The D segment may struggle in the Netherlands, it's still an important one.
VW sold 1.1 million Passats in 2013. They make more money on it than an Up.
VW sees how BMW and Mercedes make even more with their luxery models.
So the same applies to this 8th gen Passat, according to the plan.
There's a sedan and a Variant station. TSI's and TDI's, too.
The real hit in the Netherlands will be the GTE plug-in hybrid.
That has 211 PS and great tax benefits.
Despite this new upmarket model, it's still a great station by VW.
It's more angular and more spacious. Really spacious.
It will take 650 liters by default, more than any competitor.
With the rear seats down, it enlarges to 1800 liters. That's massive!
And the rear seats offer a lot of space, even for adults.
Yet still, this Passat is a bit shorter. How? The MBQ system, like the Golf.
This feels like a Golf, too. Makes sense, as the seating is similar.
It's a bit high, not closed off, like a Golf. That's alright.
But as a BMW and Mercedes fighter, it's too much of a Golf.
Like the dials and the centre console. Doesn't feel that 'premium.'
The longer wheelbase does make it more tranquil and comfortable.
That's it's primary feat, being a nice and restful car for long distances.
As an MQB car, it's 90 kilos lighter and handles better.
If you go too fast into a corner, understeer takes a while to kick in.
Which makes it nice and capable. It's not exciting, but very good. And economic.
We know the TSI and TDI engines for this. The 120 PS 1.6 TDI will be hot in NL.
Until the plug-in hybrid at least. But we can't drive that 1.6 TDI now.
So this is the top of the range 150 PS 1.4 TSI and cilinder deactivation.
It's eligible for tax benefits, if you get it before 1 January and don't go beyond 17 inch rims.
The engine is nothing special but nice, and has 250 Nm at 1500 revs. 6th gear is a bit long.
It works well. The gearbox is nice and light.
Overall, it's not spectacular or anything, but great for long drives.
All in all, a great allrounder. But a bit expensive. This one costs around 35290 euros.
That excludes an electronic bootlid, heated rear seats and some safety systems.
And it's not as memorable or life-changing as a BMW or Mercedes for that matter.
But you may just remember it as a very good allrounder. That can suffice.
+ Spacious, nice variety in engines
- Not really cheap, much like a Golf in details