In Europe, they love business class cars, which are economical in an urban way, and at the same time have a large capacity and attractive appearance. In Russia, they are just beginning to be loved, especially when it comes to a body “for an amateur”, namely, a station wagon. Like new Volkswagen Passat Variant (B8) - "universal" version of the Passat latest generation. The German novelty is a real balm for the soul of any European who knows a lot about practical cars. Its strict classic features, spacious interior and decent dynamics have a significant chance of success in the EU countries, and in our country ... Our station wagon segment is only at the start of gaining popularity. How will the Passat Variant attract Russians and what is interesting about it? Look for answers to these questions in our review!
Design
Those who do not like the Passat Variant from the outside can be safely reproached for the lack of taste. Someone will say that the "German" is boring, and they will be wrong. "German" with the prefix Variant is not just boring - it's deliciously boring! With a clear, well-adjusted aerodynamics of the body, never pretentious, with laconic outlines reminiscent of ... Stalactites (or stalagmites, what's the difference?), Which for thousands of years were cast in granite by a natural workshop, gradually becoming ideal. The state of impeccability - this is what constantly abides new car Volkswagen company. He does not care that cars pass by on the road, radiating waves of original design ideas - he is incredibly calm, because his owner knows that he has some taste, unlike all "these", there. On such an “iron horse” it is just right to leave an inscription: “Dedicated to connoisseurs of cold beauty ...”
Variant chooses cleanliness in any weather - the most terrible slush has to work hard to stain its windows and exterior mirrors. But before rear window she, unfortunately, may well get there - there's nothing to be done, you will have to periodically resort to cleaning products. They say that you need to “grow up” to the station wagon, and, whatever one may say, this is the true truth. Variant looks too mature - he has clearly already stepped over the midlife crisis. Therefore, it should not be surprising that drivers over thirty are more common behind the wheel.
Design
The "Option" is based on the golf platform, which implies the location of the engine and gearbox in engine compartment above the front axle. Branded "trolley" is suitable for a wide variety of cars - from compact hatchbacks to long business sedans. In this regard, the wagon is somewhere in the middle. To date, no one will dare to scold the "German" for being related to the old "Crocodile Tradewinds", designed on the basis of a longitudinal chassis from premium Audi.
Adaptation to Russian conditions
For the harsh Russian winter, the Passat Variant, depending on the configuration, provides for separate heating of the side electric mirrors, as well as heated steering wheel, first and second row seats, windshield and washer nozzles. In addition, there is an additional car heater with remote control and timer (only for diesel modifications) and three-zone climate control Climatronic with anti-allergic filter. The drive is exclusively front-wheel drive, and the ground clearance is 160 mm - it is quite enough for daily city driving. A full-size spare tire is stored in the trunk just in case.
Comfort
The interior of the "Variant" is in complete harmony with the exterior - and it could not be otherwise, Volkswagen after all. The salon is modern, nice and painfully familiar to fans of the brand. The torpedo seems to cross the ribs of graceful ventilation deflectors, but in fact 4 classic deflectors hidden under a long grille (2 in the center and 2 in the corners) are located in their usual places and are quite ordinary in size. A solid grille is just a design decision. Some people will like it, and some won't, but in any case, it's quite interesting. A wide metallized strip under the grille on the front panel is also a controversial and at the same time original solution. A pseudo-wooden insert looks more advantageous - such interior decoration, fortunately, is available. In the center of the dashboard is decorated with an electromechanical clock - a kind of strict dosed retrograde style for the sake of it.
The engine start button is “registered” next to the gear lever, which is very convenient. Ergonomics as a whole is thought out - there are no significant complaints about it. Horizontal "neon" strips of aesthetic lighting pass through the car doors, which glow softly when the lights are turned on. parking lights. The illumination becomes especially relevant in the evening. Replanting in the driver's seat with an extensive range of seat and steering wheel adjustments - as befits Volkswagen, comfortable. It is spacious on the first row of seats, as well as in the back of the cabin, where, alas, there is a completely motionless sofa. Seat trim materials are of high quality even in the most affordable trim levels. A station wagon wouldn't be a station wagon without a huge boot! The cargo compartment of the Passat Variant holds at least 650 liters. luggage, and with the backs of the rear sofa folded, its volume reaches an impressive 1780 liters. Contactless trunk opening is a privilege of the top version.
