Volkswagen Passat is one of those cars, that don't need to be introduced. Like its smaller cousin, Golf, is one of the most famous models on the European market (and not only).
The VW Passat Variant has been designed in a very thoughtful way. Theoretically not the best, not the fastest, it's the most convenient. His strength is, which represents the optimal combination of many advantages, with the least amount of disadvantages. This is why it is so popular.
In this article I will briefly present several technological solutions, that make everyday driving easier. I'll add at the beginning, but, that prices for new Passats start from approximately 25 thousand. Dollar, but our test unit had the most powerful Bi-Turbo engine, drive to 4 wheel, automatic DSG gearbox and a very rich package of additional features. The cost has jumped up so much 65 thousand.
Two large displays
One of the first things, which caught my eye after, how I got behind the wheel, was big, widescreen LCD display. It replaced the traditional speedometer, in addition to information about driving speed, engine speed and mileage, also gives a lot of other information, and performs several different functions at once.
Active Info Display ( official name) It has a diagonal 12,3 inch, that is, more 31 cm. The GPS navigation map looked visually better.
In the latter case, viewing the map is more, thanks to which you can better see neighboring streets and nearby buildings. Round dials for speedometer and tachometer, are decreasing, but still remain readable.
The second display is located on the center console. A few inches smaller. There are buttons on both sides, leading to the main functions of the multimedia system – in particular, navigation, phone, player, radio and main menu.
Voice commands
VW Passat can speak to us in Russian and also understands our voice commands. At least, partially. Doesn't always handle serious titles properly. Better understands basic commands (eg, “Next track” in album or playlist playback mode).
View around the car
There are four wide-angle cameras built around the car – in front, behind and one under the side mirrors.
Thank them, we can view the entire vehicle environment on the central display (Area View). The largest space presents a view of 360 degrees from above.
Interestingly, we can touch the selected field at any time, eg, behind the car, to see the view from the rear camera only and see the details. Even more impressive is that, that the new VW Passat has a reverse assist function with a trailer (Trailer Assist).
This parameter makes it very easy for people to drive with a trailer., without relevant experience. A visualization of the closest deviation of the trailer in relation to the vehicle is displayed. It is enough to determine the angle and control the speed, and the car independently performs steering maneuvers.
Internet for all passengers
The car has its own SIM card slot, thanks to which you can use Internet services. How to use it? One example is to enable Google Earth mode in navigation or use the Car-Net platform. The second will allow you to access the latest traffic information or make it easier for you to navigate with detailed photos from Google Street View.
For guests, traveling in a car, a very useful feature would be the so-called Wi-Fi hotspot. Uses the vehicle's mobile communications to send messages via Wi-Fi to each passenger. Ideal when traveling – helps in business matters and promotes entertainment.
Besides, You can store a list of contacts in the Passat's memory.
Automatic driving in traffic jams
If you live in a big city, then of course, accustomed to heavy traffic. Nothing, but, no longer annoying, how constantly “hang” in gear. VW Passat solves this problem with Traffic Jam Assist, that is, traffic jam assistant. Using an automatic transmission and sensors built into the car, the car moves automatically in a traffic jam, without driver participation. Of course, we still need to monitor the situation and control the situation.
VW Passat Variant – safe and comfortable
Sensors provide much more possibilities, than just automatic driving in traffic, or trailer parking. Passat offers Pre-Crash active driver protection system, based on closing the windows and pre-tensioning the seat belts before a collision. After a collision, the automatic braking system is also activated..
There is a driver fatigue detection system, heated washer nozzles, Rain sensor, activating windshield wipers, dusk sensor, launching light, tire pressure warning, and even pedestrian detection (the car can stop on its own, when someone steps in front of him).
Sound system
We can listen to music not only from the radio, CD or smartphone via Bluetooth. files (eg, MP3) may also be stored in the machine's memory, on one of two SD memory cards or from a USB drive (stick). Besides, simplest, but the most compatible way is to connect via a classic mini-jack cable with a 3.5 mm plug.
Our test Passat had a sound system from the famous Danish company Dynaudio. The system called Confidence consists of 10 speakers, including a very efficient subwoofer. Power reaches 700 watt, so if we want, the interior can turn into a small concert hall. Sound quality is good.
240 L. with., 4x4 drive and DSG automatic
Volkswagen Passat Variant – model, the one we rode on had the most powerful diesel engine, used in this model. Its power is modest 2 l, but VW put two turbochargers on it, thanks to which the engine has power 240 l. with. and torque up to 500 nm (in the range 1750-2500 rpm). It is mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission, and the drive is transmitted to the asphalt through all 4 wheel.
Result? Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h 6,3 sec, and the maximum speed is almost 240 kmh. This car can really surprise you at a traffic light. Drive 4×4 gives it incredibly good traction and transfers power much more efficiently, than a classic drive 2 wheel. Also useful when riding on wet or slippery surfaces (works especially well in autumn and winter).
Summing up…
This is big, family car, which weighs quite a lot (OK. 1735 kg), but it rides surprisingly well, and at the same time comfortable and safe. It also has a whole bunch of sensors and other computer bells and whistles that will make your daily commute easier..
In other words – car, I think, very functional and versatile. Stylistics is, as usual, a matter of taste. I didn’t find any major flaws in the “panel”.
