New buyers are choosing to buy SUVs instead of sedans. And that is a big reason why Volkswagen took so long to bring the Passat to India. Also, the Passat’s 2.0 TDI engine had to be changed-up to meet BS-IV specification. After three whole years since the Passat’s international launch, the eight-gen model has now made its Indian debut.
On the Outside
The sedan is built on the company’s MQB platform, so it uses the same underpinnings as the Audi A3 and the Skoda Superb. In terms of styling, the Passat looks classy yet it’s overall styling remains understated. Starting with the front, the headlamps and grille are designed so that it appears to look like a single panel running across the car. The headlights are aggressively shaped but still look sharp and modern thanks to them being full LED units. The lower part of the front bumper, side skirts and rear bumper all have a tapering inward design, which looks sporty. The car uses LED tail-lights that look elegant and stylish. The interior on the Passat is understated like the exterior. The colour scheme on the inside is dark and lightened up by wood panelling on the dashboard and doors. The dash has a one-piece panel, which is divided in the centre by an analogue clock. The AC controls, door handles and other switches make their way to the Passat from the Jetta and Tiguan and the steering looks similarly designed as the one in the Polo.
On the Inside
Volkswagen has made the Passat impressively comfortable, both front and rear seats in the sedan are extremely supportive. The driver’s seat has a memory and massage function. The front seats have only a heating function, which won’t particularly be useful in most conditions in India. The company should have offered the cooling function instead, which Hyundai Offer in cheaper cars like the Verna and the Elantra.
At the rear, the seats are supportive and the backrest is placed at a perfect angle. Moreover, interior space is ample but not as much as the Superb, where one can really stretch out one’s feet. The car has sufficient room for your possessions too, with storage areas around the cabin and a big 586-litre boot, which can be further increased by folding down the rear seats. The sedan is also equipped with a three-zone climate control system, automatic parking, tyre pressure monitoring, an electric rear sunshade and a sunroof. The touchscreen unit in the car is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, aside from the regular USB, Aux and Bluetooth options.
How Does it Drive?
The Passat is powered by a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. This is the only engine on offer and is also seen in the Skoda Superb. This engine makes 177hp and 350Nm of torque. You can notice a surge of power from 1,500rpm all the way to the 5,400rpm. There are steering-mounted paddle shifters as well. The German carmaker claims a fuel efficiency of 17.4kpl, and there’s an onboard Think Blue Trainer that gives you information to improve your driving efficiency. The sedan rides stiff for our roads but inspires confidence on the highway, typical of a German car.
Should I Buy One?
The Volkswagen Passat will be appealing to buyers who are looking for a simple, yet elegant car. The noisy and firm suspension is a negative but can be overlooked as a minor flaw in an otherwise great car. You get a good amount of equipment; the car is supremely comfortable and there’s more than sufficient power on tap. Prices for the Passat start at ₹29.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