It seems that the "Option" has everything: already in the initial configuration, you can expect a set of front and side airbags, stability control (ESP) and braking assistance, anti-lock braking (ABS) and traction control (ASR) systems, a trailer stabilization function and a system motor traction control (EDTC). In addition, the “base” provides for tire pressure monitoring systems (indirect measurement) and driver fatigue recognition, the Era-Glonass panic button, a rain sensor and cruise control with a speed limiter. An anti-dirt rearview camera and park assist are available for an extra charge.
The center console of the new Passat Variant flaunts a multimedia complex with an eight-inch color touchscreen (in the basic version, the display is 6.5-inch), a hand proximity sensor, a built-in Composition Media audio system and 8 speakers. Navigation maps are loaded thanks to the SD slot, and the connection mobile devices performed via AUX/USB connectors or Bluetooth. With sound, graphics and interface everything is in order, additional control buttons are placed on the steering wheel. For a surcharge, you will be able to get an even more “advanced” Discover Pro media system with a 9.2-inch touch screen, map display in 2.5D and 3D angles, voice and gesture control, a 32 GB hard drive and the AppConnect function. Due to the AppConnect function, full integration with Apples and Androids is possible.
Volkswagen Passat Variant Specifications
AT motor range station wagon includes gasoline 1.4-liter and 1.8-liter TSI turbo engines with direct injection (Euro-5), developing 150 and 180 hp. respectively. Paired with them, only a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission works. The average fuel consumption of gasoline modifications "according to the passport" is from 5.2 to 5.8 liters. per 100 kilometers. The diesel engine range is represented by a single 150-horsepower 2-liter TDI diesel engine compatible with a 6-speed automatic transmission. According to the manufacturer, the "heavy fuel" engine consumes an average of 4.8 l / 100 km, but real figure may be higher.
Volkswagen Passat B7 has excellent technical characteristics, even if you look at the acceleration time to 100 km / h, which is carried out in an average of 10.3-8.2 seconds, depending on installed engine. We can immediately say that the 7-speed robot shifts gears on time, and the acceleration time does not differ from the configuration with mechanical box. The Blue Motion technology has been upgraded, which made the engines, and the car as a whole, more economical and environmentally friendly. Also, front-wheel drive models received new system XDS. Other characteristics in more detail, you can see in tables 1 and 2, which are presented below:
One of 5 engines can be installed on the Volkswagen Passat B7. More details about the technical characteristics of the Volkswagen Passat B7 in table 1 and 2 below:
| Specifications Passat B7 sedan, table 1 | ||||
| Engines | 1.4 MT (122 hp) | 1.4 AMT (122 hp) | 1.8 MT (152 hp) | 1.4 AMT (150 hp) |
| Performance indicators | ||||
| Maximum speed, km/h | 203 | 203 | 216 | 214 |
| Acceleration up to 100 km/h, s | 10,3 | 10,3 | 8,2 | 9.8 |
| 8.1 / 5.1 / 6.3 | 8.2 / 5.3 / 6.4 | 9.7 / 5.4 / 7.0 | 8.8 / 5.6 / 6.8 | |
| Engine characteristics | ||||
| Engine volume, cm3 | 1390 | 1390 | 1798 | 1390 |
| engine's type | petrol | petrol | petrol | gas / petrol |
| Fuel grade | AI-95 | AI-95 | AI-95 | AI-95 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Cylinder arrangement | row | row | row | row |
| Engine power system | direct injection into the combustion chamber | direct injection into the combustion chamber | direct injection into the combustion chamber | |
| Engine location | front, transverse | front, transverse | front, transverse | front, transverse |
