Volkswagen Passat Variant (1997)

Volkswagen Passat Variant

The all-new fourth-generation Passat (sometimes referred to as the 5th generation Passat) (B5 platform) was launched in 1996 in Europe and 1998 in North America, and was an entirely new car design from the ground up. It was significant in that it returned to sharing a platform with an Audi (the Mk I Audi A4 from 1994), again using the classic "overhung" longitudinally mounted engine with front wheel drive.

The Mk 4 Passat was a very significant car in its class. Not only was it the first step of VW moving its products upmarket to plug a gap between the mainstream machines and the premium cars, with SEAT and Škoda taking over as the "mainstream" brands, it also brought in a new level of interior quality and sophistication never seen before from a mainstream brand in the class. In fact, the quality of the Passat was on a par with its sister Audi A4 and it undoubtedly took some sales from its more costly premium in-house rival. 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. Rivals launched before 1996 now appeared cheap.

However, the advent of the Mk 4 Passat meant that most mainstream rivals in the class had to raise their game with interior quality to the point where there are now virtually no differences in quality levels between mainstream and premium cars in the class. The 2000 Ford Mondeo was the first car to show the effect the Mk 4 Passat had on the class. Only the budget brands in the class have not raised their game, but this is reflected in their prices. Volkswagen was about to play the same game in the class below with the Mk IV Volkswagen Golf in 1997.

Styling-wise, the Passat introduced a new design language, first seen on the Concept 1 concept car, for the latest generation of Volkswagens and this was evident with the Mk IV Golf, Bora and Mk IV Polo. The Passat also influenced the styling of many yet-to-be-launched rivals.

Dynamically, the most notable thing about the Passat was its good ride, which was as good as anything produced by Mercedes-Benz or BMW. The handling though was generally accepted to be some way off the standards of the Mk I Ford Mondeo and the Peugeot 406 which was launched in 1995. The interior was also luxurious and well equipped, with a long equipment list which included power windows, air conditioning, CD player, power mirrors, power 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 gasoline engines, including a 1.8 L turbocharged 4-cylinder (150 bhp for the B5 and 170 bhp for the B5.5), or 2.8 L V6 (190 bhp). 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.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia.

