Test Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 150 CV, the scale of sedans

El Volkswagen Passat is now in its eighth generation, with which to reaffirm its leadership position in the European market, where it is one of the best-selling models. In addition, we can consider the Volkswagen Passat the segment reference, just like the Golf is among the C-segment compacts. It is the goal of all manufacturers, a model that is halfway between the generalists and the premium ones, which stands out for its good balance in all facets. It is without a doubt one of the most desired cars, being for many drivers an automobile triumph, even an aspirational vehicle.

All these are reasons enough for us at ActualidadMotor to have decided to test the latest generation of the Volkswagen Passat. How could it be otherwise, we have opted for the most successful combination: four-door sedan body and engine 2.0 TDI diesel with 150 hp Associated with a six-speed manual gearbox. The trim level is the highest in the range, Sport.

stealth evolution

If we look at the Volkswagen Passat from a broad point of view, its evolution is brutal, but if we narrow the fence we will find that it is a continuity model. Except for the generations that were certainly deep restyling, the Passat has always stood out for its constant technological evolution, and this Volkswagen Passat B8 is no exception. Now, we already know that in the aesthetic section Volkswagen is conservative.

The German designs aim to please everyone, and they really do. Some like it a lot, others like it, others neither fu nor fa, but few are those who brand a Volkswagen as ugly. That little courage makes the Passat always be a continuous car, as is this new generation. Its front stands out a little more, with a sharp look and attractive (and effective) LED headlights in the highest finishes, but the rear is so highly continuous that there will be those who can get confused with the previous generation model.

An elegant interior, with details to improve

The interior is one of the points of the new Volkswagen Passat that I like the most. It seems to me one of the most elegant on the market and they achieve it with very simple elements such as an analog clock or the union of the ventilation ducts in the passenger area by means of a decorative element that appears to be a tremendously elongated aerator. The quality of materials and settings is beyond doubt and again the Passat will serve as a benchmark in this regard.

But there is a detail that I don't like, and that I think is a brand identity problem. The interior smells of Skoda and SEAT. The Volkswagen Group faces the problem of having too many brands with similar models to each other, which leads to many shared components. Thus, in the Volkswagen Passat we find that the center console is almost identical to that of some SEAT and Skoda, not because its design is similar, but because they use the same controls.

And the problem is not quality, because if the Volkswagen Group stands out for something, it is for offering good interior quality in all its brands. The problem is identity and image. If I buy a Passat, which is a more expensive vehicle than the average, I don't want my acquaintances to tell me that the air conditioning controls are the same as in a SEAT or a Skoda. And there will be those who interpret with those details that the Passat is a more expensive suit for a model that other brands offer you. On the other hand, sharing elements like the digital clock chart (Sport finishes) is a genius that does nothing but emphasize a more premium character, as it is an element inherited from Audi.

practical and spacious

Leaving aside the small design details, the passenger compartment of the Volkswagen Passat seems very successful in terms of storage compartments and space. Emptying the pockets is easy and we can use the cup holders, the ashtray, the central chest, the glove box, a small lid at the level of the driver's left knee and the pockets of the four doors, which are upholstered so that objects do not sound that we deposit

The front seats show off a great amplitude and in the Sport finish we find some attractive seats upholstered in leather and Alcantara. They have a sporty design and the truth is that they hold the body quite well. Both offer height adjustment and heating as standard in this finish and the driver's receives the name ergoComfort, with lumbar adjustment and electric backrest adjustment, as well as an extendable bench with manual adjustment. They are very comfortable, as my body certifies after almost 2.500 kilometers aboard this Volkswagen Passat.

The rear seats also stand out for a great amplitude in all its dimensions, being appreciable the space for the legs. Due to the shapes of the sidewalk and width, two occupants will travel better, as happens in almost any car in this segment. The independent air conditioning for the rear seats, standard in the Advance and Sport finishes, is appreciated. All Passats have rear air vents and may have heated rear seats as an option depending on version.

The trunk offers a very useful volume of 586 liters, although the loading mouth is somewhat high and is not flush with the bumper. When you open the boot, the tailgate automatically lifts up (it's not electric), which is handy. On the sides of the trunk there are some small holes delimited with plastic panels where you can carry objects that we do not want to move. Under the ground, we found a conventional spare wheel with identical alloy rim to the rest.

2.0 TDI 150 hp, a perfect engine

The 2.0 horsepower 150 TDI diesel engine is the perfect engine for the Volkswagen Passat, probably the most balanced in the diesel range. The engine is not noisy, especially from the inside, which boasts good insulation against noise and vibration. All the controls of the Volkswagen Passat offer a good touch: the pedals, the change with precise routes and the steering wheel with variable assistance depending on the speed.

