We are testing the best-selling mid-range model on the planet: the VW Passat

[[MC]Ronin[MC]]

We are testing the best-selling mid-range model on the planet: the VW Passat

While still in the top of its class, the task of the VW Passat today is the most difficult. The reason is that it has to deal with a huge number of crossovers. But in competition with them only one indicator lags behind, the other fronts just shine.

 

 

 

Last April, the 30-millionth (47 years after its debut on May 14, 1973) copy of the Passat came off the Emdem line. In this way, Passat became the second best-selling model in Volkswagen's history, behind the Golf and ahead of the Beetle. Volkswagen boasts that the Passat is not only the most important family car in the world, but also the best-selling mid-range model on the planet. I have been enjoying the African warm wind all week to see what the argument is.

Volkswagen is aware that for this type of family car, the only way is to relocate to a more luxurious class (Peugeot has made it super successful). Customers nowadays prefer crossovers (but after 500km aboard the Passat, they stop wondering: why?), And classic sedans suffer the most. That's why the Wolfsburg focus is on BMW and Mercedes, not Ford and Opel. So I'm not surprised that this Passat is a more compelling alternative to luxury models than ever. He relies on quality, finesse and technology to compete with the best, although he lacks the prestigious emblem.

I would easily ignore the Passat if I relied solely on design as the 508 simply stands out, but the huge space, comfort, economy and proven technology tilt the scales in favor of the German No. 1 in the class. But visually, the Passat merges with the surrounding traffic. Changes to the facelift are minimal, with the full LED lights, three new exterior colors and four new 17, 18 and 19-inch alloy wheels. Most chrome two pairs of trapezoidal "exhausts" are due to the R-Line package ($ 1,432).

I can't jump over the matrix IQ.LIGHT headlights coming off the Touareg and into the Passat. Yes, they are not cheap at all (4407 BGN), but I am a person with diopter 2.5. That's why I've always voted with two hands for a similar option, because it really (makes me at least) travel safer. Two LED circuits take care of this: the inner one is made up of 12 and the outer one consists of 32 LEDs. The result is excellent nighttime visibility.

Passat shines in the interior, everything here is subordinated to ergonomics and technology. The 11.7-inch digital cockpit is no longer a surprise or novelty. This is exactly the third generation of the MIB3 modular infotainment platform, which is being built for the first time in Passat. It comes with Discover Media audio navigation systems (8.0-inch screen) and Discover Pro (9.2-inch screen). Composition (6.5-inch screen) is the backbone. The most important feature of the new systems is the OCU online connectivity module, which also includes an integrated eSIM card. This means that if the owner wishes, Passat can be online all the time - only Volkswagen registration is required.

Voice control has long been no surprise, and there is more to be desired here. I should point out that the Passat is perfectly silent, which justifies the decision to pay for Dynaudio Confidence (BGN 3,141 incl. VAT) with 700 watts.

I do not intend to list the myriad applications and services, but I cannot skip a few particularly important facts. It is a great pleasure to find that the materials are much softer and more pleasant to the touch than the ones in Touareg I have been riding recently. The interior space of the two models is comparable, taking into account the dimensions of the two cars. This means that the rear seat is really huge, which also applies to the boot. Yes, it lags behind that of Superb, but otherwise 586 liters are an exceptional parameter in the class.

I will also miss the first two brand innovations. Less important is the steering wheel with capacitive panels that respond to touch and provide an interactive interface for managing systems such as Travel Assist. It is more important because Passat is the first Volkswagen model to offer second-tier autonomy, ie. partially assists driving in the range up to 210 km / h (0 to 210 km / h with automatic and 30 to 210 km / h with manual transmission).

Volkswagen introduces a new structure for its facelift. The basic version of the model is now called Passat, above it in the range with the middle business rank, and at the top level is the Elegance version. Business and Elegance levels can also be ordered with individual R-Line equipment.

The new Passat comes with eight full-wheel drive options in the 120hp range. up to 272 hp, including the Passat GTE plug-in hybrid drivetrain.