- - 1999
    In some European markets, the station wagon version was marketed as a Golf ("Estate" in the UK and Ireland, "Break" in France, "Variant" in some areas)...
    Volkswagen Bora Variant
- - 1999
    Volkswagen Polo Variant was a versions of the Ibiza-based SEAT Cordoba. It was referred to internally by VW as 6K, and shared body panels with the SEAT model...
    Volkswagen Polo Variant
- - 1997
    The 6K Volkswagen Polo Variant was based on the same platform as the SEAT Ibiza Mk II and were essentially rebadged Ibiza's. This platform actually used...
    Volkswagen Polo Variant
- - 2021
    Behind the Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake's rear seat bench is a luggage compartment capacity of up to 565 litres when loaded up to the rear seat backrest...
    Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake
  - 2021
    The bodies of the Volkswagen Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake are 20 mm lower as a result of this sports running gear; the lower centre of gravity and stiffer...
    Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake R
  2 ⇵
- - 2024
    Golf Variant will be offered in an entry-level version (Golf) as well as the higher equipment specifications Life, Style and R-Line. They cover the wide spectrum of equipment...
    Volkswagen Golf Variant
- - 2021
    The increased exterior length and wheelbase benefit the vehicle interior of the Volkswagen Golf Variant. Five passengers can be accommodated in comfort...
    Volkswagen Golf Variant
  - 2021
    Volkswagen Golf Alltrack technically corresponds to the new Golf Variant: in addition to the digitalised cockpit, features include optional assist systems...
    Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
  2 ⇵
- - 2017
    A new rear bumper makes the Golf Variant appear even more elongated and elegant. The full LED tail lights, which also come as standard with this version...
    Volkswagen Golf Variant
  - 2017
    The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack, the eagerly awaited derivative of the Golf SportWagen, marries that vehicle's practicality and fun-to-drive nature with the...
    Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
  - 2017
    In the Golf GTD and GTD Variant, the crossbar and winglets have an all-chrome finish. At the rear, all 2017 model year GTI and GTD cars also have new bumpers...
    Volkswagen Golf GTD Variant
  3 ⇵
- - 2014
    Volkswagen is launching an all-new VW Golf Variant / Estate in the summer of 2013. The all-round car is based on the Golf VII and utilises technologies...
    Volkswagen Golf Variant
  - 2015
    The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack was designed for good performance on both paved roads and light off-road terrain. This is possible thanks to the 4MOTION four-wheel...
    Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
  - 2015
    It was in 1982 when the first Golf GTD entered the market. It became an icon of all sporty diesels. This was due to the almost unique ability of this...
    Volkswagen Golf GTD Variant
  3 ⇵
- - 2010
    In the sixth generation of the world bestseller, Volkswagen Golf Variant is the fourth body version to be launched after the three- and five-door VW Golf ...
    Volkswagen Golf Variant
- - 2008
    A synthesis of new and classic style elements marks the design of the third Volkswagens Golf Variant. In its silhouette, the lines of the new Volkswagen...
    Volkswagen Golf Variant
- - 2024
    The new technological developments realised with the MQB evo improve the Volkswagen Tiguan in practically every area. New hybrid drives with an all-electric range...
    Volkswagen Tiguan
  - 2025
    Volkswagen Tiguan has been fully redesigned on the MQB evo platform with all-new sheet metal, a shorter rear overhang, and a slight wheelbase increase.
    Volkswagen Tiguan [US]
  2 ⇵
- - 2022
    Volkswagen Tiguan can be equipped with the 4Motion with Active Control all-wheel-drive system. The latest generation 4Motion system is designed to activate...
    Volkswagen Tiguan [US]
  - 2021
    Volkswagen Tiguan takes assisted driving one step further with available Travel Assist. The system can take over steering, braking and acceleration of the new Tiguan...
    Volkswagen Tiguan
  - 2022
    Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace has now grown to a length of 4,723 mm (22 mm longer); all the generous interior measurements are unchanged. With its newly designed front...
    Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
  - 2021
    The sporty DNA is not just to be found in the turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive system of the Volkswagen Tiguan R, but also in its extensively customised...
    Volkswagen Tiguan R
  4 ⇵
- - 2017
    In the second generation Tiguan, Volkswagen designers have created an SUV that transfers a new design quality to this segment in a progressive and competitive way.
    Volkswagen Tiguan
  - 2018
    The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan marks an evolution in Volkswagen's clean and timeless design DNA, with modern lines and a refined appearance. The MQB...
    Volkswagen Tiguan [US]
  - 2018
    The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace offers more space than many other SUVs in its class. This is facilitated by its "long wheelbase" (LWB) as it is known...
    Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
  3 ⇵
- - 2012
    The new VW Tiguan is here. An SUV with design parallels to the larger Touareg . An SUV with powerful and at the same time fuel-efficient engines; fuel...
    Volkswagen Tiguan
- - 2008
    Volkswagen is showing the new Tiguan in a world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. This "small brother" of the Touareg...
    Volkswagen Tiguan
- - 2021
    Volkswagen Arteon is characterised by a highly functional overall concept. All occupants in the front and rear of both Arteon versions benefit from the modular...
    Volkswagen Arteon
  - 2021
    The heart of the new Volkswagen Arteon R models' drive system is a 320 PS four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection (TSI) engine from the series EA888 evo4.
    Volkswagen Arteon R
  2 ⇵
- - 2018
    The new Volkswagen Arteon is a five-seat car which is well-tailored for long journeys due to its high level of comfort and spaciousness. Unlike...
    Volkswagen Arteon
- - 2013
    When the Volkswagen Passat CC made its debut in 2008, it was the world's first four-door coupé in the 30,000 to 40,000 dollar and euro class. From...
    Volkswagen CC
- - 2009
    With more than 15 million cars built, the Passat and Passat Variant rank among the really big successes in automotive history. Now Volkswagen is extending...
    Volkswagen Passat CC
SHOW MORE

