Tag: Volkswagen Passat

  • Qatar Motor Show Sees Volkswagen Passat

    Volkswagen-Passat-shadowVolkswagen brought the Middle East some German engineering by presenting the VW Passat at the Qatar Motor Show. Although, widely popular in Europe and North America, the Passat made its debut on Middle Eastern soil.

    “The Passat is an important component of our model strategy in the Middle East region where classic saloons define the street scene. That is because the Passat delivers top levels of safety and comfort and offers more space for rear passengers due to its long wheelbase,” explained Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Head of Development and member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Brand.

    The version showed there was actually the North American make (slightly bigger than the European sister car). Power comes from the 125 kW/170 PS five-cylinder petrol engine that bares an essence of German sensibility and efficiency. Even the base model is bundled with neat luxuries that bring comfort to both driver and passengers –  a 6.5-inch TFT touchscreen, CD-radio, Bluetooth telephone system, electric windows, air conditioning, heat insulating glass and cruise control. Safety standard equipment also make a handful with ABS/ESP, brake assist and six airbags.

    VW Passat at Qatar Motor Show (2012)
    VW Passat at Qatar Motor Show (2012)
    VW Passat US Version (2012)
    VW Passat US Version (2012)

    Other notable appearances include the Amarok with a faster, more economical 8-speed autobox and the 228 kW/310 PS Touareg Magic Morning – a road going version (despite the still present safety cage) of the original Race Touareg 3 that has been to the Dakar Racing.

    VW Touareg Magic Morning (2012)
    VW Touareg Magic Morning (2012)

    Source: Volkswagen

  • 2012 Volkswagen Passat CC

    2012 VW PASSAT CC thumbVolkswagen begins the year with the release of the all-new 2012 Volkswagen Passat CC, which now delivers more luxury, style and new technologies. The model of the Volkswagen has made its first appearance last November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. However, until now it wasn’t presented to the European Market. The launch of the avant-garde four-door begins with the international driving presentation in Southern France. And if you wonder when exactly the car will be possible for purchase – the new Volkswagen CC will be in dealerships at the beginning of February. Firstly it will be available in Germany and Luxembourg, and then across Europe at the end of February. Additionally in the spring of 2012, this Volkswagen will then launch globally – included are America, Russia and Asia.

    To go back in time, the Volkswagen CC made its debut in 2008. Then it won the audience, firstly because it was the world’s first four-door coupe in the 30,000 to 40,000 dollar and euro class. For this reason the segment quickly grew: up to date, nearly 320,000 people around the world have chosen the saloon with the stylish lines of a sports car. Private customers enjoy the alternative to the classic saloon as much as business customers who drive a lot of miles who made the Volkswagen CC the new ‘business class’ soon after it launched. A year later the CC also won some important awards: the ‘iF Product Design Award’ (iF Industrie Forum Hannover), the ‘red dot Design Award’ (Design Centre of Nordrhein Westphalia, Essen) and the Australian ‘Design Award’ (Australian International Design Awards, Sydney). Obviously the design of the model and the style it delivers made an excellent impression on the experts.

    2012 Volkswagen Passat CC
    2012 Volkswagen Passat CC

    The new 2012 CC received a completely redesigned front and rear sections, in order to give them more precision and adapt them to Volkswagen ‘design DNA’. Hence all this results in even more sophisticated and dynamic overall appearance of the vehicle. Moreover range of standard equipment is now extended and includes features such as bi-xenon headlights with static cornering lights; a new LED rear lighting design; fatigue detection; RCD 310 radio-CD system; stainless steel door sill plates and front comfort head restraints with additional front-rear adjustment. The multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel comes also as a standard but only for German customers. Furthermore, new assistance systems are now available on the Volkswagen CC. In details, they include optional technologies such as Dynamic Light Assist (automatic main beam control) and a camera based traffic sign detection system. For the first time on a Volkswagen there is featured the Side Assist Plus including Lane Assist, which warns of vehicles in blind spots and supports the driver via steering intervention. Meanwhile, the optional climate seat with integrated massage function optimizes the comfort.

