Bigger, sleeker Volkswagen gains new tech for ninth-generation estate-only model
GREG KABLE
MUNICH MOTOR SHOW OFFICIAL PICTURES
Volkswagen has marked the 50th anniversary of its hugely popular Passat with the unveiling of the slick ninth-generation model, which provides a combustion-powered alternative to the similarly sized ID 7 EV.
Set for UK sale later this year, it will be sold exclusively in estate form with a choice of updated four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, together with new plug-in hybrid drivetrains that offer an electric range of more than 62 miles thanks to a larger-capacity battery.
Twinned with the upcoming third-generation Skoda Superb – alongside which it will be built in Slovenia – the new Passat is the first in a series of Volkswagen models based on an updated version of the MQB Evo architecture.
The revised platform, also used by the upcoming third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan, has received a number of significant upgrades, including a stiffer rear axle carrier that is claimed to improve rolling refinement and control. It has also been designed around the need to accommodate an electrified drivetrain, meaning the Passat gets significantly more advanced connectivity and chassis functions than its predecessor.
The Passat retains MacPherson-strut front and multi-link rear suspension but it has been heavily reworked with new two-valve dampers and Volkswagen’s new Vehicle Dynamics Manager system in a bid to deliver added comfort and a greater breadth of driving characteristics between the various driving modes.
The new Passat has also grown considerably. Its length is up by 144mm to 4917mm and width by 20mm to 1852mm, while height is reduced by 10mm at 1506mm. Crucially, though, the wheelbase is 50mm longer than before, at 2841mm.
The increase in size makes for a roomier interior. Volkswagen claims rear leg room has risen by 50mm and luggage capacity is boosted by 40 litres to 690 litres – extendable to 1920 litres with the rear seats folded down.
New 10.3in instrument and 12.9in infotainment displays feature as standard – the latter optionally upsized to 15.0in on top-spec trims. The new displays run the fourth generation of Volkswagen’s MIB operating system, with revised menu structures, higher-resolution graphics and conversational voice control for the first time.
The controversial slider control unit is carried over from other Volkswagen models but now lights up for easier adjustment of the sound system and air conditioning at night.
There’s a new multifunctional steering wheel and the gear selector has moved to the st
