We talked about the change and history of Passat, the sales champion of the D segment, the favorite of automobile lovers in our country, and an indispensable part of Volkswagen.
Passat, one of Volkswagen’s most important models, continues to be the favorite of automobile lovers with its 8 generations since 1973.
One of the world’s largest auto shows in 2015 Passat, which won the “Car of the Year” award for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show, Let’s take a closer look at its history.
Passat models from yesterday to today
First generation Passat: Passat B1
With a little time left to enter the last quarter of the 20th century, the German giant Volkswagen was in search. D segment vehicles were the most preferred vehicles of that period in the automobile industry. Those who want to turn this situation in their favor Volkswagen launched the first generation Passat in 1973.
Audi’s legendary sedan model, the Audi 80, which was the rival and equivalent of the Passat B1 in the 70s, was highly appreciated by the car lovers. Despite having such a strong competitor, Volkswagen managed to sell the Passat B1 in large numbers.
Prior to the first generation Passat, four-cylinder 1.3-liter 55 horsepower and 1.5-liter 75-85 horsepower gasoline engines were offered. In 1975, the 1.5-liter engine was replaced by the 1.6-liter engine, and in 78, a 50-horsepower diesel was introduced for the first time. In 1976, an injection version of the 1.6-liter engine was added to the product range. Passat B1 model, which has four-speed manual and three-speed automatic transmission options, used a McPherson suspension system at the front and a rear axle suspension system.
Passat is now wider: Passat B2
The second version Passat, which was released in 1981, compared to the first version It was wider and 20 inches longer. Thus, the Passat literally earned the title of large family vehicle from now on. The most distinctive feature, the rectangular headlights, was one of the details that made this version of the Passat nostalgic.
Volkswagen brought new variants to the Passat with the 2nd generation. The Passat was now available in both sedan, hatchack and station wagon options. Passat B2 in 1986 taking a little make up continued on his way. With this makeover, all Passat models had the same front.
Compared to the first generation, engine options were more. In addition to the 5-cylinder 2.0-liter gasoline, 1.9-liter gasoline and diesel engine, all engine options from the previous generation were also available in the product range.. The 2.0-liter GLS had 115 horsepower and Volkswagen’s 4 wheel drive system “syncro” was powered.
Gridless Passat: Passat B3
Third generation Passat; It debuted in Europe in 1988, North America in 1990, and South America in 1995. Its rounded lines were revolutionary compared to its boxy counterparts. Although the lack of a radiator in the front reminds us of rear-engined models such as the Volkswagen Type4, which was neglected in the past, this was actually due to the modern stance brought by the generation.
Passat B3 The most important feature that distinguishes it from previous generations was undoubtedly its advanced technology. Passat B3; halogen headlights, automatic air conditioning, child lock in the rear doors, seat heating, cruise control, driver and passenger airbag, electronic differential lock and ABS It had features that could be found in very few of the cars released in 1988.
Passat with the first TDI engine: Passat B4
The 4th generation Passat was very similar to the 3rd generation in terms of exterior design. However, the entire design of the Passat B4 was new, except for the windows. The biggest innovation was the return of the grille, as in all other Volkswagen models.
One of the world’s first mass-produced turbo diesel engines Passat B4 with TDI engine Volkswagen has strived for high performance and efficiency. Passat B4, which works with an engine that produces 90 HP and 210 Nm of torque, has a fuel consumption of 5.2lt/100 km.
Bestseller of the series: Legendary Passat B5
We can easily say that the Passat B5 is very valuable for the Passat family. Even while you are reading this article, it is possible to see a 5th generation Passat around you. Because the Passat B5 is one of Passat’s best-selling generations.
In 1996, it marked the beginning of a new era with a brand new design and technique, and inspired the next generation of Volkswagens. As in its counterparts without angular design, on the contrary, with rounded lines Passat B5 has made itself a remarkable model with this difference.
The interior, which does not look like luxury cars, is undoubtedly; the result of crowning quality materials with highly professional craftsmanship. Despite all this, the Passat B5 was facelifted in 2001 and renamed the Passat B5.5. Passat B5.5 has managed to make a name for itself with its 4.0 liter eight-cylinder engine and rich equipment options.
Robust generation: Passat B6
Passat’s 6th generation met with automobile lovers in 2003 and its production continued until 2011. It goes without saying that this model, which has been produced for 8 years, is loved by its users.
Passat B6 compared to previous generations 85 kilograms lighter it gained a more aerodynamic structure; the new generation engines provided 20% more fuel savings. Volkswagen’s 4×4 traction system that distributes the power equally and dynamically to every point 4MOTION The dual-clutch DSG gearbox, which provides low fuel consumption as well as high performance, is among the remarkable technical features of the car.
At the same time, the Passat B6 is Europe’s toughest endurance test. It also relieved its users in terms of security by getting full points from Euro NCAP.
Passat B7 with powerful engine options
produced between 2010-2014. Passat B7Although it used the infrastructure of the 6th generation Passat in the exterior design, it It gained a completely different car look with its innovative touches.
With 122, 160, 211 hp petrol and 105, 140, 170 hp diesel options, the 7th generation Passat was one of the performance vehicles in its segment at that time.
The sharpest lined Passat: Passat B8
The German giant Volkswagen continues to produce the B8, the 8th generation of the Passat, currently. Both the design innovations and technical developments of this version, which was produced in 2014, made a lot of noise and were liked by car lovers.
Taking on the role of an executive class vehicle along with its family vehicle role, Passat offers its users a luxury vehicle with advanced technologies such as Semi-Automatic Parking System, Emergency Driving Assistant that takes over control in case the driver has medical problems, Autonomous Cruise control system and Collision prevention system with pedestrian monitoring feature. It aims to give you the feeling that you are driving.
In exterior design, it has sharper lines than other generations. of Passat B8Details such as chrome moldings on the grilles and under the doors, led headlights, rectangular fog lights provide this car with a stylish appearance.
The current prices of the 8th generation Passat, which is currently sold in our country with 1.5 and 2.0 engine options, are as follows:
- Passat 1.5 TSI ACT 150 PS DSG, Impression: 615.500 TL
- Passat 1.5 TSI ACT 150 PS DSG, Business: 700.700 TL
- Passat 1.5 TSI ACT 150 PS DSG, Elegance: 845.900 TL
- Passat 2.0 TDI SCR 150 PS DSG, Business: 1.118.700 TL
- Passat 2.0 TDI SCR 150 PS DSG, Elegance: 1,343,800 TL