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Passat B4 (1993–1997)

Passat B4 (1993–1997)
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Hello, “Happy Face”

Factory code: 3A (B4) Saloon/ 3A (B4) Estate

The Passat B3 no longer really fits into the Volkswagen model range: it is the only model without a radiator grille – and so the new Group Executive Board gives the green light for further development. The designers set to work and give the Passat a new face: it gets a classic radiator grille, slightly raised at the top, which quickly earns it the nickname “Happy Face”. The rear is also redesigned: the larger taillights and the missing black plastic trim between them are striking features. The distinctive side creases are replaced by a subtle light edge.

The body is redesigned to improve torsional rigidity and impact safety at the sides and front. New crash tests with only 50 percent overlap of the collision partners require newly calculated body structures. The build quality is improved, and soft-touch surfaces give the car a pleasant feel. The safety equipment is given a high level of passive safety that is still unusual in this class: airbags for the driver and front passenger, seat belt tensioners, and ABS are now standard.

Like its predecessor, the VW Passat B4 is available as a saloon and estate (Variant).

The following petrol engines are available at the start of production: 1.8 litre (55 kW/75 PS and 66 kW/90 PS), 2.0 litre (85 kW/115 PS), 2.0 litre 16V (110 kW/150 PS). Those who prefer a diesel engine can order the 1.9 TD (55 kW/75 PS).

The equipment lines remain CL, GL, and GT. These are again complemented by numerous special models: "Biker", "Coach", "Exclusiv", "Court", "Pacific", and "Classic Line".

Passat B4 profile

Vehicle data

Passat B4 (1993–1997)

Engine versions

Passat B4 (1993–1997)

Passat B4 variants & highlights

Passat B4 model update

1993

Economical diesel

At the end of its first year of production, the Passat B4 is equipped with the most important engine in the entire range, the incomparably economical 1.9 TDI with 90 PS, distributor pump, and impressive torque (202 Nm at 1900 rpm), which was also used in the Golf III.

1994

New engines and equipment

The engine range is expanded again in the 1994 model year. New additions include the 2.0-litre eight-valve engine with 115 PS (available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive) and, as the top-of-the-range engine, the 2.9-litre VR6 with 184 PS – available only in the Variant and in conjunction with the syncro all-wheel drive system. The already attractive model becomes even more appealing with the addition of exclusive equipment. The engine power is reduced by six PS for use in the syncro in order to adapt the torque curve to adverse conditions.

1996

High-torque TDI

At the beginning of spring, the 1.9-litre TDI is also available with an even more powerful 110 PS. Supported by a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, it impresses with its torque of 235 Newton metres.

1996

Sea breeze

In the summer of this year, the special "Pacific" series accompanies the end of saloon production.

1997

The B4 makes way

In April, the time has come – the successor to the VW Passat B4, the VW Passat Variant B5, is allowed onto the roads. A total of 690,000 Passat B4s are produced, 60 percent of which are Variants.

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Passat B4 (1993–1997)
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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.