    2012 Volkswagen Passat CC
    2012 Volkswagen Passat CC

    To go further into details the new 2012 Volkswagen Passat CC is going to be offered with the variety of six engine choices. The CC will be powered by innovative petrol and diesel direct-injection engines. All of the diesels (TDI) are equipped with a Stop/Start system and battery regeneration mode (which recovers braking energy) as standard equipment. All petrol engines also have battery regeneration functionality. Moreover, the TDI engines have outputs of 103 kW / 140 PS and 125 kW / 170 PS. The third turbodiesel to be offered in the Volkswagen CC is a BlueTDI which also has an output of 103 kW / 140 PS. More importantly this is one of the few engines in the world that already meets the Euro-6 emissions standard. How about the petrol engines of the European CC versions? They develop an impressive 118 kW / 160 PS, 155 kW / 210 PS and 220 kW / 300 PS of power. Another highlight to be mentioned is that all engines up to 210 PS may be paired with a dual clutch gearbox (DSG) as an option. In conjunction with the 103 kW TDI (manual gearbox version) and the 125 kW TDI (DSG version), the Volkswagen CC will also be offered with the optional 4MOTION all-wheel drive at a later time. Furthermore the six-cylinder version (300 PS) will be delivered with DSG and 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Of course, the TDI engines with DSG also have a free-wheeling function. The latter function decouples the engine as soon as the driver’s foot leaves the accelerator pedal. In the design of the engines, the aim of the engineers was to maximize efficiency. For instance take the 140 PS TDI: in the standard version with a manual 6-speed gearbox, it consumes just 4.7 l/100 km (equivalent to 125 g/km CO2). These numbers show that the vehicle consumes very little fuel for a long-range saloon that can go at 214 km/h.

    Source: Volkswagen

  • Fleet News – 2010 BMW 3-Series is the most reliable car

    The most reliable car is the BMW 3-Series, according to the survey, retaining its number one position from 2010, while the Honda Accord retains its second place from 2010. What is more, German brands have caught up with Japanese cars when it comes to reliability. In other words – six German brands appear in the top 10 as three of them in the top five.

    The final two places in the table are taken by two cars absent from the top 10 last year, with the Mazda6 taking ninth place and the BMW 5 Series securing 10th place. BMW also takes the top spot as the most reliable car manufacturer, with Audi taking second place.

    “We are delighted to have won the overall honour in the FN50 reliability survey. The outgoing BMW 3 Series Saloon and the 3 Series range overall has been and continues to be an outstanding success for us.”, commented Tim Abbott, managing director at BMW UK.

    “Awards such as this ensure customers can buy a class-leading vehicle safe in the knowledge that only years of enjoyable, hassle free motoring in a premium car await.”, he added.

    The annual analysis is commissioned by Fleet News.

    Check out all rankings, below!

    BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon
    BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon

    Most reliable cars

    1. BMW 3 Series
    2. Honda Accord
    3. Volkswagen Golf
    4. Audi A3
    5. Toyota Avensis
    6. Nissan Qashqai
    7. Volkswagen Passat
    8. Audi A4
    9. Mazda6
    10. BMW 5 Series

    Most reliable car manufacturers

    1. BMW
    2. Audi
    3. Honda
    4. Volkswagen
    5. Toyota
    6. Nissan
    7. Mercedes-Benz
    8. Ford
    9. Lexus
    10. Skoda

    Most reliable vans

    1. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
    2. Ford Transit Connect
    3. Volkswagen Caddy
    4. Ford Transit
    5. Volkswagen Transporter

    Most reliable van manufacturers

    1. Volkswagen
    2. Ford
    3. Mercedes-Benz
    4. Fiat
    5. Renault
  • 2012 Volkswagen Passat Exclusive

    Volkswagen has announced the new 2012 Passat Exclusive, which is available as a sedan and Variant. The 4-door version starts from €32 450, while the 5-door model costs €33 625. Both are based on the highly equipped Highline trim level.

    The exterior of Passat Exclusive is boosted by new 18” light alloy Vicenza wheels and lowered suspension with 15mm.

    The interior boasts a Nappa leather seats in “chocolate brown” with colored stitching and piping in contrasting colors “Pepper White”. There is also wood trim and a black leather multifunction steering wheel.

    Standard equipment includes side also on the function-oriented speed-dependent Servotronic steering controlled. Optionally, the exclusive trade with among others a titanium black roof liner and active air-conditioned seats (front) ordered.

    2012 Volkswagen Passat Exclusive
    2012 Volkswagen Passat Exclusive

    Source: Volkswagen

  • The new Passat a.k.a. the bland Passat

    Volkswagen released a new model of the one of the bestselling cars in the world – Volkswagen Passat. There are more than 15 million units sold and this is the seventh generation since 1973.  Because of that, Volkswagen consider that they don’t have to offer something better than the previous model.

