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Image credits: © Volkswagen.
MSRP: $28,300-29,690
Invoice: $26,435-27,730
2009 Volkswagen Passat news, pictures, and information
2009 PASSAT: VOLKSWAGEN'S TASTEFULLY STYLISH MIDSIZE SEDAN OR WAGON IS MORE ACCESSABLE THAN EVER
Those striving for a genuinely European-designed, engineered, tuned and built midsize family sedan or wagon need look no further than the 2009 Volkswagen Passat.Offering a finely honed balance of comfort, functionality, and Autobahn-honed vehicle dynamics, the Passat — now in its sixth generation — stands out from the evergrowing and crowded midsize car U.S. marketplace.
Inside and out, the sedan and wagon are recognized as being as sophisticated and highly crafted. For 2009, both the sedan and wagon are offered in one trim level — Komfort — and start at $28,300 and $29,690 respectively.
Highlights
• 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine
• Standard equipped ESP
• Brake dry
• IIHS Top Safety Pick
Both the sedan and wagon are exceedingly well equipped and offer a full serving of standard equipment. LED taillamps; chrome exterior accents; a power-glass sunroof; 17-inch alloy 'Monte Carlo' wheels; heated washer nozzles; and selection from palette of rich metallic paint exterior finishes are included in the base price. New color offerings on the sedan include White Gold and Island Gray.
The list of standard features and amenities continues on the inside and includes VTex leatherette seat surfaces; heated front seats; CLIMATIC® single zone climate control; multi-function trip computer; 12-way full power adjustable driver's seat and eight-way manually adjustable passenger seat; telescoping and height adjustable steering wheel with multi-function controls; and a premium eight-speaker AM/FM/Siruis® satellite radio (including three-month complimentary subscription service) with MP3-readable six-disc in-dash CD-changer and personal device (e.g., iPod) auxiliary outlet.
An all-new radio navigation system, RNS510, that features a 6.5' high-resolution touch screen display with an integrated 30 GB hard drive, Audio CD (WMA and MP3), video DVD playback when vehicle is in park, SD memory slot, and Media Device Interface for direct connection of USB flash drives and USB certified MP3 players is available as an option.
For cargo, the Passat sedan holds an impressive 14.2 cu. ft. in the trunk. The Passat wagon offers 35.8 cu. ft. in the rear cargo area. With the 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks lowered (standard on both models), the wagon's cargo area increases up to 61.82 cu. ft. For convenience, a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet is included in the cargo area (there are three APOs in all on both models). The wagon also features a standard power-operated tailgate hatch.
Engine and Transmission
Under the hood of both the Passat sedan and wagon is Volkswagen's sophisticated 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is both efficient and sporty. The standard powerplant uses a turbocharger and an intercooler for cool, higher-density intake air --high-end breathing is enhanced further by four valves per cylinder with variable valve
timing. An advanced direct-injection delivery system ensures optimum fuel consumption.
At 5100 rpm, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 200 horsepower. Torque peaks at 207 lbs.-ft. between 1800 and 5000 rpm. With a standard six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic® and a final drive ratio of 3.50, zero-to-60 miles per hour is achieved in a very respectable 7.4 seconds with an electronically governed top speed of 130-mph. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 29 miles per gallon on the highway and 19 mpg in city driving. With six-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission, drivers have two options for gear changes: automatic and driver-initiated using the gear selector.
Chassis and Suspension
An advanced version of Volkswagen's proven, front independent McPherson strut architecture combined with rear multi-link system provides great driving dynamics and produces a low tendency to allow body roll, resulting in stable and comfortable ride quality.
For added vehicle control, the Passat sedan and wagon come standard with an electro-mechanical (electrically assisted) power rack-and-pinion steering system with 16.4:1 steering ratio, and a four-wheel ABS anti-lock braking system with four-wheel disc brakes and Brake Assist. The ABS includes a brake-wiping feature that keeps the
discs — sized at 312-mm on the front, and 280-mm on the rear -- clean and dry. In addition to the anti-lock brakes, dynamic chassis controls on the 2009 Passat sedan and wagon include Anti-slip Regulation (ASR); Electronic Differential Lock (EDL); Engine Braking Assist (EBA); Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); and
Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP®). All are standard equipment on every Passat sedan and wagon.
