Passion and perfection

The new Volkswagen Passat is to be launched in Malta on July 14. A completely new, different, unknown model but still familiar Passat. Over the past 32 years, this VW has also become a representation of automotive progress, with a clear 'Made in Germany' stamp.

This representation is characterised by vehicle size, drive technologies with acronyms, like TDI, safety features such as airbags, ABS and ESP, in addition to quality details such as galvanised bodies.

The Passat is now more than just a middle-class saloon. It has matured into a car with character, the perfect companion over more than three decades, local VW agents Continental Cars said in a statement last week.

The rational qualities of the product line have been consistently perfected in the new Passat. At the same time, the development team has breathed new passion and pulsating liveliness into the Passat through an uncompromising combination of shape, functionality, design and ergonomics.

Exterior features

The sixth Passat is characterised by a powerful, avant-garde design. The new VW front section with its chrome medallion-shaped radiator grille and challenging 'staring' headlights, the athletic silhouette and powerful rear section design represent the biggest design leap that has occurred since the product line was created.

The design of the Passat outwardly displays what also applies to the interior: everything is new and everything is different. Exterior dimensions: 4,770 mm long (+ 62 mm), 1,820 mm wide (+ 74 mm) and 1,470 mm high (+ 10 mm) on a 2,710 mm wheelbase.

Static torsion stiffness of the new Passat is 57 per cent higher than its predecessor (which already had excellent static torsion stiffness) - a clear indication of excellent quality and represents the best value in its class.

It has broken through the weight barrier by means of extremely innovative production methods and materials, in spite of body characteristics that have yet again undergone drastic improvement and a significant size advantage: the body of the new Passat weighs no more than its predecessor. As a petrol engine vehicle with 115 bhp, the scales tip at a mere 1,348 kg.

Interior space and comfort

Inside there is a bright, fresh, stylish, yet strikingly simple design, top quality materials and people-oriented technology not aimed at breaking the theoretical bounds of the technically feasible.

Here, the goal was to execute a combination of easy to operate ergonomics. Boot capacity has increased considerably to a maximum of 565 litres (+ 90 litres).

There are no fewer than three new diesels with outputs of 105 bhp, 140 bhp and 170 bhp. Each one is also available with a diesel particle filter and is being used in this product line for the first time. The most powerful TDI has the innovative piezo pump-jet high pressure injection system.

The 2.0 litre TDI (and eventually the V6 FSI as well) will be available with automatic dual clutch transmission (DSG). This has six forward gears and shifts extremely quickly.

DSG plus TDI is an ideal transmission combination - for the first time ever it has been possible to maintain the lower consumption of a diesel engine in spite of having an automatic gearbox.

New brakes with 'disc wipers'

All Passats have a 16-inch brake system with integrated 'disc wiper' as standard. The linings are gently applied at certain intervals. This 'wipes off' any water film that may have built up on wet roads and so shortens braking distance

The Passat is the first saloon in its class to have a push button-operated electromechanical parking brake as standard. The electronic control system and networking with other control units have made it possible to integrate a dynamic emergency braking function, a starting assistant (such as on hills) and an auto-hold function (stop at traffic lights without constant brake pedal operation) in the system.

The starting and locking system with radio remote control has been completely redeveloped. There is no longer an ignition key in the conventional sense. Most of the transmitter components for unlocking and locking the central locking system have been moved into a retainer to the right of the steering wheel.

The engine can now be started by pressing the transmitter. If the Passat is equipped with a keyless entry start and exit system (KESSY), the vehicle is started by pressing a button. So, when the newly designed door handle is touched, the system detects access authorisation by means of a transmitter in a jacket pocket, trouser pocket or handbag, unlocks the Passat, deactivates the immobiliser and the optional anti-theft alarm system and allows the vehicle to be started.

The vehicle is unlocked using a button located in the door handles. The vehicle can still be unlocked and locked - by remote control, of course.

New Bluetooth telephone

A new optional handsfree telephone system has a Bluetooth interface. The driver's mobile phone is integrated in the vehicle (wireless) and can remain in his jacket pocket.

The actual mobile phone functions in the car are dealt with by a fixed telephone installation that obtains the necessary data from the SIM card of the mobile phone. The telephone is controlled using a separate keyboard, the multifunction steering wheel or by voice command.

Like it did in the Phaeton, the dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system available as part of the special equipment provides draught-free ventilation at the touch of a button.

All headlight systems have been significantly improved compared to the predecessor model, particularly the main beam. The controllable bi-xenon headlights of the new Passat also provide better long-distance visibility.

The integrated corner illumination lamp follows the course of the road with a maximum swivelling angle of 15° and so provides optimum visibility at all times. This system is rounded off by an additional static turn assist lamp, which has major advantages due to its side alignment of about 35° in relation to the vehicle axis, particularly when turning at crossings and junctions.

The self-supporting tyres (SST) of the 'Monza' light alloy wheel have reinforced side walls and allow the vehicle to be safely driven, even if inflation pressure is low or the tyre deflates altogether. The pressure loss is signalled by an indicator lamp.