SUVs dominate the market at the moment, but that doesn’t scare some manufacturers to still offer estate cars. One of those all-time favorite estates is the Volkswagen Passat and guess what: there is a new one!

History

The Passat is a very important car in the Volkswagen line-up. The very first model was introduced in 1973 and since then it has served millions of families over generations with its remarkable versatility. Before this ninth (!) generation, there were already 34 million units sold, so Volkswagen couldn’t kill this car and change it to an SUV. The only way the Passat will die is if the ID.7 can replace its presence.

Big changes

The first big change is the fact that the new Passat will only be delivered in an estate version, there will no longer be a sedan. Next to that, the Passat is based on the new MQB EVO platform, the same platform you can find on the new Skoda SuperB and the latest Volkswagen Tiguan. This platform is an evolution (the “EVO” part, could give it away) of the previous one and was mainly developed to enable more electrification while reducing costs. This allows the Passat to house a larger battery in the plug-in hybrid version.

Our 1.5 TSI mHEV is a four-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid system producing 150 horsepower -and 250 Nm of torque- and the possibility to deactivate 2 cylinders if the car isn’t being pushed to improve the consumption figure evermore. It’s refreshing to see a car have over 1.100 kilometers of range on one tank of petrol (66 liters) and that is made possible by only using 6 liters per 100 kilometers. In a big car like the Passat, that number is unbelievable! Well done, Volkswagen.

You could be scared that the 1.5-liter is slow and noisy, but I would argue with that. The car is smooth and discrete, and it swiftly accelerates thanks to its variable geometry turbo. Of course, you can’t expect crazy accelerations and the mind-blowing feeling of being thrown into your seat. No, an acceleration to 100 km/h will take you 9,2 seconds but it feels more alive than this number would suggest. The top speed of our 1.5 TSI mHEV is limited (by its power) to 222 km/h. But, that’s not what the car is for. The car is developed for the family men or women enjoying a nice and easy ride (also thanks to the smooth 7-speed DSG gearbox) going on vacation or doing daily tasks like soccer training and school runs. Even with a larger set of wheels, the Passat has a well-thought-out balance between comfort and dynamics. It feels alive in the bends without being harsh on roads that are less smooth than a teenager’s face.

It’s really big

And I’m not talking about my manly part (but yes, it’s also pretty big) but we’re talking about the Passat’s dimensions. The new Passat has grown 14 centimeters to a total length of 4,91 meters which puts it on par with an Audi A6 Avant. Also, the wheelbase has increased by 5 cm and that’s beneficial for the passengers in the back. I’m sure that 99% of all humans will have enough comfort in the back of the Passat. You will have enough legroom and headspace, and the seats will give you the comfort you need.

If we’re mentioning the Passat and space in one sentence, it’s impossible to not talk about the boot. It measures an additional 40 liters over the previous gen, getting the total to 690 liters. If you compare that with the previously mentioned Audi A6 Avant, it’s a difference of an unbelievable 125 liters to the detriment of the Audi. Fold the backseat down and you will be left with 1.960 liters of space.

Big enough?

The interior looks special, especially with the enormous 15-inch infotainment system aimed at the driver. The screen works like a pad and includes all functions on one page. Next to that, new standards like wireless connectivity for your smartphone and wireless charging are present. Just like a bunch of safety features, that are a little bit too harsh in modern cars. It’s good that they slow down the car or prevent an accident, but some interferences are just too brutal.

Price

In Belgium, you can enter a Volkswagen dealer and order a new Passat for a price of 41.085 euros. But you would like some options like a navigation system and maybe an electric trunk lid, if so you will add multiple euros and end up -for a normal optioned Passat- at around 47.000 euros.

Conclusion

The ninth generation of the Volkswagen Passat is still very relevant. We totally get why Volkswagen isn’t ditching this for another SUV or some electric car. A lot of families will still find their way to the Passat (or so we hope!).

Volkswagen Passat 1.5 TSI mHEV, milage eater