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Passat
Passat
Volkswagen launched the first Passat in July 1973. The modern fastback sedan with front-wheel drive and a water-cooled in-line engine installed at the front in a transverse configuration was a sensation. Until then, with the exception of the K70, the history of Volkswagen had been dominated by air-cooled flat-fours installed at the rear. The first Passat was a weight-optimized car with two or four doors and space for five people. From January 1974, the new Passat Estate was available for heavy-duty transport tasks. In the first full sales year (1974), 133,000 customers already opted for a Passat. The first million units were sold by December 1976. Currently, this best-selling model is in its eighth generation. Together with all the derivatives, more than 26 million Passat have been sold to date.
Press releases
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Let the sunshine in! The panoramic sunroof is a re-interpretation of the legendary folding soft top
The days are growing shorter, the leaves are changing colour, and fall is making its appearance. Despite the season, a lot of Volkswagens are still bright as in summer. There is a tradition here. Ever since the company's early years, intelligent roof systems have been capturing the light of the sun even in wintertime. As early as in 1950, Volkswagen began to offer the Beetle with a folding sunroof. In the mid-1990s, this roof concept was refined in the Lupo and Polo with electrically actuated versions. Today, transparent panoramic sunroofs are experiencing a boom. They are available for all Volkswagen models – from the small up! and new Polo to the large Touareg and new Arteon. -
To the Point: New Polo, Golf and Passat BlueMotion: Volkswagen radically reduces fuel costs
"BlueMotion" is the best known German automotive environmental label. It debuted in 2006 with the first generation of the Polo BlueMotion, and its combined fuel con sumption figure of just 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres was the best in the world for a five-seat car. At the same time, this Polo represented the beginning of a product offensive being conducted today under the "BlueMotion-Technologies" umbrella brand, which is as unique as it is successful. Volkswagen is now presenting the three key high-volume models in its range as newly designed BlueMotion versions: the Polo, Golf and Passat. All three Volkswagens are equipped with an exceedingly innovative high-tech package, yet they are affordable for all car drivers. This package includes new common rail TDI engines, recovery of braking energy by regenerative braking, a Stop-Start system and refined aerodynamic components. -
4MOTION in the Passat
4MOTION, the four-wheel drive system from Volkswagen, offers enhanced active safety and driving pleasure. From 2006 the new Passat is available in three different engine versions with the latest 4MOTION system. -
The Passat
In March 2005, the new Passat saloon was introduced into the first European markets. Generation One of this bestseller made its first appearance in 1973. It is a fact that within the past three decades this Volkswagen has become the very image of automotive progress, representing what "Made in Germany" means. This image is characterized by vehicle size, drive technologies, safety features such as airbags, ABS and ESP in addition to quality details including galvanized bodies. The Passat is now more than just a middle-class saloon. It has matured into a car with a character, into a perfect companion through more than three decades. The rational qualities of the product line have been consistently perfected in the new Passat. At the same time, however, the development team has breathed new passion and pulsating liveliness into this Passat through an uncompromising combination of shape, functionality, design and ergonomics.
Photo albums
Passat Generations 1 - 7
Passat BlueMotion Archive