By ALISTAIR KENNEDY
New model releases are proving a welcome diversion for Volkswagen Australia as the automotive giant counts the cost of the emissions scandal that continues to make headlines around the world.
A couple of weeks ago, as the news of ‘Dieselgate’ broke, we attended the launch of the new Golf Alltrack.
That’s been followed now by the release of the eighth generation (B8) version of the Passat mid-sized sedan and wagon.
While understandably tight-lipped at the Golf event, VW Australia’s outgoing managing director, John White, was much more open when he addressed the motoring media prior to the Passat launch.
Following the apology he announced the temporary suspension of sales of Volkswagen and Skoda models powered by the EA189 diesel engines including the outgoing Passat B7.
Volkswagen is traditionally a carmaker that ranks substance ahead of style and the new Passat is no different.
There’s nothing ostentatious about the car but nor is there anything likely to offend.
With so many designs going for the large open grille it’s quite refreshing to see Volkswagen buck the trend with a narrow full-width three-bar grille.
The biggest change goes to the core of the new Passat and its use of the Volkswagen MQB platform.
The structure allows for a range of vehicles to be built at the same factory and so reduce costs, a significant contributor to price cuts of up to $4000 on the new Passat.
The interior is spacious with reasonable headroom even where fitted with the optional sunroof and a surprising amount of rear seat legroom.
There’s no compromise behind the rear seats with 586 litres of boot space in the sedan and 650 in the wagon. This expands to 1152 and 1780 litres when the rear seatbacks are folded.
As in the outgoing B7 Passat two engines are offered in the B8. While the capacities (1.8-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel) are unchanged both have increased outputs. The previous 118TSI is now the 132TSI with the name indicating that power has increased from 118 kW to 132 kW.
Torque remains at 250 Nm but now comes in 250 rpm lower than before on the tachometer at 1250 rpm.
Using the same logic the turbo-diesel 130TDI becomes the 140TDI with torque also up from 380 to 400 Nm but peaking as before from 1750 rpm.
Importantly the engine is not the offending EA189 unit, which was fitted to the B7 Passat – sales of which have now been suspended – but the newer EA288 which, we’ve been assured, complies with Euro 6 standards.
Both engines are mated to DSG dual-clutch transmissions, seven-speed with the 132TSI and six-speed with the 140TDI.
Drive is through the front wheels – an Alltrack AWD will be added to the range in early 2016.
Three Passat variants are offered, each with the choice of sedan or wagon body.
The 132TSI petrol is available as an entry level Passat sedan ($34,990) and the mid-specced Comfortline ($39,990).
The 140TDI diesel is only available in the flagship Highline spec for $45,990. There’s a $2000 surcharge for the respective wagons.
The range of safety features across the Passat range is outstanding including nine airbags; enhanced ABS braking with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and auto hold; electronic stability program with traction control; rear view camera with multi-angle views; driver fatigue detection; and ISOFIX child seat anchors on the outer rear seats.
Added safety that comes standard in the Comfortline and Highline models, and with the $1800 Driver Assistant Package in the base grade 130TSI, are Adaptive Cruise Control with stop/start; Front Assist with City Emergency Braking; Lane Assist; Side Assist; and Rear Traffic Alert.
All variants has come with three-zone climate control air conditioning; App-Connect USB interface (Apple and Android); satellite navigation; and Bluetooth connectivity. The 132TSI uses the Discover Media system and displays on a 6.5-inch colour touch, the Discover Pro in the Customline and Highline has additional features on an 8-inch screen.
Adding $3500 to the price of Comfortline and Highline models, the Luxury Package includes a panoramic sunroof; LED headlights and daytime running lights; ambient interior lighting; and foldable side mirrors.
The R-Line Package ($3000 in the Comfortline and $2000 in the Highline) adds lowered sports suspension; 19-inch alloy wheels; front sports seats; Nappa leather upholstery; leather wrapped steering wheel with gear shift paddles; and tinted rear side and rear windows.
We were able to test both petrol and diesel Passats at the launch drive program out of Coolangatta to and from Byron Bay.
The outward route took in some delightful driving roads through the Gold Coast hinterland with the direct return trip along the M1 motorway.
We tackled the more challenging section in an entry-level 132TSI and came away highly impressed.
Handling is sharp, with neutral road behaviour at normal speeds, gradually changing to safe understeer when the car was pushed hard.
The seats are well-shaped and supportive while the suspension which was able to soak up just about anything, even a few rough and ready stretches.
The highway cruise along the return leg in the 140TDI diesel was smooth, quiet and comfortable with the level of refinement we’ve come to expect from luxury cars.
Not surprising because Passat shares quite a few out-of-sight components with upmarket Audis as that prestige marque is controlled by the Volkswagen Group these days.
On top of the already high quality and good value Volkswagen Passat could well become an even more attractive proposition than it already is.
