Over 23 million VW Passats have been sold since its inception in 1973. How much more can the latest version add to this?
PHOTOS BY ERIC CHEN
Back in 1973, Volkswagen was in dire straits. The Type 3 and Type 4 models never really took off with buyers and sales of the Beetle were rapidly declining. The company needed something fresh and modern to attract buyers, and the first B1-generation Passat did just that, saving the company from the brink of bankruptcy, with the later Golf and Polo further adding to the mix. Now, 42 years and 23 million sales later, the latest B8 Passat is here to continue the legacy.
The Passat had its first public unveiling in the middle of last year, and is the largest vehicle based on VW Group's modular MQB architecture to date. Thanks to the physical characteristics of this platform, the Passat's bonnet line could be lowered and its roof section shifted backward to create a much more dynamic profile, while the wheelbase has been extended 79mm despite the car being 2mm shorter overall than its predecessor. Weight has also been reduced, with some models weighing up to 85kg less than before.
For the Singapore market, two engine options will be available — a 1.8 TSI unit with 180 bhp, or a 2.0 TSI with 220 bhp. Yet despite being more powerful than before, fuel economy has improved, with the two engines being up to 17% more efficient.
On the interior, it's easy to see why VW cars typically rank highly in terms of cabin quality. All local models of the Passat will come equipped with premium Nappa leather upholstery as standard, with the driver's seat featuring 14-way adjustment as well as a massage function. The analogue clock adds a further dash of class to the cabin, while the dashboard-wide horizontal air vents are a nifty new feature that contributes to the clean design of the interior. Rear passengers are also well-taken care of, thanks to an extra 33mm of legroom and 3-zone climate control that will allow them to set the air-con temperature to their liking.
What local buyers will appreciate most of all though, are the new toys they will get to play with. The B8 Passat has the latest version of VW's Park Assist system that, for the first time, is able to automatically steer the car into head-in parking situations, in addition to reverse and parallel parking. More impressive though, is the new infotainment system with MirrorLink, which can integrate numerous Android smartphone apps and functions into the system.
Functions that will be available to users include WiFi hotspot connectivity, ThinkBlue eco-driving 'trainer', a readout for real-time driving data like a g-meter and throttle and brake pedal input, and even internet radio connectivity so you can listen to overseas radio stations! The Passat's ''Discover Pro'' navigation system also incorporates a new 'rubber band' function that allows users to click-and-drag navigation routes to their desired areas, just like on a tablet or computer.
The Passat will initially be launched with the 1.8 TSI engine in either Comfortline or Highline specifications, with special launch prices of $152,800 and $164,300 respectively, and will officially be launched to the public on 7 Aug 2015.
