All-new 8th gen Volkswagen Passat unveiled
After teasing us with a few sketches and vague details a couple of months back, Volkswagen has taken the sheets off its all-new 8th generation Passat ahead of its market debut scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year. Based upon an extended version of the Golf’s modular MQB platform, the new Passat is being pitched in a more upmarket positioning than its predecessor, incorporating various innovations that are not only never before seen in previous versions of the Passat, but new to Volkswagen vehicles as a whole.
Not that you might be able to tell that at first glance. Much like the Golf 7, the new Passat 8 makes evolutionary rather than revolutionary styling advancements over its predecessor. It is an approach that is entirely consistent with Volkswagen’s habit of producing timeless and understated design. Whilst the frontal fascia was subject to a more radical alteration of its appearance, little seems to have changed as we move astern. The rear, in particular, looks more like a facelift of the outgoing Passat B7.
Zoom in more closely, however, we see more intricate light clusters in place to illuminate the new Passat. Tail lights incorporate LEDs as standard and are available in two design variations. Up front, forward illumination is provided by halogen headlamps in base models followed by three different types of LED headlight designs to replace the bi-xenons previously offered in upper models.
Most basic of the three LED headlamps distribute light through the old-fashioned reflector format, followed by a projector version with dynamic cornering function. The range-topping LED headlamp incorporates active high beam assist and a distinctive U-shaped daytime running light signature created by the arrangement of 32 smaller individual LEDs. This version uses static cornering lights.
The interior is where the Passat B8 truly moves the game on from its B7 predecessor along with the introduction of new and highly-advanced active driving assist systems. In mid to higher specced versions, information is presented to the driver through a combination of a 12.3-inch Active Info Display virtual instrument panel (1,440 x 540 pixels resolution) and heads-up display projected on a dash-mounted extendable glass panel.
Big strides are made in the area of infotainment as well, with faster processors and a variety of functions such as (depending on variant) Android-compatible smart phone mirroring, Car-Net online services, and satellite navigation. A total of five different systems are available globally, starting from the basic five-inch ‘Composition Touch’ going up to the range-topping 8.0-inch ‘Discover Pro’ system with GPS navigation. Rear seat entertainment is also offered in the new Passat, with tablet connectivity among its key functions.
Actively assisting drivers in the urban commute, the new Passat is offered with the 360-degree aerial view that stitches images from four cameras placed strategically around the car to create a birds-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings. Thanks to advancements in image processing, drivers can also choose to illustrate their surroundings from a total of 17 different virtual camera positions. The system also incorporates obstacle detection.
If the advantage of a birds-eye view proves insufficient, Volkswagen also offers the Passat with three iterations of its active park assist system. The most advanced version is able to park on parallel and perpendicular slots; for perpendicular slots, there is a choice between reverse and forward entry. As before, drivers are still required to operate the pedals and transmission.
On the dynamic front, the Passat will be available with a number of unspecified chassis packages; takers of the Sports chassis set up or DCC adaptive dampers get a variable ratio steering system that reduces total lock-to-lock turns of the steering from 2.75 to just 2.1. Dubbed progressive steering by Volkswagen, the system tightens up steering ratios progressively as more lock is applied, making the car less twitchy with the steering straight ahead and yet more agile around the sharpest corners.
Volkswagen has yet to announce the full engine line-up of the new Passat; the company’s latest release merely repeats mention of the 237hp/500Nm EA 288 2.0-litre TDI bi-turbo and a 1.4 TSI petrol-electric hybrid with combined outputs of 208hp/400Nm. What’s known is that the full range of petrol and diesel engines have outputs that span from 118hp to 276hp, thus catering for a wide variety of needs.
KON
Pictures: Official Volkswagen release
