Test drive – Volkswagen PassatRecent radical shifts in the automoti…

Author: auto.pub | Published on: 03.10.2024

Test drive – Volkswagen Passat Recent radical shifts in the automotive industry and technological leaps have set high expectations for manufacturers in the realm of hybrid and electric vehicles. Additionally, many brands are striving to elevate their offerings into higher segments, seeking a premium presence. The Volkswagen Passat, once revered as the benchmark for reliability, spaciousness, and dignified character, has become just another player in a crowded field. The latest 9th generation of Passat aims to reclaim its lost prestige, but one can't help but wonder: is it ambitious enough to survive in the inflated, yet saturated, premium segment, or has Volkswagen merely settled into its comfort zone, presenting yet another marginally updated family car? For decades, Passat has held a strong position in the mid-size sedan market, serving as a somewhat understated choice that offered ample space and comfort without standing out in any particular aspect. It feels as if the designers no longer aspired to create something remarkable or innovative. When looking at it closely, the new Passat seems more focused on maintaining the status quo rather than implementing transformative changes. The exterior and interior design of the new Passat follow this theme — evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The exterior styling features sharper lines and a more refined silhouette, presenting a modern yet conservative appearance. Its new design language employs clean, minimalist lines to emphasize its length and spaciousness, while still retaining a restrained elegance that is typical of Volkswagen — solid, understated, and very "European" in its reserved demeanor. The most striking feature is the front fascia, dominated by a wide grille with horizontal slats complemented by narrow, aggressive LED headlights. The new model’s dimensions have also evolved: it now measures 4,917 mm in length, 1,849 mm in width, and 1,521 mm in height. These dimensions make the latest Passat slightly longer and lower than its predecessor, lending it a sleeker, more sophisticated profile. The increased wheelbase of 2,837 mm not only enhances its visual presence but also promises better stability and ride comfort. Moving to the side, the profile is clean and aerodynamically sleek, giving the car a more coupe-like roofline. It’s almost as if Volkswagen is trying to hint at a higher-tier luxury model, like the Audi A6, or even rival some Japanese competitors. The rear is more subtle, but dynamic LED taillight graphics add a touch of modernity. The interior follows a similar philosophy: modern, yet focused on practicality. The centerpiece is a large 12.9-inch touchscreen, housing the majority of the car’s infotainment and control systems. The screen is slightly angled toward the driver, emphasizing the car’s driver-centric ethos. However, compared to true luxury sedans like the Mercedes E-Class, the Passat’s interior falls short with its use of simpler materials and somewhat uninspired trim choices. It lacks the opulent touches that elevate a cabin to true premium status. Where Passat truly shines, though, is in spaciousness. The front seats offer a well-adjustable, roomy environment that accommodates taller drivers and those with broader shoulders. The seats themselves provide a good balance of side support and softness, making them comfortable for long journeys. In the rear, the extended wheelbase results in an impressive 948 mm of legroom — one of the best in its class. The rear seats are well-shaped and cushioned, offering sufficient comfort, though the middle seat remains more suited for shorter trips. The cargo space is also impressive: the boot holds 690 liters, which is slightly less than some competitors but still ample for everyday needs. Folding down the rear seats opens up 1,700 liters of space, accommodating larger items. However, the question remains whether this is enough for today’s family buyer, who increasingly values versatility and clever storage solutions. Compared to the new Škoda Superb, which offers numerous smart touches, the Passat feels spacious, but not particularly innovative. Passat’s emphasis on convenience is evident in its suite of driver assistance and electronic aids designed to make daily driving more manageable and long-distance trips less tiring. It’s fair to say that Passat is more about a calm and relaxing driving experience rather than delivering thrilling dynamics. Volkswagen has equipped the interior with features meant to enhance intuitiveness and reduce any stress during driving. Standard equipment now includes many comfort technologies previously found only in higher trims. Adaptive cruise control is standard across the range, allowing the driver to move smoothly and safely even at high speeds. Additionally, the Passat comes with an advanced lane-keeping assist system that constantly monitors lane markings and can autonomously steer the car back into its lane when needed, preventing dangerous scenarios. These systems work seamlessly together to offer a semi-autonomous driving capability that is especially useful in traffic jams or long highway trips where constant speed and lane maintenance can become tiring. Parking is made easier with the latest parking assistant, capable of selecting appropriate spaces and executing complex maneuvers autonomously. The system handles parallel and perpendicular parking spots with minimal driver input. This is a marked improvement over the semi-automatic systems of previous Passat generations that still required more driver intervention. The enhanced version, called Park Assist Plus, even enables parking via a smartphone app — allowing the driver to step out of the car and control the parking process remotely. Additionally, Passat introduces a new Travel Assist system, which combines several driver aids into a cohesive package. Travel Assist offers automatic distance control, steering assist, and can even operate up to 210 km/h autonomously. Unlike older systems, Travel Assist no longer relies solely on lane markings but can also follow other vehicles or roadside barriers. It’s innovative in that it uses data from GPS, cameras, and sensors in conjunction to maintain smooth lane keeping and active obstacle avoidance. However, not everything works flawlessly. In real-world conditions, the system’s reliance on external data can sometimes lead to erratic behavior. Imagine cruising down a highway at 120 km/h when the system suddenly decides to drop to 90 km/h because it misreads the situation. Such unexpected braking could easily cause a dangerous scenario. Until these issues are ironed out, drivers may prefer to stick with the more conventional cruise control settings. All in all, the 2024 Volkswagen Passat remains a solid car — it drives well, is practical, and will likely prove to be reliable. But in a world that’s constantly evolving and innovating, mere “solidity” can quickly turn into stagnation. The question remains whether that’s enough, or should Volkswagen treat its famed model as a platform to introduce something truly exciting and cutting-edge?