The new Passat, introduced in 2005, has undergone significant changes, both externally and internally. The car is a significant leap forward in both quality and image. Now the Passat has become even closer to its cousin the Audi A6, even though the car itself is based on the Golf Mk5. The design is similar to the recently introduced flagship Volkswagen Phaeton - large chrome front grille, interestingly shaped headlights and taillights, dynamic silhouette. Underneath the hood are new engines ranging in capacity from 1.4 to 3.2 L. The weakest engine is the 1.6 L DOHC, which reaches 100 km / h in 11.5 seconds, and the most powerful, the 3.2 L VR6, has 280 hp. A special version of the Passat R36 is also available, with a 3.6 L VR6 engine with 300 hp (221 kW) and 350 Nm of torque and able to accelerate to 100 km / h in 5.6 seconds. The car can also be equipped with all-wheel drive, which under normal conditions transfers power only to the front wheels, thus reducing average fuel consumption. However, the rear wheels can also be switched on when required. The car has also changed significantly inside - a brand new, luxurious-looking instrument panel, its beautiful lighting colors, everything smells of quality not so much for VW as for the Audi brand.
I’ve been driving this car for more than a year. My family and I were looking for a family car that would be manoeuvrable too. So, Passat was, to my mind, the right option. Generally, it is neither extremely spacious nor very manoeuvrable, yet it possesses both features. Personally, it’s exactly what I was looking for. Needless to say the interior quality is worse than Audi or BMW, but I believe it wasn’t the main aim for VW to be better than the rest of the competitors. During this time, I’ve come across to diff problems as regards this vehicle, but nothing surprised me since I did my “homework” and found out everything about possible breakdowns. I should say that sound isolation isn’t impressive, it all depends on wheels. To start a car in cold winter weather is easy. Climate control system works fine. Basic audio system partially satisfies me; whereas 6-speed gearbox works well too.
Performance
Now speaking about engine I should note that it’s quite dynamic, there’s enough traction too. I was thinking to buy 1.9 TDI with 77 kW, but after testing both engines, I changed my mind quickly. Even though engine chip tuning is very popular in my country, I’ve made a decision to stick to 2.0 TDI. There’s a rumor that this engine is problematic, but, to my mind, it’s as much problematic as 1.9 TDI, especially if you don’t take care of it. So as regards the engine reliability major improvements still should be done.
Reliability, running costs
All in all I had to replace: one glow plug, injectors, a generator belt, a drive belt tensioner and a water pump. In addition, I had to repair a turbine and change oil together with filters. Although it seems that a lot of changes were done but my overall expenses on this vehicle weren’t that great.
Recommendations to buyers
The only recommendation I could give is to have some savings on the side in case of emergency engine repair.