| Supercharging type | turbocharged with intercooled air | turbocharged with intercooled air | turbocharged with intercooled air | |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 122 / 90 / 5000 | 122 / 90 / 5000 | 152 / 112 / 5000 | 150 / 110 at 5500 | |
| 200 / 1500 / 4000 | 200 / 1500 / 4000 | 250 / 1500 / 4200 | 220 at 1500–4500 | |
| Transmission | ||||
| Transmission type | mechanical | robotic | mechanical | robot |
| Number of gears | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
| type of drive | front | front | front | front |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length, mm | 4769 | |||
| Width, mm | 1820 | |||
| Height, mm | 1470 | |||
| Clearance, mm | 155 | |||
| Wheel size | 205/55/R16 | 205/55/R16 | 215/55/R16 | 205/55/R16, 235/45/R17 |
| Front track width, mm | 1552 | |||
| Rear track width, mm | 1551 | |||
| Wheel base, mm | 2712 | |||
| Trunk volume min / max, l | 565 | |||
| Volume fuel tank, l | 70 | |||
| Gross weight, kg | 1990 | 2013 | 2030 | 2140 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1440 | 1463 | 1499 | 1514 |
| Suspension | ||||
| Front suspension type | independent, spring | |||
| Type rear suspension | independent, spring | |||
| Front brakes | disc ventilated | |||
| Rear brakes | disk |
| Specifications Passat B7 sedan, table 2 | |||
| Engines | 1.8 AMT (152 hp) | 2.0 AMT (170 hp) | 2.0 AMT (210 hp) |
| Performance indicators | |||
| Maximum speed, km/h | 214 | 223 | 236 |
| Acceleration up to 100 km/h, s | 8,8 | 8,6 | 7,6 |
| Fuel consumption (city / highway / mixed), l | 9.8 / 5.6 / 7.1 | 6.3 / 4.6 / 5.3 | 10.8 / 5.9 / 7.7 |
| Engine characteristics | |||
| Engine volume, cm3 | 1798 | 1968 | 1984 |
| engine's type | petrol | diesel | petrol |
| Fuel grade | AI-95 | DT | AI-95 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Cylinder arrangement | row | row | row |
| Engine power system | direct injection into the combustion chamber | engine with undivided combustion chambers (direct fuel injection) | direct injection into the combustion chamber |
| Engine location | front, transverse | front, transverse | front, transverse |
| Supercharging type | turbocharged with intercooled air | turbocharged with intercooled air | turbocharged with intercooled air |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Maximum power, hp/kW at rpm | 152 / 112 / 5000 | 170 / 125 / 4200 | 210 / 155 / 5300 / 6200 |
| Maximum torque, N * m at rpm | 250 / 1500 / 4200 | 350 / 1750 / 2500 | 280 / 1700 / 5200 |
| Transmission | |||
| Transmission type | robotic | robotic | robotic |
| Number of gears | 7 | 6 | 6 |
| type of drive | front | front | front |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length, mm | 4769 | 4769 | 4769 |
| Width, mm | 1820 | 1820 | 1820 |
| Height, mm | 1470 | 1470 | 1470 |
| Clearance, mm | 135 | 135 | 135 |
| Wheel size | 215/55/R16 235/45/R17 | 235/45/R17 | 235/45/R17 |
| Front track width, mm | 1552 | 1552 | 1552 |
| Rear track width, mm | 1551 | 1551 | 1551 |
| Wheel base, mm | 2712 | 2712 | 2712 |
| Trunk volume min / max, l | 565 | 565 | 565 |
| Fuel tank volume, l | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| Gross weight, kg | 2050 | 2130 | 2080 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1514 | 1591 | 1544 |
| Suspension | |||
| Front suspension type | independent, spring | independent, spring | independent, spring |
| Rear suspension type | independent, spring | independent, spring | independent, spring |
| Front brakes | disc ventilated | disc ventilated | disc ventilated |
| Rear brakes | disk | disk | disk |
At the Paris Motor Show in autumn 2000 Volkswagen introduced the updated Passat of the fifth generation, which received the index B5.5 (aka 5+). The car went through changes in appearance, interior and technical part, after which it was produced until 2005 - it was then that the next generation model came out. In total for your life cycle the machine has sold over 4 million copies worldwide (B5 and B5.5).
