Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen Passat/Dasher/Quantum/Santana /Corsar
Manufacturer:	Volkswagen
Production:	1973–present
Predecessors:	411/412, K70
B1 - Mark 1 Passat/Dasher



Production:	1973–1977 1977–1981 (facelifted)
Related:	Audi 80/Fox
Class:	FF compact car
Body Styles:	3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 5-door wagon
Engines:	1.3 L I4 1.5 L I4 1.6 L I4 1.5 L I4 Diesel
B2 - Mark 2 Passat/Quantum/Santana/Corsar



Production:	1981–1985 1985–1988 (facelifted)
Related:	Ford Versailles/Royale/Galaxy
Class:	FF compact car
Body Styles:	3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door wagon
Engines:	1.3 L I4 1.5 L I4 1.6 L I4 2.0 L I4 1.5 L I4 Diesel 1.8 L I4 Diesel
B3 - Mark 3

Production:	1988–1993
Class:	FF midsize car
Body Styles:	4-door sedan 5-door estate
Engines:	2.0 L I4 2.8 L VR6
B4 - Mark 4


Production:	1993–1997
Class:	FF midsize car
Body Styles:	4-door sedan 5-door estate
Engines:	1.8 L I4 2.8 L VR6 1.9 L I4 TDI
B5 - Mark 5 (Phase I and II)


Production:	1997–2000 2000–2005 (facelifted)
Class:	FF midsize car
Body Styles:	4-door sedan 5-door estate
Related:	Audi A4
Engines:	1.8 L I4 2.0 L I4 2.3 L I4 2.8 L V6 4.0 L W8
B6

Production:	2005–present
Class:	FF midsize car
Body Styles:	4-door sedan 5-door estate
Related:	Volkswagen Golf Volkswagen Jetta
Engines:	2.0 L I4 3.6 L VR6

The Volkswagen Passat is a midsized car built by Volkswagen AG, produced in various forms since 1973. It falls between the Volkswagen Golf/Jetta and Phaeton in the current VW production line-up, and is currently produced in VW's plant in Emden, Germany. Although normally known as the Passat in European markets, it has been badged as a variety of other names including Dasher, Santana and Quantum, particularly in markets such as North America.

The Passat has always been one of Volkswagen's most important models, falling in the middle of the sedan/saloon market segment. It was critical to Volkswagen on its introduction in 1973—sales of the Beetle were declining, and larger air-cooled rear-engined models like the 411 and 412 were failing to take hold in the market. Following the Volkswagen Group's acquisition of Audi in 1964, VW was able to use newly gained engineering expertise to develop a modern front wheel drive car with a water-cooled engine, and thus the Passat and Golf (introduced in 1976) were the first of a new generation of Volkwagens. Indeed the first Passat was very heavily based on the Audi 80/Fox, enabling it to compete more squarely with its European rivals than its old-fashioned rear-engined predecessors. As of 2005, the Passat is one of VW's best-selling and most-profitable models in nearly every market.

Mark 1 (1973–1981) - B1 platform

The original VW Passat was launched in 1973 (as a 1974 model) as a large three- and five-door fastback (and later a five-door station wagon). It was effectively a re-badged version of the Audi 80 (Fox) sedan which had been introduced a year earlier. A sedan version of this version of the Passat was not produced, so that the Audi and Volkswagen models had distinct body styles, but visually there was little else to differentiate the Passat (styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro) and Fox apart from different front grilles. The European version was available with either hexagonal or double round headlights depending on specification.

In North America, the car was called the Dasher, and was only available with round DOT-spec lights. The three-door hatchback model was launched in North America in 1975.

It was one of the most modern European family cars, and was intended as a replacement for the ageing 411/412, and NSU-based K70 and a contemporary rival for the Ford Taunus (Cortina) and Opel Ascona (Vauxhall Cavalier). The Passat was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year for 1974. The platform was named B1.