- - 2024
    Volkswagen Passat Variant is the ideal touring and business vehicle thanks to the interplay of spaciousness, carefully coordinated high-quality materials, pleasant haptics...
    Volkswagen Passat Variant
- - 2020
    The Volkswagen Passat will be the first Volkswagen that is capable of partially automated driving across practically the whole speed range (0 to 210 kmh).
    Volkswagen Passat Variant
  - 2020
    Volkswagen Passat Alltrack is also a comfortable and fast touring car. The Passat Alltrack is available with a 2.0 TSI petrol engine with 200 kW (272 PS) or...
    Volkswagen Passat Alltrack
  2 ⇵
- - 2015
    As the most successful German business car, the VW Passat represents a new type of business class - a transition car between the mid- and premium classes...
    Volkswagen Passat Variant
  - 2016
    The second generation Volkswagen Passat Alltrack (generation I debuted in 2012) is immediately recognisable as an individually designed estate and SUV...
    Volkswagen Passat Alltrack
  2 ⇵
- - 2011
    The Volkswagen Passat represents one of the very great success stories in automotive history, with over 15 million cars sold since the VW Passat was first...
    Volkswagen Passat Estate
  - 2013
    Over the past four decades , well over 15 million Passat cars have been built. Along with its favourable all-round...
    Volkswagen Passat Alltrack
  2 ⇵
- - 2006
    In August 2005, the sixth generation of the Volkswagen Passat Variant was launched in Germany. As early as September, it was launched in most of the other...
    Volkswagen Passat Variant
- - 2000
    In mid-2000, the Passat received a facelift, involving a minor tweaking of the styling and some mechanical alteration, the platform is now commonly known as B5.5....
    Volkswagen Passat Variant
  - 2001
    The Volkswagen Passat W8 Variant was a comfortable, well-built and luxurious large estate. 4.0 L W8 engine producing 275 PS (202 kW) was introduced in 2001.
    Volkswagen Passat W8 Variant
  2 ⇵
- - 1997
    The Mk 4 Volkswagen Passat was a very significant car in its class. Not only was it the first step of VW moving its products upmarket to plug a gap between...
    Volkswagen Passat Variant
- - 1993
    The VW Passat was heavily facelifted in 1993, and as a result it has sometimes been referred to as the Mk IV Passat; Volkswagen even renamed the platform B4.
    Volkswagen Passat Variant
- - 1988
    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.
    Volkswagen Passat Variant
- - 1980
    The platform, named B2, was slightly longer and the car's updated styling was instantly recognisable as a Volkswagen Passat, with the most obvious difference...
    Volkswagen Passat Variant
- - 1973
    Volkswagen Passat was one of the most modern European family cars at the time, and was intended as a replacement for the ageing Volkswagen Type 3, and as a...
    Volkswagen Passat Variant

- 1996
  The all-new fourth-generation Passat (sometimes referred to as the 5th generation Passat) (B5 platform) was launched in 1996 in Europe and 1998 in North...
  Volkswagen Passat