Restyling in terms of quantity did not fundamentally change the Passat, but the style of the car became completely different. The front part has noticeably changed, which has acquired new optics, a radiator grill with chrome bars and a bumper of a different configuration, and only other lights appeared at the back. The profile has remained the same, and of the innovations - only a thin chrome strip around the perimeter of the glazing.
The overall dimensions of the “fifth” Volkswagen Passat have not changed as a result of the update: 4669-4704 mm in length ( wheelbase occupies 2703 mm), 1460-1499 mm in height and 1740 mm in width. Ground clearance is 110-124 mm, depending on the version.
The interior decoration of the Passat B5 + received only a few new features. AT dashboard a chrome bezel was added around the scales, and an armrest was installed between the front seats. Otherwise, it is still the same solid and ergonomic interior with a three-spoke steering wheel, a massive center console and high-quality finishing materials.
There is enough space in the Volkswagen Passat B5.5 on both rows of seats, the front seats have an optimal profile, and the rear sofa has soft filling. The trunk of a car in a sedan body is designed for 475 liters (with folded rear seats- 800 liters), and in the cargo-passenger version - by 495 liters (1200 liters).
Specifications. Power line of the updated Passat B5 + has not changed much - this petrol units with a volume of 1.6-2.8 liters, giving out 101-193 horsepower and 140-290 Nm of thrust, as well as 1.9-2.5 liter turbodiesels, the output of which is 90-150 "horses" and 210-310 Nm.
Of the innovations - a "formidable" 4.0-liter engine with a W-shaped arrangement of cylinders with a herd of 205 "mares" and a potential of 370 Nm.
There are three gearboxes - “mechanics” for five or six gears, a 5-band “automatic”.
For the rest technical parameters the updated Passat (B5.5) is identical to the pre-reform model.
The advantages of the car are high-torque engines, a roomy interior, tenacious brakes, high-quality interior design, reliable construction and decent equipment.
Disadvantages - stiff and short-lived suspension, low ground clearance, high interest from the hijackers.
Prices. On the Russian market the restyled Passat of the fifth generation costs 250,00 - 450,000 rubles (data at the beginning of 2015).
As you probably know, the third Passat was produced in two types of bodies: station wagon and sedan, Volkswagen station wagons are called Variant. It is worth noting that in those years, manufacturers such as Opel and Mitsubishi produced D-class models and in hatchback bodies, and even the Passat itself in the second generation was also produced as a hatchback, but from the third generation to today, the Passat is produced only as a sedan and station wagon. hallmark The third Passat, from most of both modern and cars of that time, is the absence of a traditional radiator grille, air is taken through an intake in the bumper.
According to reviews Volkswagen owners Passat B3, in the winter season, the bumper can crack even due to a minor impact, so it's better to be careful in winter. Despite the fairly widespread belief that the body of the Passat was galvanized, this is not so, but high-quality painting does its job and therefore you can not see a rusty Passat as often as a rusty Opel Vectra A.
Passat dimensions in a sedan body: 4605mm - length, 1720mm - width, height - 1430mm, and the wheelbase of the third Passat is 2625mm. Station wagon - Variant was equipped with roof rails, which also increases the car's cargo capacity. Often, even on the whole good bodies, the lower edge of the station wagon trunk rots. Typical malfunction The third generation trade wind is a stretched door handle drive, which often leads to the fact that due to the strong force transmitted to the handle while opening the door, it simply breaks. The Passat of the third generation is put on tires with dimensions: 185/65 R14.