The Passat used the 4 cylinder OHC 1.3 L, 1.5 L, and 1.6 L petrol engines, also used in the Audi 80—longitudinally mounted with front wheel drive, in Audi tradition, with either a 3-speed automatic or 4-speed manual transmission. It had a MacPherson strut front suspension with a solid axle/coil spring setup in back.

The SOHC 1.5 produced 75 hp (55 kW) and was enlarged to 1.6 L for 1975. The larger engine included tighter emissions controls, so power output dropped to 70 hp (52 kW). Bosch fuel injection on the 1.6 was introduced in 1976 and brought power up to 78 hp (57 kW).

The whole range received a facelift in 1977 (launched 1978 in North America), featuring an interior upgrade and subtly revised styling including repositioned indicators and quad (round) headlights on all models. This generation was sold in Brazil well into the 1980s and extensively exported to Iraq, where many are still on the road. It was also assembled in Nigeria.

1979 saw the introduction of the Golf/Rabbit's 1.5 L Diesel engine, which produced just 48 hp (35 kW) in the 1130 kg (2500 lb) car. 0–60 time for the Diesel was 19.4 seconds, 6.2 seconds slower than the gasoline (petrol) engine. Still, all gasoline engines were dropped for North America in 1981 in preparation for the next generation car the next year.

Mark 2 (1981–1988) - B2 platform

The second generation VW Passat, an all-new car, was launched in 1981 for the 1982 model year. The platform, named B2, was slightly longer and the car's updated styling was instantly recognisable as Passat, with the most obvious difference being the rectangular headlights. The car was known as the Quantum in North America , where it was introduced in 1982 and Corsar in Mexico where it was sold between 1985 and 1988.

As well as the Passat hatchback and estate there was also a sedan, which until the beginning of 1985 was sold as the Volkswagen Santana in Europe.

The range received a minor facelift in 1985, with the sedan, now known as the Passat, sharing the same front end as the hatchback and estate. The Passat sedan and estate were produced in South Africa until 1987.

The range of engines (still all inline 4 units) was more extensive than that of the first generation Passat, and included a 2.0 petrol and a 1.8 diesel as well as all the engines previously available in the B1 model.

The Passat also built in Brazil as the Santana sedan and Quantum station wagon. Under the terms of a joint venture with Ford called Autolatina, the car was also sold as the Ford Versailles in Brazil and as the Ford Galaxy in Argentina. This range included a unique station wagon version called the Ford Royale, which unlike the VW version, had only three doors. Although such models were relatively popular in Brazil, and had been sold by Ford before, it was also alleged that Volkswagen did not want the Royale to be available as a five-door model, as this would have posed a competitive threat.

This second-generation sedan is still built in China at Volkswagen's Shanghai factory, with a major facelift, as the Volkswagen Santana 2000.

Mark 3 (1988–1993) - B3 platform

The third-generation Passat (introduced 1988 in Europe, 1990 in North America) was a completely new car. Its curvy looks were a world away from the boxy appearance of its predecessor and owed much to the 'Jelly Mould' style pioneered by Ford with the Sierra. The lack of a grille made the car's front end styling reminiscent of older, rear engined Volkswagens such as the 411.

It was the only Passat to be built on an independently designed platform, rather than sharing one with an Audi saloon. Instead the car, although designated B3 in VW's platform nomenclature, was largely on the A Platform as used for the smaller Golf model. Only sedan and station wagon versions were available, without the fastback option of previous models. It was marketed under the Passat name in all markets, including North America.

The fuel injected engines were all new and gave better performance and refinement than the carburettor units previously used. They were mounted transversely, and the floorpan was engineered to accept VW's "Syncro" four-wheel drive system. Volkswagen's new 2.8 V6 VR6 engine (also used in the Golf and Corrado) was also made available in 1991, giving the top-of-the-range Passat a top speed of 224 km/h (139 mph).

Mark 4 (1993–1996) - B4 platform

The Mark 4 Passat was actually a facelifted Mark 3, but Volkswagen renamed the platform B4. This version was available from 1995 to 1997 in North America. The car was mechanically nearly identical to the Mark 3, with some new body panels, the most obvious exterior change being the re-introduction of a grille to match the style of other contemporary Volkswagen models such as the Polo. The interior design was also updated and improved safety equipment including dual front airbags were added.

The car was available with a TDI diesel engine, an inline 4 cylinder 1.9 L turbo diesel, generating 210 N·m (155 ft·lbf) of torque at 1900 rpm, 90 hp (66 kW) at 3750 rpm. VW introduced the TDI engine to the North American market in the 1996 B4 Passat, with a U.S. EPA fuel efficiency rating for the sedan of 45 mpg highway (5.2 L/100 km). Combined with a 70 liter (18.5 U.S. gallon) fuel tank, it had a 800+ mile (1300+ km) range on a single tank of fuel, nearly unheard of in the North American market. The TDI version is in high demand today and commands a high resale price, partially because the TDI option was withdrawn from the U.S. market in the 1998 B5 model since it was considered underpowered.

Mark 5 (1996–2000) - B5 platform

The fifth-generation Passat (B5 platform) was launched in 1996 in Europe and 1998 in North America, and was an entirely new car. It was significant in that it returned to Audi underpinnings, again using the classic "overhung" longitudinally mounted engine with front wheel drive. This was the first step of VW moving its products upmarket, with SEAT and Skoda taking over as the "budget" brands, and the Passat being placed in between old rivals such as the Ford Mondeo and Opel Vectra, and more upmarket cars such as the BMW 3-series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. In fact it undoubtedly took some sales from its sister car, the supposedly more upmarket Audi A4. The £16,000 starting price in the UK put it £1,000 above the equivalent Ford Mondeo, but the price difference showed when it came to luxury and upmarket feel. The most notable thing about the Passat was its good handling, which was as good as anything produced by Mercedes-Benz or BMW. The interior was also luxurious and well equipped, with a long equipment list which included electric windows, air-conditioning, CD player, electric mirrors, electric sunroof and leather upholstery.

The car featured sophisticated 4-link front suspension, designed to eliminate torque steering. All wheel drive was later introduced as an option, using an expensive Torsen center differential which helps avoid loss of traction by using a 50:50 power distribution under normal conditions, and gave excellent superior handling on slick surfaces. The B5 Passat shared its platform with the Audi A4. Power came from entirely new 1.8, 2.0, 2.3 and 2.8 petrol engines, including a 1.8 L turbocharged 4-cylinder, or 2.8 L V6. The 1.8 L engine in the Passat and Audi A4 has a lower oil capacity than transverse applications of the same engine, and suffers from oil sludge problems as a result. Two transmission options were available: a 5-speed manual transmission and a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Mark 5 Phase II (2000–2005) - B5 platform

In mid-2000, the Passat received a facelift, involving a minor tweaking of the styling and some mechanical alteration, and the platform continued to be known as B5. Although some of the body panels remained unchanged, new projector-optic headlights and bumpers gave the car a fresher look. The Passat was still very much the comfortable, well-built and luxurious large saloon and estate which had been launched four years earlier. Traditional Volkswagen trademarks of build quality and reliability continued to boost the Passat's reputation.

The naturally aspirated 1.8 petrol engine was dropped, a 4.0 L W8 engine producing 280 hp (202 kW) was introduced in 2001 in an upmarket version of the car that included all wheel drive standard, but this was a slow seller and the engine was retired in 2004. In 2004, a 2.0 L turbocharged diesel TDI engine producing 134hp was added (making the Passat the only midsized diesel powered car sold in the US).

A long-wheelbase version was offered in China, and this lengthened platform went on to underpin the Skoda Superb in Western markets.

