Exterior Design and Features of the Volkswagen Passat

The design of the Passat is not drop dead gorgeous but yes it can definitely make heads turn and look again. Volkswagen has given a modern and sophisticated twist to the design of the new Passat. Out and out VW has followed a very safe design with minimal experimentation. That being said, there are a few elements which do hint at a futuristic look. The headlamp design for example, is quite bold and easily stands out in a crowd. The Passat also features a prominent shoulder line which is characteristic of the current design theme from VW. The side profile also features 10 spoke, 17 inch alloys which look smart and enhance the profile of this sedan. The LED tail lamps go well with the overall design scheme but are not too exciting to look at.

Volkswagen has added a dash of technology on the exterior features. The sedan gets an automatic headlamp function as well as rain sensing wipers. The passengers are also offered keyless entry and an easy to open boot with a sensor based boot lid release function. We found this system installed on the Volkswagen Passat to work efficiently every single time. I cannot say the same for its competitors which offer the same feature. Another feature which has been included on the Passat is a tyre pressure monitoring system which proves to be quite handy.

Interior Design and Features of the Volkswagen Passat

If you liked the exterior design, then you would definitely fall in love with the interiors. The cabin of the new Passat comes with Nappa leather upholstery which complements the black colour theme inside. The dash sports wood finish inserts and also gets an analogue clock adding a touch of class to the overall theme. The centre floor console, dash and steering also feature a piano black finish which does look good but is prone to fingerprints and dust.

The seating is incredibly comfy in the Passat and to add to the comfort is the provision of heated front seats which are also electrically adjustable. The driver seat also gets a memory function and a massage function as well. Another handy feature which has been incorporated on the Passat is a three zone automatic climate control setup with rear ac vents. VW has also incorporated a push button start/ stop function, electrically adjustable and retractable ORVMs, voice commands, cruise control, rear view camera with 360 degree viewing angle and an electrically operated roll up sunshade.

The new Volkswagen Passat comes with Park Assist - Hands Free Parking. We extensively tested out the system to conclude that it does do its job decently well but the driver will definitely need some getting used to it. The overall comfort inside the cabin is quite good and the ambience boasts of a premium and luxurious feel. Rear seat occupants also get a clear view of the road ahead and a roomy feeling inside the cabin is enhanced with the addition of a sunroof.

Engine and Performance of the Volkswagen Passat

At the heart of the Passat is a 2.0L 4 cylinder turbo diesel unit. This diesel mill churns out a blistering 350Nm of torque that makes the drive very spirited. The engine produces its peak torque low in the band from 1500rpm ranging up to 3500rpm. If you are ambling around in the city the ride is rather smooth thanks to the 6-speed automatic DSG gearbox but put your foot down on the accelerator and the heady dose of torque will surely thrill you. The engine has been tuned to produce 174hp which ranges from 3600rpm to 4000rpm. The Passat renders a very spirited and fun drive. It can be sporty on highways and VW has catered to various drive modes, simply to enhance the driving feel this saloon has to offer.

The suspension setup on the Passat is a bit stiffer than I would have liked but does the job decently well. It also renders ample of control at high speeds and takes care of most undulations with ease. The braking setup is facilitated by disc brakes on all wheels and the progressive braking will surely inspire confidence in you. The turning radius of the Passat is short and it is quite easy to maneuver, even in city traffic. The sedan comes with multiple sensors and a very accurate map of distances from other vehicles, however the acoustic warning system can get a bit annoying after a while. On the safety front the Passat offers customers 9 airbags, hill start assist, electronic stability control, ABS, ASR and EDL.

Verdict

The overall package that Volkswagen is offering in the new Passat is quite enticing to me as a buyer. At a price point of close to Rs. 33 lakh one does get a lot comfort, convenience, performance, luxury and utility in a single platform. For us the Volkswagen Passat is definitely a must buy in this segment and should soon usher in the winds of change.