Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen has been expanding its product portfolio in India quite rapidly. Recently, it added the Ameo and Tiguan to its portfolio. The company has now launched the eighth-gen Passat in India. Even though the car was first unveiled in the 2014 at the Paris motor show, it took three years for the company to bring it to India. The delay probably has to do with the face that it’s a low-volume segment.

Passat is based on the same platform (MQB) as the Superb. Despite the same underpinnings, the car looks nothing like Superb. The Passat also happens to be the Volkswagen’s most premium offering in yet in India. Volkswagen price in India puts it in direct competition with the cars like Skoda Superb, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord etc. Volkswagen Passat variants on offer include Comfortline and Highline.

It might come as a surprise, but the new Passat is actually smaller than the car it replaces and the wheelbase is longer. However, it still manages to offer more space for occupants. It’s a good thing though that it retains that understated elegance that has now been the trademark of all Volkswagen cars for some time. From the Volkswagen Passant images, you could see that car looks particularly handsome and futuristic on the whole.
The horizontal lines dominate most of the outside surfaces that helps make the car look sharp and sleek. It’s worth noting that the car received a mid-life update in other world markets and got new headlamps, bumper etc. and Indian buyers would get the same-spec car. Other notable Volkswagen Passat features that you are bound to notice include full LED headlamps with DRLs, 17inch wheels and LED taillights. Volkswagen Passat colour choices that you can have, includes – Oryx Blue, Tungsten Blue, Deep Black, Black Oak Brown, Harvard Blue.

The interior exudes the same feeling as you get from the exterior and it feels particularly well-built. You get electrically adjustable seats, panoramic sun-roof, 360 degree camera view for park assistance, hands-free parking etc, that enhance the premium feeling.

Space at the back is particularly impressive while the equipment list is long and even includes adaptive chassis control that provides extremely pliant ride for supreme passenger comfort. Other obligatory comfort and convenience features include cruise control, voice command, automatic headlamps, electric boot lid, massage function for driver seat.

If you know the Volkswagen Passat specifications, you would know that it offers only one engine choice at the moment i.e. 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel that puts a healthy 177PS of power and 350Nm or torque.

It comes mated to a 6-speed DSG automatic that provides quick shifts and excellent driveability. It’s the only choice at the moment and there’s no option for manual.

According to Volkswagen, Passat mileage would be 17.42 km to a litre as per ARAI figures. Expect a drop of 15-30% in real world conditions.

The car offers disc brakes at all four wheels and the range-topping safety equipment includes 9 airbags, hill-start assist, ABS, ASR, electronic stability program, ISOFIX and the works.

As we have come to expect from a Volkswagen, the perfect body control and balance between ride and handling is a part and parcel of the Adaptive Chassis Control. While company doesn’t claim any performance figures, you should have no issues with cruising at triple digit speeds on highways.
Expect the car to go in the direction that you want, a precise steering and good feedback inspires a lot of confidence.

For the most part, the key to success is the price at which the product is offered, and it’s particularly true for the Indian market. Volkswagen Passat India review is not out yet, however going by what journalists in other countries have to say, we can safely conclude that, as a product, you cannot ask for a more capable one.

Volkswagen Passat competes with the likes of the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry etc. If you look at it none of these can be considered well-established. Since it’s a low-volume segment it wouldn’t come to us as a surprise even if the car climbs to the top position.