[Review] 2019 Volkswagen Passat
Proving there’s still demand for a traditional three-box saloon and family estate car despite the onslaught of the SUV, Volkswagen has extensively revised the Passat. However, there’s nothing traditional about the level of technology that’s been engineered into the new car.
Visually, the latest Passat has been given a makeover at the front with a grille that’s closer in design to the Arteon and headlights that feature tech from the new Touareg. While inside there’s an upgraded digital instrument cluster, new steering-wheel controls and the central dashboard clock has gone. In its place is panel with the word ‘Passat’ printed on it and the hazard warning lights button. To this reviewer’s eyes it’s not a forward step, but perhaps a clock was too analogue for the new tech-heavy Passat.
That tech sees the family car become near class-leading thanks to the latest connected technology. In comes the possibility to use your mobile phone as the key, and the ability to lock and unlock your car remotely in case you want to use your car as a post box for deliveries. For the company car driver – likely to account for 78% of sales – there’s a fleet system that allows fuel consumption monitoring and tracking.
Volkswagen has also added a new clever cruise control system that is one step closer to autonomous driving. It will now allow the car to come to a full stop, creep in traffic jams and follow lanes on motorways. And like its big brother the Arteon, the Passat also uses the navigation system and GPS to judge the severity of a corner or turning and slow the car as necessary.
On the motorway the system works well and tracks in the middle of the lane at regular cruising speed, although in traffic jams it tended to weave slightly within the lane.
The engine line-up for the revised Passat sees the power outputs for the four diesels remain the same with a 120PS 1.6-litre TDI plus 150, 190 and 240PS 2.0-litre TDIs. VW promises these have been revised to be more efficient, but hasn’t yet given any stats to back this up.
The 190PS we drove suited the long-distance cruiser nature of the Passat, but it retains a rattle at light acceleration that reminds you you’re going to need a disposable glove when you refill the tank.
The petrol engines are new to the Passat and much more refined. The choice you have is between a 150PS 1.5-litre TSI, a 190PS 2.0-litre TSI and a 272PS 2.0-litre TSI.
There’s also a new version of the GTE plug-in hybrid with a larger battery, up to 13kWh from 9.9, which now has a claimed pure-electric range of 34 miles.
All versions of the Passat favour refinement and comfort over a sporty driving experience. The steering is light and accurate, while the suspension is comfortable and remarkably quiet over even very degraded road surfaces. Wind and tyre noise at higher-speed cruising is also up with the class best. But if you’re expecting a BMW 3 Series levels of driver involvement or sportiness you’ll be disappointed.
Without pricing, specification or any mpg and CO2 figures from Volkswagen it’s near impossible to say how competitive, and therefore how good, the Passat really is. This aside, the Passat excels at covering long distances with minimal effort. Whether you’re doing this for business meetings or with a family and luggage on board it is a classy and refined choice.
Stat attack: Volkswagen Passat 190 TDI R-Line estate
Price from: £25,500 estimated (£35,500 as tested)
Powertrain: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive
Power/torque: 190PS (188bhp) (no further information on power or torque)
0-62mph: 8.1 seconds
Top speed: 145mph estimated
Economy: 60mpg estimated
Kerb weight: 1,700kg estimated