#15 Volkswagen Passat B7– Classy, practical and refined

Volkswagen has been producing the Passat for over four decades. The Passat is currently the best-selling Volkswagen saloon. Each Passat is designated with a B, which stands for the B-segment to which the Passat belongs (mid-class cars), and the number indicates the car's generation. The Passat’s overall design is influenced by the first generation model, introduced in 1973, and the legendary B5, which was introduced in 1996. All previous Passat generations were balanced multi-talented cars that offered a high level of comfort, very good everyday features and above-average space. To launch the B7 Passat, Volkswagen looked to the top of the line luxury saloon, the Phaeton, for inspiration. The result is a more muscular and better looking Passat. 

Volkswagen Passat B7

That all changed when Volkswagen premiered the Passat B6 in 2005. The B6 brought with it high quality finish, great design and improved performance. The Volkswagen Passat B6 continued to be on sale until 2011 where it was replaced by the Volkswagen Passat B7.

 

Volkswagen Passat B1

Looks

The highlighted four cross members chrome grille, adopted from the Phaeton, graces the VW Passat B7’s front. At each side of the chrome grille are dual headlamps. The headlamps can be upgraded to feature bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights. The bi-xenon headlamps offer better illumination and also give the

VW Phaeton

Volkswagen Passat B7 an appealing face. A stylish body-coloured bumper is also visible. The front end blends into the side profile via the side contour of the V-shaped bonnet. The wedge shape of rear, visible on the Volkswagen Passat B6, has been reduced to give the B7 a more attractive appearance. The tail lamps have also been restyled and now feature LEDs.  

 

Legendary Volkswagen Passat B5

Power

Behind the Phaeton inspired nose is a choice of petrol and diesel units. The petrol engines of the Volkswagen Passat output 90 kW / 120 hp (1.4 TSI), 118 kW / 158 hp (1.8 TSI), 155 kW / 207 hp (2.0 TSI) and 220 kW / 295 hp (V6). The top engine has six cylinders, while all other petrol engines are turbocharged four cylinders. Volkswagen’s Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). The DSG combines the comfort of an automatic gearbox with the responsiveness and economy of a manual unit.

One of the many power units on offer

Four turbo diesel engines are being offered at three power levels; the four cylinder engines output 77 kW / 103 hp (1.6 TDI), 103 kW / 138 hp (2.0 TDI) and 125 kW / 167 hp (2.0 TDI). The best two power units to go for in the Volkswagen B7 are the 1.8 TSI and the 125 kW 2.0 TDI. The 1.8 TSI uses 7 liters of fuel per 100 km and delivers 250 Nm of torque.

Class leading boot space

The engine accelerates the Volkswagen Passat B7 from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds. Top speed is pegged at 220km/h. The more economical 125 kW 2.0 TDI consumes 4.7 liters /100 km. The engine’s impressive torque of 350 Nm is sufficient enough to accelerate the Passat B7 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. Top speed is 227 km/h. Mated to all engines is

 

Volkswagen Passat B6

Drive train

The Volkswagen Passat B7’s front suspension is based on the MacPherson principle with lower trailing arms and struts. The four-link rear suspension is light as well. The rear suspension guarantees the best combination of driving comfort, performance and stability. An electro-mechanical power steering system is employed in the Volkswagen Passat B7. The steering is able to vary the feel of the steering wheel to suit the speed and driving situation: firm and direct when driving hard, effortless at parking speeds.

 

Unique profile

The VW Passat B7 features a sophisticated braking system, with ABS and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) standard across the range. Ventilated discs are fitted at the front, with solid discs at the rear. The entire Passat range comes integrated with a ‘brake disc wiper’ as standard, where the linings are gently applied at intervals of five minutes. This wipes off any water film that builds up on wet roads and therefore shortens the braking distance.  

Also available as a more practical estate version

Safety

The Volkswagen Passat B6 scored a maximum five stars for occupant protection in the EuroNCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) tests. Naturally the B7 retains the safety credentials of its predecessor. The Volkswagen Passat B7 has two-stage inflating front airbags, crash-optimised foot pedals, side airbags (front) and side curtain airbags (front and rear). The innovative construction techniques and high-strength steels, in crash-relevant areas, make the Volkswagen Passat B7 one of the most rigid cars in its class. 

 

Numerous airbags on board

Interior

Modified in many aspects for the latest model is the dashboard. In its upper section, where the air vents are integrated, a new surface texture is applied. The decorative strips in the instruments have new and higher-end material.

Cockpit

They visually separate the upper and lower areas of the dashboard with a slight curve. The centre console has been redesigned to ensure all controls and features are intuitively laid out for ease of use. On the upper level is a new analogue clock. Underneath are the infotainment systems, which have been adopted from the previous model. Further down are the controls for the air conditioning.

 

Rear seating

The area surrounding the gear lever was completely redesigned. The gearshift lever for the DSG transmission feels sportier to touch. The VW Passat B7’s electronic parking brake is moved from its position next to the steering wheel to the gear shift panel. Buttons for the auto hold function, ESP and, in versions with Keyless Access, the start button for the engine is located on the gear shift as well. Integrated on the right side of the gear lever is a control key panel for activating the optional rear sun shade, tyre pressures monitoring, the parking sensors, and Park Assist. 

 

Rear look

Verdict

The Volkswagen Passat B7 is a well-behaved and well-built car with lots of room and perceived quality. The refined characteristics and great performance from the previous generations are still visible on the Volkswagen Passat B7.

The all-new Volkswagen Passat B8

The Volkswagen Passat B7 is now replaced by the recently introduced B8. Read more about it here http://wachidan.blogspot.com/2014/07/all-new-vw-passat-refined-and-more.html