Volkswagen’s Passat
AFTER 42 years and eight generations in production, and with more than 22 million vehicles in its series sold worldwide, the Passat is finally available in the Philippine market.
The Passat is loaded with Volkswagen engineering and design heritage, enough for it to be crowned the 2015 European Car of the Year.
The Passat, which has been targeted for executives and businessmen, is best known for its passenger and cargo space, refined and quiet ride, powerful engine, and top safety features.
The Passat comes into the Philippine market in two variants: Highline and Business Edition.
Both variants are powered by the powerful yet fuel-efficient four-cylinder, in-line turbo fuel-injected 2.0 TSI DSG gasoline engine that generates a maximum output of 216.99 horsepower at 4,500-6,200 revolutions per minute, and a maximum torque of 350 Newton-meters at 1,500-4,400 rpm.
The Passat accelerates from 0-100 kilometers per hour in 6.2 seconds, and has a top speed of 246 kph.
The Passat’s power is managed by a six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission for fast, smooth gearshifts and uninterrupted driving.
The gear lever’s tiptonic function also lets the driver change to sportier manual mode.
More confident handling is provided by the electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering, struts and threepoint wishbone with stabilizer for the front suspension, four-link with stabilizer for the rear suspension, and 17inch front and rear disc brakes.
The Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) with Driver Profile Selection makes it possible to adjust the running gear to a normal, sporty or comfortable tuning, while the Driver Profile Selection allows the driver to choose different driving modes: Sport, Comfort and Normal.
Adding to an ultracomfortable ride are ErgoComfort leather seats with 12way electric driver seat with memory. This feature, available in the Business Edition line, allows the occupants to take advantage of the spinal-optimal seating postures, especially during long trips.
The Passat features technological, infotainment and safety innovations such as the Active Info Display (exclusive for the Business Edition line), three-zone Climatronic air-conditioning (allows three different temperature zones), Park Distance Control, XDS Differential Lock, “Keyless-Go” Entry (KESSY), eight-speaker audio system, and iPod, USB, Bluetooth connectivity.
Furthermore, the Discover Pro with Navigation System, the Passat Business Edition’s premium navigation and entertainment system, provides the driver and passengers a single device to control and deliver everything—from navigation, to driver aids such as proximity sensors, MP3, WMA and AAC music playback to film playback, eco-trainer and intuitive control and operation, designed along the lines of current smartphone logic.
The Business Edition’s panoramic sun roof also allows the driver and passengers to enjoy a nearly 360-degree view.
The Passat’s top-of-the-line safety systems include: front, side and curtain airbags to protect the driver and all passengers; a rearview camera offering a clear reversing image with easy-to-follow graphic lines on the radio/navigation display; LED headlights with projection technology, which include dual “U-shaped” LED daytime running lights, dynamic headlight range adjustment and dynamic cornering lights; and a driver alert system that gives an early warning when the system detects the driver needs to take a break on long and tiring trips.
With the Passat’s engineering, design and technological features, Volkswagen Philippines is confident its midsize luxury sedan will go straight to the top of its category.
The available exterior/interior color combinations of the Passat are crimson red/St. Tropez, oryx white or iridium grey metallic/titanium black, and deep black pearl or black oak brown/natural brown.
The Passat Highline 2.0 TSI DSG is priced at P2.253 million while the 2.0 TSI DSG Business Edition sells at P2.759 million.
To see the Passat, or to schedule a test drive, drop by one of the dealer- ships/satellite offices located at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Quezon Avenue in Quezon City, Greenfield District Service Center at Sheridan Street in Mandaluyong City, Molito Lifestyle Building in Alabang, Muntinlupa, and North Reclamation Area in Cebu City.