Story
VW Passat B3 (third generation) - a D-class sedan - was first shown in January 1988. The Volkswagen brand has always used good demand on the European market, and new model, of course, accepted with a bang. New, and at that time modern design exterior and interior, a wide range of engines, equipment for every taste - an ideal choice for a practical person.
During the release, the car was equipped with new engines, received small design changes, the list grew additional equipment. However, no major changes were made until October 1993, when the B3 was replaced by the Passat B4.
The first cars appeared on the Ukrainian market in the mid-90s, and immediately gained popularity. For many of our compatriots it was a joy to transfer to the national german car with a fairly simple design - after all, the concept of "service" was just in its infancy at that time, and motorists did many procedures with their own hands.
For a modern buyer, this is rather even a “minus” of a car. After all, in the mid-90s, many thought that the main thing was to get a coveted car, and preventive work was superfluous. And subsequent owners with the aging process of the car paid less and less attention to this. But the runs of many copies today have come close to 400-500 thousand km.
The low culture of exploitation, especially in small towns and villages where many B3s have moved in recent years, has left its mark. There are many cars, there is a choice. Yes, it will take a long time to look for a “not completely killed” copy.
The most common engine under the hood of the third Passat is a 1.8-liter eight-valve petrol engine. The petrol "four" develops 90l.s. Passat B3 with such an engine reaches the mark of 100 km per hour in 14.3 s, and on the highway maximum speed The trade wind is - 178 km. It's a lot or a little - decide for yourself, but as for me - the set of speed is rather weak.
A two-liter eight-valve engine, of course 115l.s, has become quite widespread; they pull the car more fun than 90l.s. A set of one hundred kilometers per hour is 11.3s (with a manual gearbox, we note right away that 90% of the third Tradewinds were equipped with mechanics). The maximum speed of a two-liter Passat is 195 km. There are modifications with sixteen-valve 1.8 and 2.0, the power of these two engines is the same - 136hp. The least powerful gasoline engines are units with a volume of 1.6 and 1.8 liters, their power is the same - 75 hp. A hundred Passat with 75 horses under the hood is gaining in 15.5s. 
The most powerful modification of the Passat with a 2.8L engine develops 174hp, the camber angle in the V-shaped “six” is 15 degrees. It is worth saying that of all the engines installed on the third Volkswagen Passat, only the V6 2.8 is equipped with a timing chain drive, although the chain stretches over time, it is still much more reliable than the timing belt that needs to be changed every 90,000 km (according to the instructions), but according to the owners, this operation is best done every 60,000 km.
Diesel engines of the third Passat have a volume of 1.6 and 1.9 liters, their power is 68 and 80 hp, respectively.
One of typical problems The third Passat is an oil leak from the gearbox, due to loss of oil, the upper gears of the fifth gear, which are at the top of the gearbox, do not receive proper lubrication and fail - the gearbox becomes a four-speed one. So you need to monitor the oil level in the gearbox.
The fluid in the power steering Volkswagen Passat B3 should be changed every 70,000 km, it is recommended to use G002 fluid.
Base Trade Winds are equipped with front disc and rear drum brakes, but Trade Winds over 100 Horse power, have disc brakes not only in the front, but also in the rear
Specifications Volkswagen Passat B3
Body
At one time it was believed that the Passat, thanks to the quality paintwork, the body is one of the best in terms of corrosion resistance. But considerable age plus accidents did their job.
Corrosion can appear in standard places − rear arches, bottom, thresholds. From the "bodywork" - the hood, the lower door panel. On station wagons - on the rear trunk lid.
Pay attention to the quality of welding work: seams, welding, amount of soil. If done carelessly ("for sale") - wait for the appearance of rust.
Of the characteristic "sores", it is also worth noting the unreliable door handles, which, in very coldy break down.
The disadvantages are also not very high ground clearance and large body overhangs, which can create problems on bad roads. Particularly affected is the front spoiler under the bumper, which often breaks off.