    Lets begin with the exterior… Yes, they did it! The company actually made Passat to look like Jetta at the front and the rear is exact copy of Audi A4. The last nail in the coffin of the Passat’s bad exterior are the LED daylights, which are directly taken from Touareg. The whole vision is a little bland compared to the predecessor.

    As far as the Variant version, it is even worse than the Saloon. There is no sporty stance and the windows are too big, it looks like aquarium. However, the reason for the bad look is inside, there  is plenty of space for passengers and luggage, but that is not an excuse.

    As a conclusion for the exterior, the new Passat is boring, it doesn’t offer the aggressiveness of the predecessor and some details are very annoying like the chrome lower grille.

    The interior is exactly the same like the one in Passat CC, which is a bad news. The only different element is the steering wheel, which looks comfy, but that is the only „innovation”. The company releases a new model and offers the same interior. Volkswagen claims that they put a new high-end materials in the interior. Honestly, we dont see them. The company also reports that there are new seats, new door trims and ambience lighting. Maybe the last one is true, but the seats are the same and the new door trims are probably an option. And as we are talking about the option list, it is enormous, because the standard equipment is not as rich as it has to be.

    2011 Volkswagen Passat
    2011 Volkswagen Passat

    The safety features are at high level and the car attained 5 stars in Euro-NCAP crash testing. Of course, if you order the base version, you’ll have to pay a bit more for your security and to order horizontally adjustable head restraints on the front seats. At least, the 6 airbags come as standard.

    The engines are really good, but we can’t see a hybrid version of the new Passat. Everybody else makes hybrids and electrical cars, but Volkswagen’s large family car doesn’t offers such model. Instead of that, they bet on low powered diesel engines with Stop/Start system to achieve less fuel consumption. The 1.6TDI with 105PS, which is as fast as a dead cow, achieved 4.2 l/100km and 109 g/km of CO2. The Passat BlueTDI comes with 140PS and 4.6 l/100 km. The petrol variant 1.4TSI with 122PS is very pleasant to drive, because of its elasticity and low fuel consumption – just 5.9 l/100km.

    2011 Passat is not a bad car, but Volkswagen have to try a bit harder, because the other companies offer even better cars at lower price. For example Ford Mondeo has a great interior and exterior and costs just around 17 000 pounds.  The other competitors are also very good – Mazda 6, Renault Laguna, Toyota Avensis and Opel Insignia. So, if you consider a deal for 2011 Volkswagen Passat, you have to choose very carefully.

    2011 Volkswagen Passat

    Assistance and driving dynamics systems: DCC adaptive chassis control, ACC adaptive cruise control, Easy Open, Front Assist with city emergency braking function, Dynamic Light Assist, Keyless Access, Lane Assist, Light Assist, fatigue detection, Park Assist, Park Pilot with visual display, Rear Assist rearview camera, Side Assist, traffic sign detection

    Automatic gearbox: 6-speed DSG, 7-speed DSG

    Cargo capacity, Estate: 603 litres to 1,731 litres

    Cargo capacity, saloon: 565 litres

    Character: Long-distance touring car for business and private use

    Colours: Uni (standard): “Candy White,” “Uran Grey.” Uni (optional): “Tornado Red.” Metallic (optional): “Cashmere Brown,” “Night Blue,” “Reflex Silver.” Pearl effect (optional): “Deep Black,” “Iceland Grey,” “Mocca Anthracite.” Standard colours for Passat BlueMotion, 77 kW: “Glacier Blue,” “Iron Grey”

    Design: Walter de Silva (Group), Klaus Bischoff (Brand)

    Dimensions, Estate: 4,771 mm length, 2,062 mm width (including mirror), 1,481 mm height, 2,712 mm wheelbase

    Dimensions, Saloon: 4,769 mm length, 2,062 mm width (including mirrors), 1,472 mm height, 2,712 mm wheelbase

    Drive type: Standard front-wheel drive,
    optional all-wheel drive (4MOTION)

    Engines – diesel: Launching with 77 kW / 105 PS (TDI), 103 kW / 140 PS (TDI), 125 kW / 170 PS (TDI)

