Volkswagen redesigns 8th-gen Passat from the ground up

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margin-right: 9px;">AUTOMOTIVE</a> </div>  <h1 id="ar_title">Volkswagen redesigns 8th-gen Passat from the ground up</h1> <div class="summary_details_left"> <p>By <a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/author/scott-collie/" rel="author">Scott Collie</a></p> <p><em>July 5, 2014</em></p> </div> <div class="summary_details_right"> <div class="has_comments"><a href="vw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon#comments">6 Comments</a></div> <div class="has_pictures"><a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/vw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon/32829/pictures">36 Pictures</a></div> </div> </div> <div id="article_share_rail"> <div class="as_button"><div class="fb-like" data-href="http://www.gizmag.com/vw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon/32829/" data-send="false" data-layout="box_count" data-show-faces="false"></div><script type="text/javascript">_ga.trackFacebook();</script></div> <div class="as_button"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241/http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" data-via="gizmag">Tweet</a></div> <div class="as_button"><div class="g-plusone" data-size="tall" data-href="http://www.gizmag.com/vw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon/32829/"></div></div> <div class="as_button"><iframe style="overflow: hidden; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; " src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241if_/http://badge.stumbleupon.com/badge/embed/5/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gizmag.com%2Fvw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon%2F32829%2F" width="50" height="60" id="iframe-stmblpn-widget-1"></iframe></div> <div class="as_button"><div class="pin-it-button" data-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241oe_/http://www.gizmag.com/vw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon/32829/" data-image="http://images.gizmag.com/hero/vw-8thgen-passat.jpg" data-description="VW's Passat has been totally redesigned, with new engine options, design and tech. The mid-size sedan is the 9th-generation Passat, and VW is hoping it will take the model upmarket in Europe. "></div></div> <div class="as_button"><script type="IN/Share" data-counter="top"></script></div> <div class="as_button" id="reddit_button_rail"><script type="text/javascript">reddit_newwindow='1'</script></div>  </div> <div id="hero_box"> <a id="hero_link" href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/vw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon/32829/pictures"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241im_/http://images.gizmag.com/hero/vw-8thgen-passat.jpg" title="The 8th-generation Volkswagen Passat" alt="The 8th-generation Volkswagen Passat"/> </a> <div class="pic_caption"> <p>The 8th-generation Volkswagen Passat</p> <a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/vw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon/32829/pictures" id="gallery_link">Image Gallery</a> (36 images) </div> <div class="clear_both"></div> </div> <div class="article_body"> <div id="top_unit"></div> <p>The phrase "all-new" is overused in the motoring world. In the world of platform sharing and gradual, evolutionary midlife changes, it's rare that a manufacturer releases a car that is new from the ground up. So when Volkswagen released its 8th generation Passat, you could be forgiven for questioning just how "new" it really was. But to write it off as a mere update would sell VW short, because the new Passat really has been redesigned from the ground up.</p> <ul id="gallery_images"> <li><a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/vw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon/32829/pictures#1" class="image"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241im_/http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_tn/vw-8thgen-passat-20.jpg" title="VW's new Passat is available with adaptive LED headlights" alt="VW's new Passat is available with adaptive LED headlights"/></a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/vw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon/32829/pictures#2" class="image"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241im_/http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_tn/vw-8thgen-passat-16.jpg" title="VW tried to give the new Passat a more 'premium' silhouette than the outgoing car" alt="VW tried to give the new Passat a more 'premium' silhouette than the outgoing car"/></a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/vw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon/32829/pictures#3" class="image"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241im_/http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_tn/vw-8thgen-passat-17.jpg" title="The 8th-generation Volkswagen Passat" alt="The 8th-generation Volkswagen Passat"/></a></li> <li><a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/vw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon/32829/pictures#4" class="image"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241im_/http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_tn/vw-8thgen-passat-0.jpg" title="The VW Passat Wagon" alt="The VW Passat Wagon"/></a></li> <li id="view_all"><a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/vw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon/32829/pictures" class="blue">View all<br/></a></li> </ul> <div class="clear_both"></div> <p>Despite having a wheelbase 79 mm longer than the model it replaces, the 8th-gen sedan is 2 mm shorter and up to 85 kg (187 lb) lighter than its predecessor. It's also lower than the old model, to give the car a better stance and help with handling.