Volkswagen Passat 0-60 times

The Passat has always been the car for people who valued comfort, performance and German solidity in an inconspicuous and conservative package. The new model isn’t trying to change that, but to improve on all the things that made it successful in the first place.

Some things are gone, too. After the Dieselgate scandal, Volkswagen will no longer offer a fuel-efficient diesel engine in the line-up, which for some people may be a big drawback. Nevertheless, the gasoline engine is new – a 2.0-liter turbo with 170 horsepower, that is suited nicely to the car.

The interior got some updates too, but it’s still not as inspirational as the one in its competitors. That said, this design will certainly age well, same as with every Volkswagen interior from their older models.

Volkswagen Passat 0-60 and Quarter Mile

As with almost every new Volkswagen model, the Passat is offered with a turbocharged petrol engine, that extracts 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque from a 2.0-liter capacity. The Passat takes 7.8 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill, which is certainly not fast, but it’s capable for most people and families.

With this engine though, the numbers tell only half of the story. The reason for that is the high torque, available from low revs, that makes highway merging and overtaking easier, even in higher gears. This alone makes it a preferable option to the naturally aspirated engines in competitors like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.

It’s a shame that Volkswagen paired this engine with a classic torque-converter 6-speed gearbox, rather than the dual-clutch one from their other models. The result is shifting that isn’t as seamless nor as fast.

On the road, the Passat is composed and stable, but it’s certainly not involving or entertaining – there is too much body roll and the steering doesn’t offer much feedback. On the other hand, the ride is very smooth, without being floaty, even on rough road patches.

Exterior & Interior

The Passat is decidedly conservative on the outside. Some may even call it bland looking or even anonymous, but we think that it’s purposefully styled that way. If you want a little more flair, Volkswagen offers the GT model that has a more aggressive design thanks to 19-inch wheels, front fascia with red accent line reminiscent of the Golf GTI, rear spoiler, red black calipers and dual exhaust pipes in the back. It’s amazing what few sporty details can do to a car.

Inside, the Passat is as conservative as on the outside, with some details that brighten up the atmosphere, like the three-spoke steering wheel. The simple dash design is very easy to use – every control is well-laid out and easy to reach, while visibility is great as well. Space in the front and in the back is among the best in its class – the Passat is a real people mover. The trunk is very generous too.

Conclusion

The new Passat improves on an already successful formula. It offers great interior space, big trunk, composed, stable and smooth ride, torquey and efficient engine, and simple and easy to use interior. The design may be too conservative for some, but for those people, Volkswagen offers the sharper and more aggressive GT trim that elevates the appeal of the car.

Reviewed by Ivo Gievski