    Engines – petrol / natural gas (EcoFuel): Launching with
    90 kW / 122 PS (TSI), 110 kW / 150 PS (TSI EcoFuel),
    118 kW / 160 PS (TSI), 155 kW / 211 PS (TSI)

    Equipment lines: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline

    Fuel economy range: 4.2 l/100 km to 9.3 l/100 km

    Infotainment: Radio-CD systems: RCD 210, RCD 310, RCD 510. Radio-navigation systems: RNS 315 and RNS 510 (optional TV module). Peripherals: MEDIA-IN port, AUX-IN port, Dynaudio sound system (600 Watt), Volkswagen Sound system (300 Watt), hands-free telephone

    Market launch, Europe: End of November 2010

    Market launch, Germany: Mid-November 2010

    Passats produced to date: over 15 million

    Production sites: Emden and Zwickau, Germany

    Running gear: MacPherson-type suspension in front, four-link suspension in rear, standard ESP. Optional DCC adaptive chassis control, sport chassis, ride levelling for Estate

    Standard features (Trendline): include ESP, 6 airbags, air conditioning, electromechanical power-assisted steering, electric windows, multifunctional display, central locking, height-adjustable driver’s seat, RCD 210 audio system

    Standard gearbox: 6-speed manual

  • VW reveals BLUEMOTION range at Frankfurt Motor Show

    Production versions of three new highly-efficient additions to the BlueMotion range have been unveiled ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show. All engines from this range are common rail diesel powered with incredible low fuel consumption and emissions under 115g/km of CO2.

    The new Polo, Golf and Passat BlueMotion models emit just 87 g/km, 99 g/km and 114 g/km of CO2 respectively while every variant is also capable of travelling a minimum of 840 miles on a single tank of fuel.

    Each model bears the results of aerodynamic changes with new front bumper, sill extensions, a lower ride height and relocated air ducts behind the grille elements.  The result is less aerodyanamic drag leading to less loading on the engine and greater economy. (more…)

  • R Line Model Adds Value For Money And Fresh Appeal To Passat Range

    Volkswagen is revising its Passat saloon and Estate ranges, adding a new R Line model to give customers more equipment and value for money.

    The familiar Passat range line-up of S, Highline, Sport and SEL is replaced with a new streamlined selection of S, R Line and Highline. BlueMotion remains the choice for efficiency while R36 continues as the range-topping performance model. (more…)

  • World Premier for Volkswagen Passat Lingyu at Auto Shanghai 2009

    On the opening day of the Auto Shanghai 2009, Volkswagen along with its two joint ventures Shanghai Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen, appeared before the public at W2 Hall, with 25 latest models and technologies. (more…)

  • New Passat Bluemotion 2 Featuring Stop/Start Now On Sale

    The most efficient, economical and environmentally friendly Passat yet produced, the new BlueMotion 2, opens for ordering this week.

    Building on the gains in efficiency made by the existing Passat BlueMotion, the new BlueMotion 2 features an automatic Stop/start system linked to a new 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS common rail diesel engine.  This replaces the outgoing 1.9-litre TDI 105 PS unit injector powerplant. (more…)

  • India: Jetta – Market Launch

    Wide selection: three equipment lines and two engines
    DSG dual clutch transmission offered
    Today, in Mumbai, Volkswagen begins market introduction of the Jetta in India. The sedan – eight million of which have been sold since 1979 – will be available in three versions. At market launch the innovative 6-speed DSG dual clutch transmission will be offered. Other comfort and convenience features round out the program. (more…)

  • New Passat CC Now on Display at German Dealerships

    Starting today, the new Passat CC will be presenting itself to buyers. The dynamic saloon coupé will be on display at dealerships throughout the country. The sporty design of this new Volkswagen is coupled with coupé-like contours. The Passat CC also offers a multitude of technical innovations, such as the “Lane Assist” active lane-guidance system and “DCC” adaptive chassis control. (more…)

  • VW Passat CC

    With more than 15 million cars built, the Passat and Passat Variant rank among the really big successes in automotive history. Now Volkswagen is extending the model range of this car line by adding a third dimension: the Passat CC. Its fully independent body design, an interior that has sporty individual bucket seats in the rear too, impressive powertrain systems and technological highlights worthy of the luxury class, meld together to create a unique vehicle in the Passat’s market segment. The Passat CC is an elegant sedan and a dynamic coupé simultaneously. The concept and design of this Volkswagen are defining fresh, new directions beyond the mainstream. (more…)