The first Volkswagen Passat was launched more than 50 years ago, in 1973, a year of platform shoes and flared jeans when Slade, Sweet and T.Rex topped the charts alongside David Bowie’s Life On Mars.
Just in time for summer and burning June, I’ve been driving the latest version on Britain’s roads, a few weeks after This is Money first sampled the new ninth-generation VW Passat at the international launch in France.
The big news, or “long”, is that, for the first time, it is only available as a five-seat estate version with a large flexible trunk, and not as a traditional sedan.
Suitable for the whole family: the new ninth-generation VW Passat arrives in the UK only as a five-seat estate; It no longer has a sedan body shape.
The launch model is the frugal 150hp 1.5-litre turbocharged TSi mild hybrid petrol with a six- or seven-speed automatic gearbox. Priced from £38,490, there are three trim levels: Life; Elegance; and R-Line specification, which I drove, costing from £42,850.
Mine was well equipped, including heated and massaged sports front seats, voice control, LED matrix lighting and heated wiper jets, but the added ‘extras’ pushed the price up by more than £5,000 to £48,265.
These included: a tilt-and-slide panoramic sunroof (£1,200); a driver assistance package including lane and emergency assistance and an electronically operated child safety lock (£620); a Harmon Kardon sound system (£800); a larger 15-inch screen infotainment package including head-up display (£850); metallic paint and upgraded upholstery (£745); and a folding tow bar with trailer assist (£1,050).
Riding on 18-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, my front-drive Passat estate proved to be a comfortable ride with decent performance (although don’t expect a sports car), with 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds, a maximum speed of 138 mph and CO2 emissions of 129 g/km.
There are four drive settings: sport, comfort, normal and individual.
The UK-spec car we were loaned was well equipped, including heated and massaging front sports seats, voice control, LED matrix lighting and heated wiper jets.
The launch model we tested is not exactly fast. Expect more oomph from two new plug-in eHybrid petrol electric models
Expect more oomph from two new plug-in eHybrid petrol electric models (with 204hp and 272hp) from £44,090 that combine the 1.5-litre engine with an electric motor, a 19.7kWh battery and an electric-only range of up to 77 miles.
Both are available to order ahead of mid-summer deliveries.
Slim, aerodynamic and 5.5 inches longer than the previous model, it has two inches more legroom in the rear and plenty of space in the boot, which can be expanded from 690 liters (an increase of 40 liters) to 1,920 liters (an increase of 140). liters).
The new Passat estate has arrived in UK showrooms just in time for summer and for Ray to test drive before his holiday.
Riding on 18-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, the front-drive Passat estate we tested proved to be a comfortable ride with decent performance.
Slim, streamlined and 5.5 inches longer than the previous model, it has two inches of extra rear legroom and plenty of trunk space.
The new Passat also promises a quieter drive thanks to effective acoustic insulation that includes a standard acoustic windshield and double glazing with an acoustic film on the side windows.
The Elegance and R-Line versions have new ‘ergoActive’ front seats that include lumbar support adjustment and pneumatic massage in the seat backs.
The steering wheel buttons can be used for a variety of dashboard graphics: classic (round dials); progressive (square); navigation (displaying maps) and R-Line with gear shift indicator and speed rpm displays.
It’s time to put some Bowie on the record player.
British Motown celebrates the tenth MotoFest
This weekend’s free event is dedicated to the motoring heritage of Coventry, spiritual home of Jaguar and now UK headquarters of Stellantis, including Peugeot, Citroen, Vauxhall, Fiat and Jeep.
On the fast track: after attracting more than 200,000 visitors last year, this time it promises a turbocharged program
Having attracted more than 200,000 visitors last year, this time it promises a turbocharged program on and off the high-octane speedway, created from the city’s ring road, including live motorsport demonstrations , classic cars, manufacturer exhibitions, live music, art, movies and fairground attractions. Check out coventrymotofest.com.
Fancy a summer car garden party in the heart of the capital?
Visit the London Concours, taking place from June 4 to 6 in the grounds of the Honorable Artillery Company, featuring supercars and classics, from McLaren and Ferrari to Jaguar.
For more information, visit londonconcours.co.uk.
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