Wagons
- - 2000
    Peugeot 406 Estate
- - 1996
    The Accord coupe as in the previous generation looked almost exactly like the sedan, and was the last generation of the Accord to offer a wagon variant in...
    Honda Accord Wagon
- - 1994
    U.S. built coupe and wagon models of this generation were shipped to Europe with both left and right hand drive but there was no V6 option.
    Honda Accord Wagon
- - 1991
    In early 1990 Honda unveiled the Accord Wagon, manufactured at the Marysville, Ohio plant. The Ohio plant exported right-hand drive wagons and coupes to Europe...
    Honda Accord Wagon
- - 2011
    Renault Laguna Estate stands out through its steeply-raked rear window and the form of its rearmost side windows which accentuate its flowing, sporty lines...
    Renault Laguna Estate
- - 2008
    Last but by no means least, the Estate version is equipped with a system that allows a flat boot-floor to be obtained at the push of a button.
    Renault Laguna Estate
- - 2005
    It also had a moderate redesign of the air intake at the front of the car, now matching the design of the Megane. An electronic handbrake was also introduced...
    Renault Laguna GT Estate
- - 2000
    At the end of 2000, after almost seven years of production, the original Laguna was replaced by an all-new model which shared its chassis with the...
    Renault Laguna Estate 1.9 dCI
- - 1998
    At the start of 1998 the Laguna received a moderate facelift, including a restyling of rear lights and a few other minor visual tweaks.
    Renault Laguna Nevada RXE 1.6 16V
- - 2018
    To the rear, design of the previous Mazda 6 Wagon has been so well received by customers for its sporty good looks that it is carried over on the new model.
    Mazda 6 Wagon
- - 2017
    Diesel-powered Mazda 6 Wagons are also offered with Mazda's intelligent i-ACTIV AWD system, which features a front-slip detection warning system.
    Mazda 6 Wagon
- - 2015
    Sedan or wagon, the 2015 Mazda6 continues to combine a muscular anatomy and vitality with a level of quality that sets it apart. Dignity and purpose...
    Mazda 6 Wagon
- - 2013
    It all comes down to relationships. This is the spirit of the all-new Mazda 6 , a car built to be an extension of its driver and in harmony with the road.
    Mazda 6 Wagon
- - 2011
    Mazda 6 Wagon and hatchback can even transport more, if need be. With the rear seats down, the wagon and hatchback have a load floor length of 1,926...
    Mazda 6 Wagon
- - 2008
    The development theme for the Mazda 6's dynamics was "driving performance that creates oneness between the car and driver. This was realized by an emotionally...
    Mazda 6 Wagon
- - 2005
    Exterior + New front grille design + New front/rear bumpers + New exhaust pipes (2.0 and 2.3- litre petrols) + New black bezels for front /rear lights +...
    Mazda 6 Wagon Facelift
- - 2002
    The luggage compartments of both new models are extremely large, with outstanding capacities of 492 litres for the Mazda6 Sport and 505 litres for the Mazda6 Wagon.
    Mazda 6 Wagon
- - 2002
    The Lybra was styled in Centro Stile Lancia, contrary to earlier Lancia models, which were commissioned from external design studios. Its styling is a clear...
    Lancia Lybra Intensa
- - 1993
    The Dedra was developed alongside the Fiat Tempra on the Tipo floorpan as a medium size three-box saloon, but while the Fiat models were in the compact...
    Lancia Dedra SW
- - 2026
    Subaru Outback has been one of Subaru's flagship vehicles since it went on sale 30 years ago with more than 3 million models sold in the U.S. alone...
    Subaru Outback
- - 2023
    Subaru Outback's exterior emphasizes ruggedness and functionally while evoking a sense of adventure. For 2023, the Outback lineup (except Wilderness) receives a new...
    Subaru Outback
- - 2020
    Following a "Dynamic x Solid" philosophy, the all-new Subaru Outback is anchored to an "Active x Tough" concept. The result is a rugged and functional design...
    Subaru Outback
- - 2018
    2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i will be available in standard, Premium, Limited and top-of-line Touring trims; the 3.6R will offer Limited and Touring trims.
    Subaru Outback
- - 2015
    Subaru of America, Inc. introduced the all-new 2015 Outback, the fifth generation of the World's First Sport Utility Wagon®, at the 2014 New York...
    Subaru Outback
- - 2013
    Subaru of America, Inc. introduced the 2013 Outback models, powered by a new, more efficient powertrain and debuting the new EyeSight driver-assist system...
    Subaru Outback
- - 2010
    2009 marks the 20th anniversary of the flagship Subaru Legacy Tourer, and to celebrate, the marque has launched an all-new, fifth-generation version of its...
    Subaru Legacy Tourer
  - 2010
    Subaru of America, Inc. revealed the all-new 2010 Subaru Outback at its media conference at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. The...
    Subaru Outback
  2 ⇵
- - 2008
    Overall, the Legacy 3.0 R Limited is designed to provide the refined, sophisticated, and exciting performance typically expected from premium European...
    Subaru Outback 3.0 R
- - 2004
    On April 23, 1998, a Subaru Legacy set a new world speed record for mass-produced turbocharged station wagons (1600 cc-2000 cc class), clocking 270.532 km/h...
    Subaru Legacy Station Wagon
  - 2004
    The first Subaru Legacy Outback was introduced in the United States in 1996. It was a Legacy station wagon with all-wheel drive, body-cladding, off-road...
    Subaru Outback
  2 ⇵
- - 2004
    In 1992, the Alfa Romeo 155 introduced a new Alfa Romeo concept of sportiness that became enshrined in the codename Q4. Now the same glorious label...
    Alfa Romeo 156 Crosswagon Q4
  - 2003
    The Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon offer more performance. The model has another sophisticated automotive engineering ace up its sleeve in the form of a brand...
    Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon 2.0 JTD
  2 ⇵
SHOW MORE