Not one of the seven generations of the Volkswagen Passat has grown to my heart in any way. I saw the Passat as a well-made mid-range sedan or station wagon , but it never made it onto my list of cars of at least this class that I would like to own. However, since the publication of the first photos of the eighth edition of the German bestseller, I have been thinking that this could be the model that will capture my heart.
My first impressions of Paris somehow confirmed my impressions from the photographs. If you want an emotionally charged sedan that expresses the expressive self of your personality, look elsewhere. However, if you want a serious model with some design ideas, you've come to the right place. The design is simply hard to surprise within the car company, yet the front part, inspired by the Golf Sportsvan , will not offend, on the contrary, it may even pleasantly surprise someone. However, since the Passat is no sports car (yet), I would avoid the R-Line package . Of course, this is just my opinion, but the distinctively shaped bumpers and door sill extensions do not quite suit the car. On the contrary, moderate elegance in the form of a darker body color and beige interior is much closer to me.
Perhaps the quality cannot surprise within the more expensive models of the Volkswagen concern . Wherever you reach, the German car manufacturer has installed very pleasant to the touch softened plastics , which also do not creak and fit well. A minor criticism goes to the vents, which, in addition to being divided by the analog clock, stretch across the entire width of the dashboard. It doesn't look very tasteful and I could definitely forgive myself for it. Likewise, the piano lacquer around the multimedia systems, which although looks luxurious, but fingerprints were immediately visible on it. On the contrary, the MIB multimedia system itself works quickly and communicates in the Czech language as well. Volkswagen is definitely to be commended for that! If you don't choose a digital instrument panel, you can also look forward to large and easily readable alarm clocks that "enthrone" in front of a steering wheel that fits well in your hand with an ideally thick ring. The only drawback for a passionate driver can be the central panel, which slightly interferes with the right leg.
The Passat also scores points in the back, where it is not only easy to get in, but there is also a lot of space. The Superb probably lacks some of those centimeters, but even then there is a royal amount of knee room. The space for the head is sufficient, but if it wasn't, just reach for a more practical station wagon variant . It also has a much more usable trunk than the sedan, but it is not one of the midgets either. The basic volume of 586 liters is one thing, but good accessibility and regular shape is another, and I would not be afraid to say even more important thing. The Variant with a maximum volume of 1780 liters can then be turned into a small mover.
I have to admit that I like the Passat of the eighth generation . Although I still have a couple of big favorites in the middle class, the new edition of the German standout got under my skin deeper than its predecessors. The new model can be ordered now – the sedan starts at 638,900 crowns , the station wagon is 25-27,000 crowns more expensive.
Note: The author is not a photographer, so please excuse the possible reduced quality of the images
