Volkswagen Passat

	Volkswagen Passat
	Debut: 2024 Maker: Volkswagen Predecessor: Passat (2014)

Published on 6 May 2024

This is the first Passat not developed by Volkswagen itself.

The future of Volkswagen Passat has been in doubt for some time. Volkswagen brand has turned its resources into the ID range of electric cars, including the ID.7 which was reckoned to replace the long-serving Passat nameplate. Somehow, it turned out to be a bit more complicated. The ID.7 is half a class larger and significantly more expensive than the outgoing Passat. Moreover, not all buyers could put up with the limited range and slow charging of electric cars, so the ID.7 is impossible to completely replace the Passat. If Volkswagen presses on, it could risk losing a big chunk of customers to rivals like Stellantis or BMW, whose cars offer both ICE and electric options. On the other hand, developing a new generation Passat alongside the ID.7 could be too expensive, because the new Passat will certainly sell in much lower volume than in the past. Eventually, a solution is found: build a new Passat from Skoda Superb.

The big Skoda has always been linked to previous Passats, as they share platforms. However, their relationship gets closer than ever in this generation. In fact, you might even call them twins. The new Passat and Superb are basically the same car in different clothes. They were developed together and entirely by Skoda in a program called Beta+. They are built on the same production line in Bratislava, Slovakia. If you compare their photos carefully, you will find they share not only all the hard points but also doors and windows, leaving only lights, grilles, bumpers etc. to differ them. In short, much like the badge-engineering job General Motors did to its various brands until its bankruptcy.

Spacious cabin is let down by lack of physical switches, unlike Skoda.

Inside, the Passat gets a different dashboard and trims, but disappointingly, not quite as stylish or upmarket as the Skoda. It also loses the latter’s physical rotary switches, so everything has to be accessed through touchscreen or touch slider, much like ID cars. You can opt for larger (15-inch) touchscreen and pneumatic massaging seats on the Volkswagen, but otherwise it does not show any superiority over the Czech car. Predictably, cabin space is on a par with Skoda, so even taller passengers can enjoy good leg and head room in the second row.

Perhaps anticipating lower sales volume, the new Passat is available in only wagon form called “Variant”, unlike the Skoda which is available in both wagon and hatchback. It makes sense, because the ID.7 is on the contrary, offering only hatchback form but not station wagon. However, it is still sad to see the demise of Passat sedan.

Luggage volume is exactly the same as its Czech sibling: a class-leading 690 liters with rear seats in place or 1920 liters with them folded. The former figure is 40 liters more than the last generation Passat Variant.

Superb refinement and comfort accompanied with decent handling, but most versions aren't fast.

Powertrain is basically the same as those of Skoda, including 150hp 1.5 eTSI mild-hybrid, 2.0TSI with 204hp or 265hp (the latter mates with 4motion) and 2.0TDI diesel with either 150 or 193hp. Plug-in hybrid model combines 1.5TSI engine with electric motor and 25.7kWh battery which offers more than 100 km of zero-emission range on WLTP cycles but at the expense of some luggage space. While Skoda gets only 204hp, the Passat PHEV lets you choose between 204hp or 272hp states of tune. That said, most private buyers are likely to opt for the entry-level 1.5 eTSI, which is quite refined and barely powerful enough for Autobahn work.

Like Skoda, the chassis tuning favours comfort over driver appeal. With DCC Pro adaptive dampers, which can vary compression and rebound rate independently, the ride is noticeably smoother than the old car. The cabin is much quieter, too, displaying excellent isolation from engine, wind and road noise. The car’s 0.25 Cd helps.

Meanwhile, its handling is not too sloppy. It offers strong grip and high-speed stability. The steering is well weighted and accurate, if not sharp or feelsome. Throttle steer is out of question, of course, but the car’s handling is consistent and predictable, accompanied with light controls to make life easy in everyday driving.

However, 10 years have passed since the introduction of the last Passat. While Volkswagen – well, Skoda – has moved the game on, the progress it has taken is not as big as we had hoped for. At least, it won’t make you wow and consider as a contender of next year’s COTY.

Verdict: