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Passat B1 (1973–1980)

Passat B1 (1973–1980)
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May we introduce you to the Passat?

Factory code: Type 32 (B1) estate saloon / Type 33 (B1) estate

May 1973 marks a second historic turning point for Volkswagen: following the VW K 70, which was also water-cooled and front-wheel drive, the company now unveils a major in-house development, the new Passat. Due to the ongoing crisis within the group at the time, production costs are kept low by adopting the platform and body of the Audi 80 (designed by Hartmut Warkuß), which was launched a year earlier. Giorgetto Giugiaro skilfully revises the Audi design, creating a hatchback and giving the VW Passat I a distinctive look. The new rear end also shows a certain resemblance to the VW Type 3 1600 TL, which the Passat is intended to replace.

The longitudinally mounted engines are taken from the group's modular system. Initially, the Passat saloon with its hatchback is only available with a conventional boot lid and has a kerb weight of just 880 to 920 kilograms.

The VW Passat is launched in two displacement and three PS classes (each with toothed belt drive): The entry-level model is the 1.3-litre with 40 kW (55 PS), followed by two 1.5-litre engines with 55 kW (75 PS) and the TS with 63 kW (85 PS) and distinctive twin headlights. The less powerful engines are available in basic and L trim levels.

The Passat is the first Volkswagen to be given a completely unique name. Appropriate for such a debut, as Volkswagen press officer Horst Backsmann describes the new model name in 1973: "The Passat is the friendliest of all winds. It blows from continent to continent. Consistency is its virtue. The word comes from the Italian 'passata', meaning crossing. The trade winds form a connecting belt around the earth (...) No doubt about it, it's a good name, not just plucked out of thin air."

Passat B1 profile

Vehicle data

Passat B1 (1973–1980)

Engine versions

Passat B1 (1973–1980)

Passat B1 variants & highlights

Passat B1 model update

1974

Introduction of the Variant

The Passat Variant follows in January, a completely independent further development from Volkswagen. The estate, built exclusively with four doors, offers 1,500 litres of load volume. The engines are the same as those in the saloon.

1975

New options

An optional boot lid extending to the roof is now available at extra cost. This is combined with a folding rear seat. The chrome bumpers are fitted with plastic corners on the sides. The 1.5-litre engine is replaced by a 1.6-litre version.

1977

Extensive redesign

In August of this year, the Passat undergoes a striking redesign. The bumpers are plastic-coated and raised at the sides, the front headlights are reshaped, and the indicators are moved from the impact-prone bumpers to the corners of the body. The redesigned rear of the saloon features a new tailgate with a lower loading height. The rear lights are smaller and have a new design. The Variant gets the new front and bumpers. With this comprehensive facelift, the Passat remains in production for all subsequent model years.

1978

New engines

An important decision for frequent drivers and economy-conscious buyers: from July, the Passat is also available with a diesel engine, a naturally aspirated diesel with 50 PS and extremely low fuel consumption. In addition, the 1.3-litre engine is replaced by a version with the same power output but a crossflow cylinder head (the openings for gas exchange are arranged opposite each other to boost performance) and a slightly smaller displacement.

1979

Passat GLI

Shortly before the end of production, there is another variant for automotive connoisseurs: the Passat GLI with the 1.6-litre injection engine from the Golf GTI. The lightweight vehicle offers outstanding performance. Alloy wheels and a rear spoiler are the distinguishing features.

1980

Different tastes

Production of the first-generation VW Passat comes to an end in autumn 1980. A total of two million units are sold. The distribution of buyers across the different models is interesting: half opt for the saloon with the small boot lid, while a quarter each choose the Variant and the saloon with the large lid.

Passat B1 advertisements

Passat B1 (1973–1980)
Passat B1 (1973–1980)
Passat B1 (1973–1980)
Passat B1 (1973–1980)
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The specified fuel consumption and emission data does not refer to a single vehicle and is not part of the offer but is only intended for comparison between different types of vehicles. Additional equipment and accessories (additional components, tyre formats, etc.) can alter relevant vehicle parameters such as weight, rolling resistance and aerodynamics, affecting the vehicle's fuel consumption, power consumption, CO₂ emissions and driving performance values in addition to weather and traffic conditions and individual driving behavior.

Further information on official fuel consumption data and official specific CO₂ emissions for new passenger cars can be found in the "Guide to fuel economy, CO₂ emissions and power consumption for new passenger car models", which is available free of charge from all sales dealerships and from DAT Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH, Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, D-73760 Ostfildern, Germany and at www.dat.de/co2.