Active and Passive Safety
Like all Volkswagens, the Passat sedan and wagon include the Prevent and Preserve Safety System, consisting of more than 45 standard safety features. As standard equipment, the Passat sedan and wagon include — but are not limited to -- six airbags (dual front; dual front side thorax; and side curtains); rear-impact optimized head restraints; front seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters for front and rear occupants; and three-point safety belts in all five seating positions (two front, three rear) with emergency locking retractors. Rear passenger side/thorax airbags are available as an option, as are rear outboard safety belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
The Passat and Passat Wagon, like all 2009 Volkswagens, come standard equipped with the Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP). This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that ESC results in 35 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes and 30 percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities in passenger cars. Volkswagen is one of the only original equipment manufacturers to provide an electronic stability control system on its entire product line as standard equipment — ahead of the NHTSA deadline requiring vehicles in the 2012 model year to include stability control systems. ESP compares the driver's intended course with the vehicle's actual direction; if ESP detects a discrepancy, ESP automatically brakes individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces engine power as needed in certain driving circumstances to help maintain directional control.
Warranty
The 2009 Passat sedan and wagon come with 24-hour Roadside Assistance for four years or 50,000 miles (whichever occurs first), plus new vehicle warranties including:
• Five-year/60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty.
• Three-year/36,000 mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty with wear and tear items and adjustments.
• 12-year unlimited distance Limited Warranty against corrosion perforation.
The Passat sedan and wagon, like all 2009 model year Volkswagens, are included in the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. Under this program all of the Passat sedan and wagon's scheduled maintenance, as described in the maintenance booklet, is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty—three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Since all current Volkswagens, including Passat sedans and wagons, use synthetic oil, combined with state-of-the-art German engineering, a 5,000 mile oil change no longer is necessary. This means that like all current Volkswagen owners, Passat sedan and wagon drivers can drive farther between oil changes.Source - Volkswagen
A favorite for consumers searching for a bit more luxury and style in their midsize family vehicle, the Volkswagen Passat fit in the gap between the normal boring family cars and the more expensive ‘out of reach' luxury brands. The Passat was featured spunky performance, competent handling, and amazing comfort, even on just the base model. The Passat was built by Volkswagen through six design generations since 1973, and fell between the Golf/Jetta and Phaeton in the current Volkswagen line-up. The Passet has been badged variously as Santana, Dasher, Quantum, Corsar, Magotan and Carat. The first generation Passat wasn't the most popular model, due its different design and unsure reliability. Volkswagen has extended its range more recently with the introduction of the Passat CC, a 4 door 'coupe' version of the Passat. The original Passat was developed directly from the Audi 80/Fox and the two shared a history until 2005.
Originally launched in 1973, the Passat M1 was featured in 2- and 4-door sedans along with similar looking three- and five- door variations. All four models shared a very modern fastback style design, all styled by the Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The original Passat was a fastback version of the mechanically identical Audi 80 sedan that had been introduced one year prior. The original Passat featured a MacPherson strut front suspension with a solid axle/coil spring setup at the back.
In 1974 a five-door station wagon/estate was introduced. The European version of the Passat came with 2 rectangular, 2 round 7', or 4 round 5.5' headlights. One of the most modern European family vehicles at the time, the Passat was originally intended as a replacement for the aging Volkswagen Type 3 and Type 4. For 1974 the Passat was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year. In 1975 the SOHC 1.5 was enlarged to 1.6 1 with power ratings unchanged and now slightly higher torque ratings.
The Passat was called the 'Dasher' in North America and was only sold with round DOT-spec lights. For and during the 1974 model year, the three and four-door hatchback station wagon model were introduced in North America. The only engine available was a carbureted 1.5 1 inline-four that developed 75 hp.