Mark 6 (2005—) - B6 platform

The latest Passat, an all new car, was first displayed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2005 and launched in Europe in the summer of 2005. The new B6 Passat features a return to the transversely mounted engine and no longer shares its platform with the Audi A4, since its underpinnings (the B6 platform) are now based upon the Mk5 Golf.

On the four wheel drive version, the expensive Torsen center differential of the B5 is lost, being replaced with the less expensive Haldex multi-plate clutch. This will cause the car to handle more like a front wheel drive car, with understeer and better fuel economy. Unlike the Torsen, the Haldex can only respond after slippage has occurred. It does this with a jolt which may cause the remaining wheels with traction to lose their grip. The Haldex can direct power more unequally than the Torsen, which is limited to 66:34 or 34:66 in the B5 Passat. This may help with extraction from deep sand, although the Passat is far from being an off-road vehicle.

Fuel stratified injection is used in nearly every petrol version of the Passat, ranging from 1.6 to 3.2 L, but the multivalve 2.0 L TDI is the most sought out version in Europe. In the US market, it features a 200 hp (147 kW) 2.0 L turbocharged I4 as the base engine, or a 280 hp (206 kW) 3.6 L VR6 engine as the upgrade and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

Also new to this platform is the fact that the GL, GLS, and GLX trim levels are now substituted by the more simpler way of classifying by the engine (2.0T, 3.6L, TDI, etc.).

Technical specifications

2001 Passat GLS V6 sedan (North America)

Engine Type: 2.8 L, 6-cylinder, 30-valve, 90° V
Power (SAE): 190 hp (142 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 206 lbf·ft (280 N·m) @ 3200 rpm
Redline: 6500 rpm
Bore & Stroke: 3.25 by 3.40 in (82.5 by 86.4 mm)
Displacement: 169.1 in³ (2771 cm³)
Compression ratio: 10.6:1
Arrangement: Front mounted, longitudinal
Cylinder Block: Cast iron
Crank Shaft: Forged steel, four main bearings
Cylinder head: Aluminum alloy, cross flow
Valve Train: Double overhead camshaft with variable intake valve timing, spur belt driven, 5 valves per cylinder, maintenance-free hydraulic lifters
Cooling System: Water cooled, water pump, cross flow radiator, thermostatically controlled electric radiator fan
Lubrication: Rotary gear pump, oil cooler
Fuel/Air Supply: Sequential multi-point fuel injection (Motronic ME7), variable intake manifold geometry
Emissions: OBD II, LEV, two 3-way precatalytic converters and two main catalytic converters with four oxygen sensors (upstream and downstream)
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Transmission Ratios:
- 1st 3.50:1
- 2nd 1.94:1
- 3rd 1.30:1
- 4th 0.94:1
- 5th 0.79:1
- Reverse 3.44:1
- Final Drive 3.70:1
Front suspension: Four link suspension, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer bar
Rear suspension: Independent torsion beam axle with trailing arms, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer bar
Steering type: Rack and pinion, power assisted
Steering Wheel turns: 2.80 lock-to-lock
Turning Circle: 37.4 ft (11.4 m) curb-to-curb
Steering ratio: 14.3 : 1
Wheels: 7J x 15 in (381 mm) cast aluminum "Adelaide"
Original Tires: Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus P195/65R15 H-rated
Braking System: Power assisted, dual circuit
Front Discs: Ventilated, 282.5 by 25 mm (11.1 by 1 in)
Rear Discs: Solid, 245 by 10 mm (9.6 by 0.4 in)
Parking Brake: Rear, mechanical
Anti-lock braking system: Bosch 5.3, all four wheels
Wheelbase: 106.4 in (2703 mm)
Track, front: 59.0 in (1499 mm)
Track, rear: 59.1 in (1501 mm)
Length: 184.1 in (4676 mm)
Width: 68,5 in (1740 mm)
Height: 57.6 in (1463 mm)
Ground Clearance: 4.3 in (109 mm)
Curb Weight: 3151 lb (1432 kg)
Payload: 1005 lb (457 kg)

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