Autozeitung info:
The VW Passat Variant will roll off the assembly line in Bratislava, Slovakia from 2023 – together with the upcoming Skoda Superb. The front end is adorned with a striking LED light band. The increased wheelbase creates space.
Wolfsburg is working hard on the VW Passat Variant (2023). The mid-size station wagon of the B9 generation uses the modular transverse matrix (MQB), grows slightly in size and often relies on hybrid drives. In contrast to the GTE, the sedan is omitted without replacement.
The VW Passat Variant (2023) is possibly the last model generation to be equipped with classic combustion engines. Why VW is still sticking to the classic Passat is due to its special position within the middle class: almost three quarters of all Passats sold in this country are company cars. What counts for professionals is the total costs they incur when using the vehicle. The sales department speaks of the so-called "total cost of ownership". And that's where the station wagon, which is currently available from a price of 32,775 euros (as of February 2022), performs well, especially as a clean turbo diesel. High residual values, low consumption, quick refueling at the pump without having to stop at charging stations and good long-distance comfort speak for themselves. The ninth generation (B9) is to be presented at the end of 2023 and delivered from spring 2024 - exclusively as a VW Passat Variant (2023). The sedan, which is not very popular in this country, was discontinued in May 2021. The Passat specially designed for North America is also being phased out without a successor. The US plant in Chattanooga needs space for the new ID.4 and the five-meter SUV Atlas.
FROM 2023, THE VW PASSAT VARIANT (B9) WILL MAINTAIN HYBRID DRIVES
The next VW Passat Variant (2023) shows more face: The front of the B9 looks more dominant than the current model generation introduced in 2014. Larger openings, targeted chrome accents and a redesigned rear end with a wide LED light bar stand out. The clear-glass rear lights each house three rectangular LED elements. Further down in the bumper, a chrome bar accentuates the desired width of the rear end. The almost 4.90 meter long Passat gains around five centimeters in wheelbase (2841 mm) compared to its predecessor. By standardizing the floor assembly with the sister model Skoda Superb, there should be a little more space on the back seat. Interesting: Like its Czech counterpart, the VW Passat Variant (2023) will roll off the assembly line at the VW plant in Bratislava and no longer in Emden.
According to internal forecasts for the B9, one of the best-selling VW Passat Variant (2023) will be the new GTE (internally PHEV 2), i.e. the plug-in hybrid variant, which will in future be able to drive up to 100 kilometers purely electrically and will soon be used no longer requires a 1.4, but 1.5 liter turbo petrol engine only on long-distance journeys. The range of new petrol engines is based on this four-cylinder and the four-cylinder 2.0-liter TSI. Both cover a range from 150 hp (110 kW) to 280 hp (206 kW). The diesel range is based on the well-known 2.0-liter TDI, which is intended to overcome the hurdles of the future Euro 7 emissions standard and delivers between 150 hp (110 kW) and 200 hp (147 kW). The current entry-level variant with 122 hp (90 kW) is no longer available when the model changes. The two-liter unit, which is well fed with a maximum torque of 400 Newton meters, will run until 2031 at the VW brand. The all-wheel drive 4Motion is still optional. An interesting extra is raised to the series standard in the VW Passat Variant (2023): the dual-clutch gearbox DSG with seven stages replaces the manual six-speed gearbox in the Passat generation B9.
VW can afford to take a two-pronged approach. The familiar combustion engine Passat is supported by the comparably large electric car. A right decision, because if you have to cover 50,000 or more kilometers a year, you need a comfortable, safe and clean diesel car.
