A kind of dream car
VW Passat TDI: If only I could stop!
A dream car used to be something strong, flat and fast. A VW Passat Variant with a four-cylinder diesel engine hardly fell into this category. That has changed: It's been a long time since I've enjoyed driving as far (and then getting out as relaxed) as I did with the new Passat - even if not everything about it is perfect, as you can find out here in the video driving report.
The aim is to make it appealing for drivers to drive long distances in an electric car. This works more or less with some electric cars. It's just a question of time and patience. If you really have to cover kilometers and don't want to waste too much time (or have other things to do), you can hardly avoid the combustion engine, even if the public perception (triggered not least by VW's emissions scandal) is that it is evil.
You should leave the church in the village. There is so much talk about range, with high WLTP figures being thrown around that are worth nothing in reality. In reality, if you don't patiently creep along the highway at 100 km/h, you'll be looking for a charging station every 300 kilometers at best. In a VW Passat, you can drive well over 1000 kilometers without holding back.
"Yes, but you have to take breaks anyway!" True, but not every two and a half hours for three quarters of an hour (including searching for charging points, plugging in, any hassle when starting up, etc.). Above all, if you have to go to the toilet in between, you have to stop outside of your route. Or you want a coffee or something to eat that wasn't available at the charging station.
In any case, we only had to stop in the VW Passat 2.0 TDI for the latter reasons. On the 900-kilometer drive from Hanover to Eisenstadt, the average fuel consumption was 6.3 l/100 km, although we drove 200 km/h and more up to the Czech border wherever possible. With a modest 66-liter tank capacity, that makes a range of 1047 kilometers. In everyday use, the estate doesn't even need six liters.
Ten minutes were enough for a coffee break, including regeneration. Also because driving the car is hardly strenuous. The undeniable qualities of the test car also contribute to this: It is quiet even at high speeds and its suspension is really great (although it costs around 1100 euros extra, even in the top trim level). It is called DCC Pro, has adaptive dampers with two valves each (for rebound and compression damping, so it is controlled in both directions) and is so precise and comfortable that you feel like you are in a higher vehicle class.
It can be finely adjusted in 15 stages on the 15-inch display (part of the Unlimited package, otherwise 12.9 inches), i.e. three stages softer than Comfort and just as many stages harder than Sport. On super-soft it becomes slightly rocky, on Comfort it is really comfortable, but so stable that you don't even have to readjust at the top speed of 223 km/h. The harder you set it, the more the Passat mutates into a driving machine. The DCC Pro also comes with progressive steering, which provides a good feel for the road.
Of course, the Sport mode does not increase the maximum engine output of 150 hp, but the TDI ensures surprisingly brisk progress with the 1.7-ton load master without driver. It delivers its maximum torque of 360 Nm from 1600 rpm, is not noticeable either in the steering or acoustically and proves to be an extremely pleasant engine in every respect. Of course, it doesn't accelerate like a sports car, but a standard sprint time of 9.3 seconds used to be on a par with the GTI, and in most cases it is also good enough for overtaking.
Speaking of load masters: the trunk can hold an impressive 690 liters, and if the rear seat backrests are unlocked, a load volume of 1920 liters is available. The double floor can be moved with one hand - perfect.
The occupants also have plenty of space, both in the front and rear. The Passat is around 15 centimetres longer than its predecessor and now measures 4.82 meters with a wheelbase of 2.84 meters.
The sports seats in the R-Line test car offer plenty of lateral support and thigh support (extendable). However, the feel of the interior cannot quite keep up with the top-class driving characteristics. Although there are many high-quality materials, there are also backlit plastic surfaces that look cheap despite a variety of adjustable light colors. The steering column levers don't exactly make a luxurious impression either. The gear selector lever is at least practical, but the combined blinker and windshield wiper lever is also a failure in this respect (see video).
In general, the look is very reminiscent of the ID models, and that is not flattering. The touchscreen with the (at least illuminated) touch sliders below it dominates the picture, but at least there is a normal-sized speedometer display behind the steering wheel (unlike in the VW ID.7), which is very clear and easy to configure. Top: VW has used real buttons on the steering wheel that are really easy to operate.
The control system on the central screen is still not the ultimate in user-friendliness, but with a few limitations it is easy to use (also here: see video!). However, the Wolfsburg-based company could have added a few real buttons to make operation easier.
Prices and engine options
Only two variants are currently available to order, both with four cylinders, 150 hp, front-wheel drive and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission: a 1.5-liter petrol engine from 48,490 euros and the two-liter diesel described here from 52,990 euros. As an R-Line, the diesel comes in at 57,790 euros, with extras from trailer coupling to auxiliary heating at just under 67,000 euros.
Other combustion engines and plug-in hybrids with a WLTP range of around 100 kilometers will follow.
Driving quote:
As we all know, the slogan in the title comes from a cookie commercial. Of course, the Passat is not as addictive as the combination of chocolate and crispy biscuits, but you still don't want to stop driving because it is not exhausting, but often even rather relaxing, especially with the sound system (Harman Kardon, a good 1000 euros) and generally because of the driving characteristics. A dream in everyday life.
Why?
A perfect companion in all situations
High-class driving characteristics
Why not?
You have to like the R-Line look
Or perhaps ...
... Skoda Superb - the two were even developed together by Skoda. And there's even a sedan.
Kommentare
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