Again in 2011, Volkswagen introduced that it will name its new massive sedan for the US market the Passat. VW’s new Tennessee-built sedan may need had the identical title because the Passat in Europe, however the two vehicles have been completely different. America’s Passat can be a spacious and reasonably priced four-door. Europe’s Passat can be a special automotive on a special platform.
That evolutionary divergence stays at the moment. The 2020 Passat that Individuals should buy begins at $22,995. The one engine accessible is a 174-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four mated to a six-speed computerized transmission. A complete redesign, nonetheless, means it is a credible selection in a aggressive phase that features the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
However VW showrooms in Europe have a Passat that is constructed atop the corporate’s newest MQB structure and is carefully associated to the Arteon sedan. The Euro Passat is obtainable with a turbocharged 1.5- and a pair of.0-liter gasoline engines that begin at 148 horsepower and high off at 268 horses. Two non-compulsory turbo-diesel engines, sized 1.6 and a pair of.Zero liters, vary from 148 to 236 horsepower, respectively. The lineup additionally contains each a plug-in hybrid and a crossover-ish mannequin dubbed the Alltrack. We ordered up a European Passat Variant wagon to see if we’re lacking out.
With so many decisions, it is tough to decide on one configuration to signify the European Passat Variant. Ultimately, we opted for the top-of-the-line gasoline mannequin over one of many torque-rich diesel variations. The 268-hp 2.0-liter turbo 4 is said to the U.S. Passat’s engine, but it surely’s really what you will discover beneath the hood of the Arteon. In contrast to the Arteon, which has a traditional eight-speed computerized transmission, the European Passat will get a seven-speed dual-clutch computerized. Energy flows to all 4 wheels, which can be an choice on the Arteon however not on the front-drive Passat. Europe, in fact, will get manuals as effectively, though solely on low-powered fashions.
Whereas we lament the demise of the narrow-angle 3.6-liter VR6 engine for largely nostalgic causes, the two.0-liter is as clean and unobtrusive as fours get, and it builds velocity with easy grace effectively into the triple digits. In line with VW’s numbers, the dash from zero to 62 mph takes 5.eight seconds within the station wagon model. Sedans are claimed to be 0.2 second faster. On an empty stretch of autobahn, we have been capable of attain the Passat’s ruled 155-mph high velocity with ease. Gasoline financial system goes out of the window in case you push a Passat that tough, however in case you maintain a disciplined proper foot, we anticipate freeway gasoline financial system within the excessive 20s.
The Passat’s construction and chassis is infused with properly weighted and exact steering. Our take a look at automotive was fitted with the adaptive suspension, and in essentially the most dynamic setting, its agility makes it act and really feel like a barely larger GTI. The Arteon has related dynamics and has the identical skill to be enjoyable, but it surely’s additionally quiet and comfy sufficient to function an easy long-distance cruiser.
Whereas the {hardware} proves that VW nonetheless is aware of its recreation, we have been much less impressed by the brand new infotainment system that the corporate rolled out with a lot fanfare. The navigation system is much less intuitive than earlier than, and the fashion of the digital gauges lacks class or simplicity. You are typically left wishing for bodily buttons and contact extra refinement from the interface. However, the voice recognition system responds effectively to instructions.
Our take a look at automotive was fitted with a plethora of help techniques that VW calls Journey Help, together with partially autonomous driving at cruising speeds—as much as 130 mph—though the system did not encourage sufficient confidence to cut back behind-the-wheel stress. Nonetheless, we cherished the matrix LED headlights that flip the night time into the day with brilliant, icy mild. The lights actively spares oncoming site visitors and vehicles forward by shifting the illumination round to keep away from dazzling different drivers. Sadly, the light-bending headlights usually are not accessible within the U.S.
On lengthy drives with many VWs, we have come to understand the non-compulsory Dynaudio stereo, a class-leading 700-watt system that really turns this automotive right into a live performance corridor. Though we hear that VW is about to drop its relationship with Dynaudio in favor of lesser manufacturers, which might be a disgrace.
On a much less crucial notice, it’s unlucky that VW killed the analog clock that sat between the Passat’s central air vents, because it was one of many few elegant parts in an in any other case considerably stark-looking inside. As an alternative of the clock, there’s an insert that claims Passat, simply in case you forgot the place you’re. On our take a look at automotive, the considerably restrained exterior of the brand new Passat benefited from the sportiness of the R-line package deal.
Whereas the U.S.-market’s Passat assaults the decrease finish of the sedan market, the European model is about up-market, identical to the good-looking Arteon. This attain towards the premium manufacturers comes at a worth. Our take a look at automotive got here in at greater than 50,000 euros, after which there’s the compulsory 19-percent gross sales tax bringing the overall to about $55Okay. So, you might get two American Passats for the value of 1 European one and nonetheless have cash left over, which is a significant purpose why we do not get the European Passat however do get the trendy Arteon as an alternative.
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