Volkswagen Passat B7

Most of them think that the latest Passat (in sedan and Variant wagon) was a full change, but they were wrong. Just like the Chrysler Sebring facelifted and changed its name into Chrysler 200, coming soon in North America, the Passat B7 is a massive facelift to the previous Passat B6. However, expect this B7 won't come to North America because VW USA plans a NMS (New Medium Sedan) as a replacement. I still do not know what could the NMS is but let us find out how the Passat B7 feels like.

2011 Volkswagen Passat

In the tradition of Volkswagen's new trademark design led by Walter de'Silva, the Passat B7 stays true to its fellow V-Dub models such as the Golf, the facelifted Phaeton, the second-generation Touareg, and the upcoming Jetta. However, the Passat B7 sticks to the same platform from the previous Passat B6, so nothing's untouched, except for the increased length of the wheelbase.

2011 Volkswagen Passat interior

There are some massive changes on the Passat B7's interior. It still looks more like the previous model, but modified to look at its best with the addition of the analog clock, newly improved instrumental cluster, automatic climate control, and every luxurious detail to have the Passat B7 maintain its premium status. It defines luxury in a completely new meaning.

The Passat B7 is now made into an eco car thanks to the 1.6L TDi and 2.0L TDi engine. These diesel-fed variants are now equipped with the new start-stop system and for the first time, a micro-hybrid system (similar to the e-HDi engine found on the new Citroen C4).There are also petrol engines offered such as the 1.4L TSi engine, 1.8L TSi engine, 2.0L TSi engine, and the new 1.4L TSi EcoFuel engine. What's EcoFuel? I think this is somewhat similar to Ford's EcoBoost technology. On the good side, the 1.4L TSi EcoFuel engine is twin-charged (Super Turbo?), capable of releasing a power output of 150PS/5500rpm and a torque output of 220Nm/1500-4500rpm. However, this twincharged engine is not a bigger deal for me because the most powerful Passat offered is the 2.0 TSi engine because of the power output of 211PS/5300-6200rpm and thr torque output of 280Nm/1700-5200rpm. Depending on the variant, the VW Passat B7 comes equipped with either a 6-speed manual, 6-speed DSG, or even a 7-speed DSG transmission.

There are several safety features offered on the new Passat such as the new city emergency braking function, and the new driver fatigue system (similar to the driver monitor found in most luxury Toyota models such as the Lexus LS and Toyota Crown). These new safety features keep the new Passat B7 safe and secured for the driver.

My thoughts about the Passat:

In the eyes of an North American VW fan, he/she will expect no driver fatigue system, and no city emergency braking function because there will be no Passat B7 in the North American market, but instead it will be replaced by the New Midsize Sedan coming next year. The new Passat B7 is now on sale in most European markets and soon in other markets. If I hope that Volkswagen returns in the Philippines (come on PGA Cars, give us back Volkswagen, please!), maybe we could try the most safest eco car Volkswagen has to offer. Think of Volvo S60 meets Honda Accord Inspire...

Photo: Volkswagen AG