With more than 34 million units sold worldwide, the Passat is the second bestselling Volkswagen of all time, after the Golf and ahead of the Beetle. While previous generations have been available in sedan and stationwagon bodystyles, this new ninth generation will only be sold in the latter, which Volkswagen calls the Variant.
Dropping the sedan is probably indicative of diminished interest in that bodystyle while the rapid growth of SUVs has suggested that many buyers want more versatility. This is what the Variant can offer and within its aerodynamic design, it has generous space for people and cargo.
MQB evo
“The latest evolutionary stage of the modular transverse matrix (MQB evo) forms the highly innovative technical basis of the ninth Passat generation. Thanks to the significant economies of scale of the MQB evo, Volkswagen has again democratised numerous high-tech developments and made them available for hundreds of thousands of drivers,” said Kai Grunitz, Member of the Brand Board of Management responsible for Technical Development.
Two new hybrid powertrains
The new Passat Variant will have electrified powertrains, with two new plug-in hybrid 48V drives. The battery pack will accept DC charging with a supply of up to 50 kW, shortening times at the charging station. With the motor doing some of the work, a cruising range of up to 1,000 kms is claimed. Running on just electricity will be possible for around 100 kms.
Turbocharged petrol and diesel engines will also be available for those markets that still require them. While committed to electrification, Volkswagen realises that there are some parts of the world where electrification is still slow and limited.
New landscape display
In the completely redesign cabin, the most striking aspect is the large landscape display. The MIB serves as the technical platform here, being the latest generation of the Modular Infotainment Matrix. It allows intuitive operation that will execute commands by the driver.
More advanced Assisted Parking
The new Passat Variant will launch with a further developed range of state-of-the-art assist systems. The spectrum of these systems is new, and include Park Assist Plus, Park Assist Pro and the memory function for Park Assist Pro.
With Park Assist Pro , the car can move into and out of parking spaces by remote control using a smartphone. If the Passat has the memory function for Park Assist Pro4 on board, the system can record and store the last 50 metres of a journey on request. When the car reaches the same position again – for example, the entrance to the carport at home – it offers to take over the parking manoeuvre. Independent driving out of a parking space is also possible.
Gear changes are now carried out by means of a steering column switch with intuitive operating principle: the switch is turned forward to D to drive forward and backward to R to reverse, while the parking brake is activated by pressing the side of the switch.
World premiere of DCC Pro
DCC Pro, The adaptive chassis control, represents a new level of suspension technology. Its spread of maximum dynamics and comfort is said to set standards in the mid-sized class. This is made possible thanks to the two-valve technology used in a Volkswagen for the first time.
The ergoActive Plus seats with a pneumatic 10-chamber pressure point massage function also offer a high level of travel comfort. With a 50 mm longer wheelbase with also 50 mm more legroom in the rear and a luggage compartment capacity of up to 1,920 litres, the Passat Variant should be a practical all-rounder for business and private use.
After its official global debut at the IAA Mobility event in Munich next week, the new model will go on sale during the first quarter of 2024.
To know more about Volkswagen products and services in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
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