The Volkswagen Passat is a class of mid-large size family cars. The term Passat in German means “trade winds.” Here’s what you should know about the Volkswagen Passat.

History of the Passat

The first generation of the Volkswagen Passat (known as the Volkswagen Dasher in North America) was launched in 1973. The first Passat was developed partly from the Audi80/Fox. Originally offered were two and four-door sedans as well as three and five-door versions, which looked similar.

The five-door station wagon was introduced in 1975 and sold in North America as the Audi Fox.

The Passat originally used the four-cylinder OHC 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines. In 1978 the Dasher received a complete facelift similar to the one done in Europe the year prior. The Dasher only differed slightly from the Passat in the areas of bumper, safety, and emissions modifications.

How the Passat Has Developed Over Time

The second generation of the Passat launched in 1981 as the Passat B2. The B2 was bigger and faster than the first generation. The B2 also introduced four-wheel drive se tup dubbed Syncro, which was mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The third generation of the Passat, the B3, launched in 1990 in North America. This generation was sold as a four-door saloon or five-door estate.

It was at this time that the Passat ceased to be sold as a hatchback and would be known as the Passat in all markets including North America. The B4 Passat was basically just a facelifted B3 (1993). The grille was introduced to give the car’s front end a more aggressive look.

The newer generations (B5, B5.5, 6, 7) of Passat models have included upgrades such as projector-optic headlights, tail lights, and chrome trim. The non-turbo 1.8 was discontinued and the eight-valve 1.6 liter became the least powerful petrol engine.

A new base “GL” model was added to the 2003 Passat range that would offer a W8 six-speed manual transmission. The B6 Passat was first on display at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. The B6 no longer shared a platform with Audi at this point.

2018 Volkswagen Passat

The current generation of the Passat is available as a sedan and a wagon. The Volkswagen Passat is packed with the latest technology and safety systems. Features include forward collision warning with automatic rigging, turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder standard, front-wheel drive, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. The cabin is quiet and there is plenty of space for all passengers, even tall ones won’t feel cramped. The infotainment system is user-friendly and wellorganized.

Higher-level trims also include lane-keep assist, parking assist, and a rear cross-traffic alert. The 2018 Passat comes in six trim levels: S (standard), R-Line, SE, SE with Technology, SEL Premium, and V6 SEL Premium. Each trim level (standard aside) comes with its own added features. The R-line includes VW Car-Net App-Connect, the SE includes a power tilting and sliding sunroof, and the SEL premium includes leather seating surfaces and LED headlights just to name a few.

The Volkswagen Passat has been in production for some time and the car improves with each generation. Get used Volkswagen parts by visiting this link.