</p> <p>As well as being lighter, the new Passat is a sleeker looking machine than the car it replaces, with a longer and lower bonnet line. VW has also moved the base of the windscreen back, to create a more "premium" silhouette, crucial if it is to take on BMW, Mercedes and Audi in the competitive mid-size class. Despite the lower roofline, VW claims that legroom, headroom and luggage space have improved over the 7th-gen model.</p> <div class="article_img"><a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/vw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon/32829/pictures#32" target="_blank"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241im_/http://images.gizmag.com/inline/vw-8thgen-passat-28.jpg" width="" alt="A wide range of diesel and petrol engines are available on the new car"/></a></div> <p>The Passat's "premium" silhouette is coupled with slimmer, wider LED taillights that are designed to emphasize the width of the car. Up front, optional adaptive headlights (similar to those featured on the new <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/mercedes-cls-styling-update/32705/" target="_blank">Mercedes CLS</a>) can adjust their output to provide the brightest possible beam without dazzling oncoming cars.</p> <p>Ensuring the 8th-gen Passat boasts a premium feel was a focus for VW, which is keen to take the Passat upmarket in Europe. Inside, it debuts the company's optional "Active Information Display," which replaces the speedo and rev-counter in the instrument binnacle with a customizable screen that can display details about navigation and radio, as well as speed and revs. This can be combined with a heads-up display that projects key info onto the windscreen to keep the driver's eyes on the road.</p> <p>If you're the sort of person who struggles with tight car spaces, the new Passat may be the car for you. It has Park Assist, which is now able to park nose-forward in 90 degree spaces, as well as a 360-degree view camera that gives the driver a clear image of the situation around them at low speed. After all, you wouldn't want to scrape the Passat's sharp creases and prominent chrome grille, would you?</p> <div class="article_img"><a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/vw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon/32829/pictures#18" target="_blank"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241im_/http://images.gizmag.com/inline/vw-8thgen-passat-35.jpg" width="" alt="The analog clock in the dash is similar to that found in Mercedes' E-Class"/></a></div> <p>Although good looks and fancy tech is important, what's under the hood is still crucial for a new car's success. All of the Passat's engines are new to the model range, and are up to 20 percent more efficient than the units they replace.</p> <p>Because diesel engines are key in Europe, the Passat will be available with a twin-turbo 2.0-liter engine, making 240 hp and 500 Nm of torque from just 1,750 rpm. The diesel will be combined with a 7-speed DSG gearbox and VW's 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive system. A plug in hybrid will also be available, with an electric only range of 31 miles (50 km). Petrol engines range from 88 hp to 276 hp in output, with the top-tier engines all coupled with a 7-speed DSG gearbox.</p> <p>VW's new "Traffic Assist" system combines lane-keeping with radar cruise control to essentially drive the car at low speed. The driver must always have their hands on the wheel, however, so they're ready to intervene if something goes wrong.</p> <div class="article_img"><a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/vw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon/32829/pictures#31" target="_blank"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241im_/http://images.gizmag.com/inline/vw-8thgen-passat-27.jpg" width="" alt="The 8th-generation Volkswagen Passat"/></a></div> <p>In the US, the current Passat is different from the model the rest of the world receives. While the new model will be sold in most markets, there is no word about whether the US will get it. In Europe, the car will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show, and is expected to go on sale late in 2014.</p> <p>Volkswagen's release video for the Passat is below.