We will quickly realize how comfortable the Volkswagen Passat is, both in terms of acoustic insulation and suspension, and that the Sport finishes are equipped with 18″ wheels as standard that make the filtering of irregularities worse. From the first moment it makes it clear to us that it is a whole tragamillas, an ideal car to travel kilometers. The comfortable seats, the insulation and a suspension that does not mistreat us are the keys to this traveler.

But what I liked the most is the commitment. The Volkswagen Passat is precisely a compromise car, a car that is good at everything, but does not stand out above the average: it is the key to its success. Its suspension, while comfortable, contains body roll very well and makes the Passat's dynamic behavior really good on twisty roads, with understeer that appears when we're really going too fast. When the controls do act, they don't do so in a very intrusive way. If we like to practice dynamic driving, this Passat meets expectations without having to go to options such as adaptive suspension.

Continuing on a mechanical level, the 150-horsepower engine is willing and more than enough. thinking with the head, no need for a more powerful Volkswagen Passat. Its 0-100 of 8,7 seconds and its 340 Nm of torque between 1.750 and 3.000 revolutions make it a very elastic engine. Especially above 4.000 laps at which the maximum power we notice how the engine deflates a lot, despite the fact that it continues to increase in revolutions.

Below 1.750 revolutions we notice that the delivery of torque is not so forceful, especially on exits. Although the vacuum is not as pronounced as in other diesel engines, it is easy to stall the car if we are loaded, with the air conditioning at full power or if we are maneuvering on slopes. All Passat engines are provided with Stop & Start and in the case of this 2.0 TDI, when stopping is practically imperceptible, although when starting we notice a slight shake. The system acts fast but does not maintain power steering when the engine stops.

The parking brake is electric as standard and adds the Auto-Hold system, which, if activated, brakes the car when stopped. The system works silently and quickly, throughout the entire test the system has worked perfectly, something that did not happen in the Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI DSG, where Stop & Start and Auto-Hold were not entirely compatible.

Frugal, but a bit of a liar

In terms of consumption, the Volkswagen Passat will surprise us. We have traveled the entire peninsula from north to south in various stages, always showing consumption figures that have fluctuated between 4,6 and 5,0 liters on motorways and shorter sections of road, usually with one occupant and no luggage. The figures certainly seem spectacular to us, as well as the autonomy that we can achieve with the Passat, close to 1.200 km in real circumstances.

The "problem" is that the on-board computer has a fairly pronounced margin of error. In the two times that we have filled the tank, the difference between the computer and the liters that entered the tank was 0,6 liters, which represents a major deviation when we talk about average consumption of less than five litres. Even adding that difference, the Volkswagen Passat is a very efficient car, although we can no longer describe it as brilliant in terms of consumption, although its great efficiency is beyond doubt. Of course, the approved average consumption of 4,0 liters is unattainable.

Our veredicto

At this point, it is time to deliver the final verdict. After a week and thousands of kilometers with the Volkswagen Passat, we fully understand why it is one of the best-selling models and one of the saloons of reference. It is a technological model, with a modern but continuous design, great interior space and a really interesting 150-horsepower diesel engine.

Además ofrece a perfect balance between comfort and performance and fortunately in this eighth generation the standard equipment in all finishes is more complete and interesting. Being the design issues something completely personal, the only but that we can put to the Passat is above average price. What is clear is that being such a balanced car, it is probably one of the most successful options, especially if we are somewhat indecisive. Success is assured and it is fair to recognize the good work that Volkswagen has done.

Equipment Volkswagen Passat

Edition

• Height adjustable front seats
• Adjustable center armrest
• Multifunction leather steering wheel
• refrigerated glove box
• Electric and heated mirrors
• six airbags
• Fatigue detector
• Air Conditioning
• Cruise control
• Variable power steering
• Four electric windows
• Electric Parking Brake with Auto-Hold
• tire pressure gauge
• Front and rear parking sensors
• 16″ alloy wheels
• fog lights cornering
• 6,5″ Composition Media CD radio with 8 speakers, USB, AUX and Bluetooth

Bluemotion (adds to Edition)

• Specific 16″ alloy wheels
• lowered suspension
• Tinted rear windows
• Spare biscuit wheel

Advance (adds to Edition)

• Front seats with lumbar support
• Driver's seat with power backrest
• Rear center armrest
• city ​​emergency brake
• pre-crash
• rain sensor and lights
• Three-zone climate control
• Photosensitive interior mirror
• 17″ alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Navigator

Sport (add to Advance)

• Upholstery in Alcantara and leather
• heated front seats
• Power folding mirrors
• Adaptive cruise control
• 18″ alloy wheels
• Adaptive LED headlights
• 8″ Discover Pro CD radio with 8 speakers
• Digital clock chart
• parking camera

Volkswagen Passat Prices

Editor's opinion

Image gallery