The entire Passat range received an update in the 1977 model year. These updates included an interior upgrade, revised styling that included repositioned indicators and either 4 round or 2 rectangular headlights. The Passat Diesel became available in July of 1978. The diesel was equipped with the VW Golf's 1.5 1 Diesel engine. In February of 1979 the Passat GLI with a fuel-injected variant of the 1.61 engine was introduced. This 1.5 1 diesel engine produced just 48 PS in the 2500 lb vehicle. The Diesel could achieve 0-100 km/h in just 19.4 seconds. In 1981 all gasoline engines were dropped for North America in preparation for the all new generation of the Passat.
The second-generation Passat, Mk2 was introduced in 1981 and continued until 1988. The platform was named B2 and was a bit longer than previous models and the styling, though updated, was still instantly recognized as a Passat. The rectangular headlights were the most notable difference from the previous generation. In North America the vehicle was dubbed the Quantum and was in introduced in 1982. At the same time it was sold as the Corsar in Mexico where it was sold from 1984 through 1988. In Brazil the car was dubbed the Santana. In South Africa the Passat sedan and estate were sold for local consumption until 1987.
In June of 1984 the Santana was introduced; the second generation Passat for Brazil. Launched in July of 1985, the Brazilian Santana was marketed in 4-door sedan, 2door sedan and station wagon. Both the Santana and Quantum were powered by a mixture of 1.8L Petrol and 1.8L Ethanol. In 1989 the engine range was increased with the additional capacity 2.0L Petrol or Ethanol variant. These models were called the Quantum 2000 and Santana 2000.
In 1986 the Passat range received a minor facelift. The sedan was now known as the Passat and it shared the same front end as the estate and hatchback. The US version received the European-style composite headlamps. The engine range was much more extensive and now included a 5-cylinder Audi 2.0 L petrol, 1.9 L system utilized in the Passat and sharing the same mechanics of the Audi 80 quattro and not the VW Golf syncro. The syncro was available in the U.S. market, but only with the 5 cylinder engine and only on the wagon.
Introduced in 1996, the Passat Mk5 was launched in Europe in 1996 and North America in 1998. This fifth generation shared a platform with the Audi A4 and it utilized the classic 'overhung' longitudinally mounted engine with front-wheel drive. This design was reminiscent of the first and second generation Passats, which had been based on the Audi 80. This all-new generation featured curvy lines, smooth underpinnings that gave the B5 Passat an incredibly low coefficient of drag, rated at 0.27, and heavily raked windscreens.
This model featured four-link front suspension that was designed to eliminate torque steering, and varying on trim levels it came with either a solid or independent rear suspensions. In 1997, four wheel drive was introduced as an option for the 1.8, 2.8 V6, 1.9TDI and 2.5 V6 TDI engines. From 2000 to 2004 the Passat sedan and wagon were Edmunds.com Editors Most Wanted award winners. In 2001 the Volkswagen Passat received a facelift that included a slight update in styling and mechanical alterations, commonly known as the B5.5. This model had new projector-optic headlights, tail lights, bumpers and chrome trim.
The following year a 4.0 L W8 engine that produced 202 kW and was placed in an upmarket version of the car that included standard all-wheel drive. Though the engine was dropped in 2004, this engine was intended to be a test bed for VW's new W engine technology, which would later make an appearance on the W12 in the Phaeton and A8, and the W16 in the Bugatti Veyron.
A very powerful 2.0 L turbocharged diesel TDI engine was introduced in 2004 that produced 136 PS. This variant was sold from 2004 through 2005 and a very rare engine that was barely found on the used market.
For 2006, the current-generation Passat was introduced. Before the 2008 model year, the Passat featured a different trim level structure and fewer standard features within each trim. Today, the current Passat is available in either wagon or sedan body styles. The lineup includes four trim levels, the Turbo, Komfort, Lux and VR6. The base Turbo model comes basically well equipped, while the Lux and Komfort models feature more luxury-oriented features. Powered by a 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, these three trim levels have power sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.
In March, 2005 the most current Passat was displayed at the Geneva Motor Show and was launched in Europe in the summer of 2005. The Volkswagen Passat Mk6 was built on the PQ46 platform and was based on the Golf Mk5. This model is occasionally dubbed the 'B6' Passat, despite its lack of commonality with the 'B6' Audi A4.