</p> <p>Source: <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241/http://www.volkswagenag.com/content/vwcorp/info_center/en/news/2014/07/passat.html" target="_blank">Volkswagen</a></p>  <div class="article_video"><iframe width="530" height="298" src="//web.archive.org/web/20150205080241if_/http://www.youtube.com/embed/5aMuy6-939g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> <span class="title share_bar">Share</span> <div id="article_share_bar" class="dotsontop share_bar"> <div class="as_button fb_as_button"><div class="fb-like" data-href="http://www.gizmag.com/vw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon/32829/" data-send="false" data-layout="box_count" data-show-faces="false" data-share="true"></div><script type="text/javascript">_ga.trackFacebook();</script></div> <div class="as_button"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241/http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" data-via="gizmag">Tweet</a></div> <div class="as_button"><div class="g-plusone" data-size="tall" data-href="http://www.gizmag.com/vw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon/32829/"></div></div> <div class="as_button stumble_as_button"><iframe style="overflow: hidden; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; " src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241if_/http://badge.stumbleupon.com/badge/embed/5/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gizmag.com%2Fvw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon%2F32829%2F" width="50" height="60" id="iframe-stmblpn-widget-2"></iframe></div> <div class="as_button"><div class="pin-it-button" data-url="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241oe_/http://www.gizmag.com/vw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon/32829/" data-image="http://images.gizmag.com/hero/vw-8thgen-passat.jpg" data-description="VW's Passat has been totally redesigned, with new engine options, design and tech. 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"></div></div> <div class="as_button"><script type="IN/Share" data-counter="top"></script></div> <div class="as_button" id="reddit_button_bar"><script type="text/javascript">reddit_newwindow='1'</script></div>  </div>   <div id="fm-well-zone" data-cb-ad-id="Content Well 1"> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241js_/http://static.fmpub.net/zone/7980"></script> </div> <div id="bottom_unit" data-cb-ad-id="Content Well 2"> <style> .article-bottom-responsive { width: 530px; height: 300px; } </style> <script async src="//web.archive.org/web/20150205080241js_/http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>  <ins class="adsbygoogle article-bottom-responsive" style="display:inline-block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1607124478120364" data-ad-slot="6055296962"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div>  <div style="margin-bottom: 20px"> <div class="OUTBRAIN" data-src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241oe_/http://www.gizmag.com/vw-8th-gen-passat-sedan-wagon/32829/" data-widget-id="AR_1" data-ob-template="Gizmag"></div> <script type="text/javascript" async="async" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241js_/http://widgets.outbrain.com/outbrain.js"></script> </div> </div>   <div id="tags"> <span class="title">Tags</span> <div class="dotsontop"> <ul> <li>» <a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/tag/cars/" rel="tag">Cars</a></li> <li>» <a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/tag/paris-motor-show-2014/" rel="tag">Paris Motor Show 2014</a></li> <li>» <a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/tag/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></li> </ul> <div class="clear_both"></div> </div> </div> <div id="bing_unit"></div>  <span class="title" id="comments">6 Comments</span> <div class="dotsontop"> <div id="comment-321859" class="a_comment"> <p>New Volkswagen Passat looks more sportier then its predecessor ...with tons of new features.. </p> <span class="name">Nitesh Vasani</span><br> <span class="date"> 6th July, 2014 @ 03:04 am PDT</span> </div> <div id="comment-321928" class="a_comment"> <p>Something I didn't know: The VW group owns VW, Audi, SEAT, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, Scania, Skoda, and MAN trucks. They are the biggest auto maker in Europe and 2nd largest in the world (GM is now 3rd). </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <span class="name">Daishi</span><br> <span class="date"> 6th July, 2014 @ 08:31 pm PDT</span> </div> <div id="comment-321997" class="a_comment"> <p>Could the styling be any more boring? A 2005 Corolla looks almost as good. </p> <span class="name">HJ Toby</span><br> <span class="date"> 7th July, 2014 @ 05:34 am PDT</span> </div> <div id="comment-322480" class="a_comment"> <p>Fantastic looking cars. Would love to be able to buy the station wagon in USA. I hope they can get a handle on their quality problems. </p> <p></p> <span class="name">Al Stevers</span><br> <span class="date"> 8th July, 2014 @ 10:10 am PDT</span> </div> <div id="comment-323080" class="a_comment"> <p>The cabin could be more inspiring- looks rather BMW-esque. Would be nice if VW were prepared to innovate rather than playing 'me too'. </p> <span class="name">bergamot69</span><br> <span class="date"> 10th July, 2014 @ 12:09 pm PDT</span> </div> <div id="comment-340417" class="a_comment"> <p>Make a camper type van with even close to the same specs and millions of US will buy them. Like the old hippie vans only made for family