Briefly about the interior and equipment of the Volkswagen Passat B3
The third Passat was offered in three trim levels: CL, GL and GT. The Passat CL is an almost empty car in which there is not even a tachometer (a clock is installed in its place), but since 1988 the GL has been equipped with a hydraulic power steering (since 1991, the power steering has been included in the basic equipment for all trade winds) and electric windows and mirrors. The GT equipment level assumes the presence of Recaro seats in the car and on-board computer. According to the owners of the Passat, the leaking steering rack can be heard without leaving the car. To do this, start the engine and turn the German steering wheel from lock to lock, a screech will tell you about a malfunction.
It is worth saying that the Volkswagen Passat has always had spacious salons, one can even say that in terms of internal space, the Passat B3 is not inferior to some cars of a higher, business class. Starting from the GL configuration, the Passat's rear sofa folds separately. The Passat's trunk in a sedan body holds 495 liters, with the sofa backs folded down, the volume increases to 820 liters. Wagon - Variant holds 465 liters, but the maximum volume can be increased to 1500 liters. In the side panels of the trunk of the station wagon - Variant, special cavities are provided.
Transmission
Mechanical 5-speed the gearbox was installed on 90% of the cars. It is very durable, but has several "sore spots".
Almost every second car has worn main gear oil seals. At the same time, the oil level drops (few people follow it) - due to lack of lubrication, the fifth gear “dies” first of all, and the box turns into a four-speed one.
Then comes the turn of bearings (primary and secondary), on which the shafts rotate. This malfunction is manifested by increased noise of the gearbox.
The gearshift mechanism does not work well, mainly due to cable drive gear shift that needs adjustment. The backstage bushings may also wear out, causing the gearshift lever to become loose.
The oil in the "mechanics" is designed for the entire service life, you just need to control its level. The clutch pedal is not very informative and has a long stroke.
« Automata' are rare. Of course, almost all of them survived the overhaul.
Most often, “automatic machines” were installed on the most powerful version - VR6, and given that such cars are not quietly driven, one can only guess about its condition. 
If you are still a supporter of comfort, then look for a version on the "machine" with a smaller engine size.
To extend the life of the box, it is recommended to change the oil and filter every 60 thousand km.
Suspension
The suspension is stiff, simple and cheap to maintain. There is no smoothness here, it is rather knocked down, thanks to which every hole and junction is felt.
Handling of the car is average, quite predictable, but without any frills. The front suspension is independent, with struts and trailing arms (MacPherson strut). On the VR6 version, the suspension “kills” faster due to the heavier engine.
A simple semi-independent beam is installed at the back. In addition to a couple of silent blocks, springs and shock absorbers, there is nothing to change here.
As for the resource details, we can say the following:
- most often (up to 50 thousand km) you need to change the struts of the anti-roll bar;
- stabilizer bushings last much longer - up to 80 thousand km;
- rear silent blocks of the front levers go about 60 thousand km,
- and silent blocks of the rear beam - 70-80 thousand km.
Many cars require replacement of all springs that sag from long-term operation, both on sedans and station wagons.
The rack and pinion steering could be supplemented with a hydraulic booster (until 1991 - depending on the version). After it was already installed in the "base". Without a hydraulic booster in parking modes, the steering wheel turns quite hard, although after the Soviet automobile industry this will not seem like a problem.
It is advisable to fill in the fluid in the power steering with branded (G002), and change it every 70 thousand km.
Brakes: front disc, rear drum. On vehicles with an engine over 100 hp. the rear brakes were already disc, and the front ones were also ventilated.
In general, the brakes are tenacious and reliable enough, even in the version with "drums"
Volkswagen Passat B3 price
One of the advantages of the third Passat is its price, no - it is not cheap, of course, by the standards of cars of this age, but it is a fairly liquid car, which, although it costs more than the Opel Vectra A, but by the time the car is sold by you, the Passat can not cheap at all. Volkswagen price Passat B3 is $4,000 - $7,000. You can buy a Volkswagen Passat B3 in almost any city in the CIS, because at one time, a lot of them were brought from abroad.
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