This newest generation followed much of the styling of the Volkswagen Phaeton luxury vehicle, and was a distinct departure from the styling of the B5.5 Passat. The design was somewhat controversial, but fortunately the sales were improved from the previous year model. 4motion was used on the four-wheel drive version, and the transverse-engine platform dictated a switch from the Torsen centre differential of the B5, to the Haldex Traction multi-plate clutch. The handling was also now closer to a front-wheel drive car with much better fuel economy and a much more roomy interior.
The 2.0 FSI was replaced with the new 1.8TSI Engine and 6speed automatic transmission in February of 2008. The 1.8T achieved 158 hp/118 kW, 180 ft/lb of torque and could reach 0-10 km/h in barely 8.6 seconds and had a top speed of 137 mph. For 2008 the Passat Estate won overall winner of Practical Caravans Towcar of the Year Awards 2008 for its plethora of towing features such as its Trailer Stability Program. Debuting at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit was the CC 'Comfort Coupe', a 4-door coupe version of the Passat.
The VR6 model featured a 280-hp V6 joined with the automatic, along with various luxurious features even more opulent than the Lux trim. The Passat VR6 also featured Volkswagen's all-wheel-drive system, 4Motion as an optional feature.Jessica Donaldson
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Originally launched in 1973, the Passat M1 was featured in 2- and 4-door sedans along with similar looking three- and five- door variations. All four models shared a very modern fastback style design, all styled by the Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The original Passat was a fastback version of the mechanically identical Audi 80 sedan that had been introduced one year prior. The original Passat featured a MacPherson strut front suspension with a solid axle/coil spring setup at the back.
In 1974 a five-door station wagon/estate was introduced. The European version of the Passat came with 2 rectangular, 2 round 7', or 4 round 5.5' headlights. One of the most modern European family vehicles at the time, the Passat was originally intended as a replacement for the aging Volkswagen Type 3 and Type 4. For 1974 the Passat was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year. In 1975 the SOHC 1.5 was enlarged to 1.6 1 with power ratings unchanged and now slightly higher torque ratings.
The Passat was called the 'Dasher' in North America and was only sold with round DOT-spec lights. For and during the 1974 model year, the three and four-door hatchback station wagon model were introduced in North America. The only engine available was a carbureted 1.5 1 inline-four that developed 75 hp.
The entire Passat range received an update in the 1977 model year. These updates included an interior upgrade, revised styling that included repositioned indicators and either 4 round or 2 rectangular headlights. The Passat Diesel became available in July of 1978. The diesel was equipped with the VW Golf's 1.5 1 Diesel engine. In February of 1979 the Passat GLI with a fuel-injected variant of the 1.61 engine was introduced. This 1.5 1 diesel engine produced just 48 PS in the 2500 lb vehicle. The Diesel could achieve 0-100 km/h in just 19.4 seconds. In 1981 all gasoline engines were dropped for North America in preparation for the all new generation of the Passat.
The second-generation Passat, Mk2 was introduced in 1981 and continued until 1988. The platform was named B2 and was a bit longer than previous models and the styling, though updated, was still instantly recognized as a Passat. The rectangular headlights were the most notable difference from the previous generation. In North America the vehicle was dubbed the Quantum and was in introduced in 1982. At the same time it was sold as the Corsar in Mexico where it was sold from 1984 through 1988. In Brazil the car was dubbed the Santana. In South Africa the Passat sedan and estate were sold for local consumption until 1987.
In June of 1984 the Santana was introduced; the second generation Passat for Brazil. Launched in July of 1985, the Brazilian Santana was marketed in 4-door sedan, 2door sedan and station wagon. Both the Santana and Quantum were powered by a mixture of 1.8L Petrol and 1.8L Ethanol. In 1989 the engine range was increased with the additional capacity 2.0L Petrol or Ethanol variant. These models were called the Quantum 2000 and Santana 2000.
