Under a clearly continuista image, conceived a new Volkswagen Passat from top to bottom with the sole aim of re-reference among its class. And it does, up until a couple of steps in many fields … unfortunately so does its price.

1973 running when the Passat commercial career began, at first as a vision of the signing of Wolfsburg’s Volkswagen Audi 80. 8 generations talks with the B8 code for the newly released, although actually six, since B4 and B7 are nothing more than an upgrade, more or less deep, of the B3 and B6 respectively.

At the moment, it is the model larger Volkswagen Group with MQB platform, although it is more than likely to be surpassed in size by the third generation of Skoda Superb in. respect to Previous Passat is as long, one cm wider and four lower. Nevertheless, Inside earn much space thanks to his battle grows eight centimeters. Also it wins three-way centimeters wide in the front and two in the rear, which together with the growth of the battle can increase its tread and therefore greatly improves its behavior.

Although the interior design is completely new, reminiscence the previous Passat are very present. It improves the perceived quality feel. Its design is very sober, but with connotations of great elegance, as the dashboard trim strip with horizontal chrome bars that recreates the front grille and integrated front air outlets.

Ergonomics, again, It is outstanding, with all controls close at hand and a They are seeking seats comfort and sufficient clamping Sport- at least in this version. We really like the adjustable headrests in depth, although sometimes move if the rear passenger is not careful when logging-out of the passenger compartment. The eight cm over battle allow the compartment pass to be remarkably high as to space outstanding, especially for longitudinal distance Rear seat passengers, who will believe almost a limousine travel. And to win three cm, which allow you to stand up and six broad Hyundai i40 CW, and reduce the gap to seven cm with spectacular this measurement Superb. Wins two cm in width front while height despite being lower grows one front and four in the rear seats, which always travel best two adults three, more for large center tunnel width or seat forms.

In versions Sport is digital instrumentation and the rest traditional clocks and needles with a screen in the center for indications of onboard computer. In the center console we can also find different touchscreens. Of the Edition covers an area of ​​6.5 “, as in the Advance, including navigation system (€ 660 in Edition), while the Sport found an 8” which features navigation, hard drive control by voice commands and DVD among other things.

Like a cave, organized

Its trunk back to get the highest score. It is not the largest in its class, but is above average; although in this case far from Skoda Superb (640 liters). When compared to its predecessor goes from 535 to 520 liters While this loss is not real, since our unity with the Sport trim comes with wheels 235 / 45-18 “and as the spare is equal to the other four (applause for Volkswagen) not allowed to use the configurable mobile floor at two heights other versions and capacity equaling the outgoing model. Apart from that, beneath that floor we find a Receptacle for storing the luggage cover wheelhouse which is not placed with much comfort, because you have to draw two plastic panels that require pull some effort, gaps for emergency triangles and tools. Moreover, it said movable floor can be used to compartmentalize the cargo.

As expected features 12V socket and good folding handles which set nets or straps to secure the load. Other gadget are two retractable hooks and two fixed for hanging bags, controls for folding the seats from the trunk itself and especially the possibility of folding the seat in three parts (40:20:40) with a central more the typical practice swing door to enter skis but does not allow the placement of objects also long are high. And if we decide to abate the three sections, we can enable a completely flat floor space with 2.05 m at the bottom, 1,88 at the top and a width of between 1.44 and 1.00 m to allow a cubicar 1095 liters. In option it offers the opening of the gate and toldilla electric luggage compartment cover (460 €, with the possibility of opening sensor to move your foot under the bumper with the hands-free key), partition net compartment with luggage compartment (205 €) and networks for securing the load (75 €).

Plenty to choose from

In the commercial start variety of versions It is remarkable. In addition, throughout the year new variants will join. In gasoline access step is the 1.4 TSI 125 hp, which is followed by a 1.4 TSI with disconnection of cylinders ACT 150 and a 1.8 TSI 180 hp. Will arrive in May 2.0 TSI with two power levels: 220 and 280 hp. Diesel offer focuses on the 1.6 TDI 120 hp and the 2.0 TDI with three power levels: 150, 190 or 240 hp, the latter two turbochargers in series and exclusive DSG 7 -of speeds newly developed as the oil bath 6, not dry as other DSG7 mounted less powerful models such as 1.8 Total TSI- and 4MOTION. Thus, all engines are four-cylinder, turbocharged and direct injection. The change can be manual or automatic six-speed double clutch six-speed driven DSG for 2.0 TDI 150 and 190 hp or 2.0 TSI. Also, Total 4MOTION can be associated with the TSI 1.4 2.0 TDI 150 and 150 or 190 hp.

There will also be a version GTE hybrid plug that will combine a 1.4 TSI 156 hp 109 hp electric together to yield a maximum power 211 hp, with a range in electric mode 50 km and more than 1,000 in total.

Silence, shooting

May not have the same quality rolling the new Mondeo, but this is very high, it offers a aplomb, higher than in the previous Passat, and above all, much more agility. While in curvy roads we think that we took a Golf, not a relative of 4.77 meters and 1,633 kg. And although the brand claims to have reduced 85 kg (33 in the body 9 on the chassis 3 and wiring to the motor 40), our scale marks from the last Variant 2.0 TDI 140 proven reduction of only 12 kg, and we must not overlook the load both technology and equipment is much higher. As for comfort does not reach the fineness of a Citroen C5 with air cushion, but it keeps between both factors probably the best balance of all its category. And that in this version with low profile tires as damping feels firm. But is that adherence is outstanding, with such a small, even in tight corners and anticipating the accelerator, costing think of cars of this size without sports nickname behave no better even in the same way understeer. And not to halt in such small distances. With this frame No wonder the 2.0 TDI 150 hp know little, although speeds above average and 5.9 l / 100 km comply spending efficiency, but less than 500 euros you can access the 190 hp version. Of course, in any case with the DSG, as fast as ever and as smooth maneuvers as ever. And with changes so we can not help but think that the manual is dead. A quick and precise steering fatigues tops the best Passat dynamically built to date.

From 26,983 to 45,743 euros

The section is less balanced price. And you look where you look, the bill Passat is above that of its rivals generalists, although some say it also below other means family premium. This unit is above 40,000 euros, although the discount -a 1,811 of the remaining amount good as a gift- equipment packages lowers the psychological barrier 38.279 euros, which can be reduced by another 1,635 euros (36,644 in total) if we decide to finance the transaction through the brand.