travel. Hello VW? </p> <span class="name">zekegri</span><br> <span class="date"> 30th September, 2014 @ 10:24 am PDT</span> </div> </div> <span class="title">Post a Comment</span> <div class="dotsontop" id="comment_form_div"> <div id="comment_form" data-article="32829"> <div id="comments_login"> <form action="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/index.php" name="login_form" id="login_form" onsubmit="return false;"> <p class="bold">Login with your gizmag account:</p> <p id="login_status"></p> <label for="email">Email</label><input type="text" name="email" id="email" value=""/> <label for="password">Password</label><input type="password" name="password" id="password" value=""/> <input type="submit" value="Log In" class="med"/> <div id="options"> <a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/register/">Register here</a><br> <a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/new_password/">Forgotten your password?</a> </div> <input type="hidden" id="expired_comment" value=""/> </form> </div> <div id="facebook_login"> <p>Or <span class="bold">Login with Facebook:</span></p><br/> <div class="fb-login-button" data-scope="email" data-max-rows="1" data-onlogin="loginFUser(32829);" data-autologoutlink="true"></div> </div> </div> <div class="clear_both"></div> </div>  <span class="title">Related Articles</span> <div id="related_articles" class="dotsontop"> <ul> <li data-id="6828"> <a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/go/6828/" title="Passat Bluemotion to debut at Geneva Motor Show" data-id="6828"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241im_/http://images.gizmag.com/related/6828_14020774256.jpg" alt="Passat Bluemotion to debut at Geneva Motor Show"/> </a> <a class="rel_title" href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/go/6828/">Passat Bluemotion to debut at Geneva Motor Show</a> <p class="rel_date">14th February, 2007</p> </li> <li data-id="8810"> <a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/new-passat-features-continental-self-sealing-tyres/8810/" title="Continental's self-sealing tyres " data-id="8810"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241im_/http://images.gizmag.com/related/8810_13020843118.jpg" alt="Continental's self-sealing tyres "/> </a> <a class="rel_title" href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/new-passat-features-continental-self-sealing-tyres/8810/">New Passat features Continental self-sealing tyres</a> <p class="rel_date">12th February, 2008</p> </li> <li data-id="22488"> <a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/tank-diesel-distance-world-record/22488/" title="A Loudoun County, Virginia Sheriff’s Deputy verifies the car’s mileage before removing the..." data-id="22488"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241im_/http://images.gizmag.com/related/passat_record.jpg" alt="A Loudoun County, Virginia Sheriff’s Deputy verifies the car’s mileage before removing the..."/> </a> <a class="rel_title" href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/tank-diesel-distance-world-record/22488/">World record 1,626 miles on one tank of diesel</a> <p class="rel_date">10th May, 2012</p> </li> <li data-id="5794"> <a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/go/5794/" title="USB audio interface for Volkswagen models" data-id="5794"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241im_/http://images.gizmag.com/related/5794_27060643133.jpg" alt="USB audio interface for Volkswagen models"/> </a> <a class="rel_title" href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/go/5794/">USB audio interface for Volkswagen models</a> <p class="rel_date">27th June, 2006</p> </li> <li data-id="7453"> <a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/go/7453/" title="VW sensor-driven Passat for 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge" data-id="7453"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241im_/http://images.gizmag.com/related/7453_19060780545.jpg" alt="VW sensor-driven Passat for 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge"/> </a> <a class="rel_title" href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/go/7453/">VW sensor-driven Passat for 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge</a> <p class="rel_date">19th June, 2007</p> </li> <li data-id="9217"> <a href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/volkswagen-demonstrates-fully-automatic-reverse-parking-system/9217/" title="Volkswagen's Park Assist Vision system" data-id="9217"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241im_/http://images.gizmag.com/related/9217_23040833252.jpg" alt="Volkswagen's Park Assist Vision system"/> </a> <a class="rel_title" href="/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/volkswagen-demonstrates-fully-automatic-reverse-parking-system/9217/">Volkswagen demonstrates fully-automatic reverse parking system</a> <p class="rel_date">23rd April, 2008</p> </li> </ul> <div class="clear_both"></div> </div>  <div id="search_form_bottom"> <form action="https://web.archive.org/web/20150205080241/http://www.gizmag.com/search/" id="cse-search-box-bottom"> <span class="title">Looking for something? 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