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2015 Volkswagen Passat Tested: An Award-Winner in the Making?

Volkswagen Group has already won a great deal of significant awards using the MQB platform, not to mention the huge flow of customers. Both the Golf 7 and the new Audi A3 have won "Car of the Year." However, the modular toolkit appears to have played its best hand with 2015 Passat B8.
2015 Volkswagen Passat 1 photo
Photo: Catalin Garmacea
The new sedan and wagon models have made the same substantial leap in terms of build quality and ride as the Golf did when going from the 6th generation to the 7th. So, is this the 2015 Car of the Year?

We'll leave that decision up to the judges. What autoevolution can tell you is that the new Passat is a slightly different kind of car than its predecessor. Because the midsize family car market is shrinking, Volkswagen is playing a gambit and turning its player into a premium one. The driving position is lower, reminding you of a BMW, while the features that are optionally available are the same as on an Audi or Mercedes, through slightly cheaper.

In terms of styling, it's not exactly a Lamborghini, though Marc Lichte has played visual tricks with the front fascia to make it seem wider. Basic models lack curb appeal, but that's to be expected. Is it better than the old model? Yes, it shames it, in fact.

The model we tested was defined by both highs and lows. The Highline trim level meant this car was equipped with Alcantara seats and a set of LED headlights. It also had a self-parking feature, reversing camera, three-zone climate control and a digital speedometer. Where we got less is under the bonnet: a 2.0 TDI engine making 150 hp and 340 Nm of torque, good for 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 218 km/h (135 mph).

It will suite the needs of a daily driver, though there are more powerful diesels available as well. The 6-speed DSG gearbox was a really pleasant surprise, as it shifted seamlessly. In fact, most of our editors thought it was on par or slightly better than the famous ZF 8HP automatic.

Despite the size of the car, parking is easy thanks to sensors, a surround view camera and 3D bird's eye view. Volkswagen's Park Assist system can also do everything four you.

The driving refinement has clearly gone up. From the high-speed noise insulation to the way in which the steering column reacts when you hit a bump, things are looking mighty positive. It's not engaging though, more predictable and easy to use. As far as the ride is concerned, the adaptive suspension with selectable modes, a novelty on the Passat, is yet another option we definitely recommend.

With 10 different engines to chose from and many more cool toys to order, the 2015 Passat is not one car, but many. Is it the one for you? Read or in-depth review and find out.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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