from October 2015.

On the road, the Passat feels resolved. The strong, linear power of the 176kW (at 4000rpm) and 500Nm (from 1750-2500rpm) 2.0-litre BiTurbo TDI is a willing companion though Sardinia’s smooth, winding roads. There’s very little turbo lag to speak of, and with the quick, seamless shifts of the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission obedient to the commands of my right foot, we had little to remark upon when driving in a relaxed manner.

Work the transmission manually, and hop on and off the throttle abruptly, and there is a slight hint of lash-back from the Passat’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. Passat powertrian head, Hanno Jelden, says the sensation is caused by the Haldex clutch opening and closing, and that the scenario will only be noticed in extreme cases…

This small quirk aside, the Passat is smooth operator. The progressive-rate electric steering provides the right weighting for the car’s prestige leanings but is not devoid of feel like some we could list.

The MacPherson strut (front) and four-link (rear) suspension featuring Volkswagen's latest adaptive damper technology works well to soak up large potholes and support the Passat through fast-flowing swithcbacks.

The braking action is reassuring and response well-metered. The Passat doesn’t claim to be a sporty car, but there is some athletic DNA worked into the metal – it's a shame many owners will never exploit it.

Should you feel adventurous, however, VW says a 0-100km/h time of 6.3sec is possible en route to a top speed of 238km/h.

On the safety side, the Passat comes available with every mechanism from the Volkswagen toolkit.

There’s sensors at every corner, every driver assist technology you could ask for, a raft of airbags and even assistants to help you reverse your trailer. EuroNCAP (and therefore ANCAP) have yet to test the new Passat — which goes on sale in Europe next month — but Volkswagen says it is confident of a five-star result.

Okay, so it might sound like I’ve swallowed the Kool-Aid, but in truth the new Passat is a thoroughly accomplished car.

Like most in its segment it probably won’t get the attention it deserves in Australia. And like previous Passats, Volkswagen Australia will likely do little to spruik its worth. But take it from us, this is a car worth getting excited about — not least of all for the technology it will ultimately deliver to other models within the VW range...

2014 Volkswagen Passat Highline 2.0 BiTurbo TDI 4MOTION pricing and specifications:
Price: TBA
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo-diesel
Output: 176kW / 500Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 5.4L/100km (NEDC Combined)
CO2: 140g/km (NEDC Combined)
Safety Rating: TBA

Also consider: Ford Mondeo, Mazda6, Toyota Camry