In 1986 the Passat range received a minor facelift. The sedan was now known as the Passat and it shared the same front end as the estate and hatchback. The US version received the European-style composite headlamps. The engine range was much more extensive and now included a 5-cylinder Audi 2.0 L petrol, 1.9 L system utilized in the Passat and sharing the same mechanics of the Audi 80 quattro and not the VW Golf syncro. The syncro was available in the U.S. market, but only with the 5 cylinder engine and only on the wagon.
Introduced in 1996, the Passat Mk5 was launched in Europe in 1996 and North America in 1998. This fifth generation shared a platform with the Audi A4 and it utilized the classic 'overhung' longitudinally mounted engine with front-wheel drive. This design was reminiscent of the first and second generation Passats, which had been based on the Audi 80. This all-new generation featured curvy lines, smooth underpinnings that gave the B5 Passat an incredibly low coefficient of drag, rated at 0.27, and heavily raked windscreens.
This model featured four-link front suspension that was designed to eliminate torque steering, and varying on trim levels it came with either a solid or independent rear suspensions. In 1997, four wheel drive was introduced as an option for the 1.8, 2.8 V6, 1.9TDI and 2.5 V6 TDI engines. From 2000 to 2004 the Passat sedan and wagon were Edmunds.com Editors Most Wanted award winners. In 2001 the Volkswagen Passat received a facelift that included a slight update in styling and mechanical alterations, commonly known as the B5.5. This model had new projector-optic headlights, tail lights, bumpers and chrome trim.
The following year a 4.0 L W8 engine that produced 202 kW and was placed in an upmarket version of the car that included standard all-wheel drive. Though the engine was dropped in 2004, this engine was intended to be a test bed for VW's new W engine technology, which would later make an appearance on the W12 in the Phaeton and A8, and the W16 in the Bugatti Veyron.
A very powerful 2.0 L turbocharged diesel TDI engine was introduced in 2004 that produced 136 PS. This variant was sold from 2004 through 2005 and a very rare engine that was barely found on the used market.
For 2006, the current-generation Passat was introduced. Before the 2008 model year, the Passat featured a different trim level structure and fewer standard features within each trim. Today, the current Passat is available in either wagon or sedan body styles. The lineup includes four trim levels, the Turbo, Komfort, Lux and VR6. The base Turbo model comes basically well equipped, while the Lux and Komfort models feature more luxury-oriented features. Powered by a 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, these three trim levels have power sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.
In March, 2005 the most current Passat was displayed at the Geneva Motor Show and was launched in Europe in the summer of 2005. The Volkswagen Passat Mk6 was built on the PQ46 platform and was based on the Golf Mk5. This model is occasionally dubbed the 'B6' Passat, despite its lack of commonality with the 'B6' Audi A4.
This newest generation followed much of the styling of the Volkswagen Phaeton luxury vehicle, and was a distinct departure from the styling of the B5.5 Passat. The design was somewhat controversial, but fortunately the sales were improved from the previous year model. 4motion was used on the four-wheel drive version, and the transverse-engine platform dictated a switch from the Torsen centre differential of the B5, to the Haldex Traction multi-plate clutch. The handling was also now closer to a front-wheel drive car with much better fuel economy and a much more roomy interior.
The 2.0 FSI was replaced with the new 1.8TSI Engine and 6speed automatic transmission in February of 2008. The 1.8T achieved 158 hp/118 kW, 180 ft/lb of torque and could reach 0-10 km/h in barely 8.6 seconds and had a top speed of 137 mph. For 2008 the Passat Estate won overall winner of Practical Caravans Towcar of the Year Awards 2008 for its plethora of towing features such as its Trailer Stability Program. Debuting at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit was the CC 'Comfort Coupe', a 4-door coupe version of the Passat.
The VR6 model featured a 280-hp V6 joined with the automatic, along with various luxurious features even more opulent than the Lux trim. The Passat VR6 also featured Volkswagen's all-wheel-drive system, 4Motion as an optional feature.Jessica Donaldson
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Automobile information, history, and specifications from concept to production. | © 1998-2009 Conceptcarz.com
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