Review: Volkswagen Mk.5 Passat (1998-05)

Review: Volkswagen B5 Passat (1998-01)

Overview

Released in March 1998, the Volkswagen B5 Passat was available as a mid-size sedan or wagon. Manufactured in Germany, the VW B5 Passat range initially consisted of front-wheel drive 1.8, 1.8T and 2.8 V6 variants. In March 1999, however, four-wheel drive ‘Syncro’ models were available; the full range is given in the table below.

Dimensions

Compared to the Volkswagen B4 Passat , the B5 Passat sedan was 70 mm longer (4675 mm), 20 mm wider (1740 mm), 29 mm taller (1459) and had a 232 mm longer wheelbase (2707 mm). Compared to the B5 Passat sedan, the Passat wagon was 16 mm shorter (4659 mm) and 37 mm taller (1496 mm), though the wheelbase was 4 mm shorter (2703 mm).

Suspension

Based on Volkswagen’s B5 platform, which was shared with the Audi B5 A4 , the B5 Passat had fully independent four-link front suspension with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. The front-wheel drive models had a semi-independent torsion beam rear axle with trailing arms, coil springs and an anti-roll bar; the Synchro models, however, had a more sophisticated double wishbone configuration.

Syncro and 4Motion four-wheel drive

From 1999, the VW Passat 2.8 V6 was available with Volkswagen’s ‘Syncro’ (later ‘4Motion’) four-wheel drive system which utilised a Torsen centre differential. In normal conditions, the Syncro system provided a 50:50 front:rear torque split. In the event that traction was lost, however, the centre differential would lock and transfer up to 80 per cent of the engine’s torque to the opposing axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen B5 Passat included dual front airbags, ABS and front and outer rear seatbelts with load limiters and pretensioners. In July 1999, standard safety equipment was extended to include front side airbags, while the 2.8 V6 Syncro/4Motion models were further equipped with traction control.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 1997 VW B5 Passat – that was fitted with a 1.6-litre engine and equipped with dual front airbags – received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 19. In the frontal offset crash test, stiff structures in the lower facia posed a hazard to the driver’s knees, thighs and pelvis, with protection for the driver’s right and left lower legs rated as weak and poor, respectively; the instability of the contact between driver’s head and airbag resulted in head protection being rated as adequate. In the side impact test, protection for the driver’s chest was adequate, though abdominal protection was weak.

Features

Standard features for the Volkswagen B5 Passat 1.8 included an eight speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows, power mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, and an immobiliser.

The Passat 1.8T was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, contoured front sports seats, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and trip computer. Beyond this, the 2.8 V6 added 16-inch alloy wheels, six-disc CD changer and woodgrain interior trim. The 1.8T and 2.8 V6 variants were also fitted with a front electronic differential lock.

The Passat 2.8 V6 Syncro was distinguished by its leather seats and power glass sunroof. Upon its release in August 2000, the 2.8 V6 4Motion gained 17-inch ‘Largo’ alloy wheels and perforated leather front seats.

1998 Passat 1.8 60^thAnniversary edition

In July 1998, limited-run 1.8 60th Anniversary editions were released to commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of the first Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg, Germany. Compared to their standard counterparts, the 60th Anniversary editions were further equipped with ‘Turbo’ alloy wheels and low profile tyres, walnut interior trim and special badging. In August 1998, 1.8T 60th Anniversary editions were released.

2000 Passat 1.8T Sport

In August 2000, 1.8T Sport editions were released; these models were distinguished by their 16-inch ‘Montreal’ alloy wheels, sports front seats with leather upholstery and walnut interior trim.

Review: Volkswagen B5.5 Passat (2001-05)

Overview

Released in May 2001, the Volkswagen B5.5 Passat was initially available as a sedan, with wagon models following in October 2001. Visually, the VW B5.5 Passat could be identified by its new projector-optic headlights, more upright chrome-lined grille, new tail-lights, chrome-framed side windows and alloy wheel designs. Inside, there were circular instruments with chrome trim, a centre console with two cup holders and a folding rear centre armrest with integrated storage compartment and cup holders.

The Volkswagen B5.5 Passat chassis underwent modifications which improved torsional rigidity by 10 per cent, while other changes included the fitment of larger brake discs, ventilated rear brake discs for 4Motion models, Euro IV emissions compliance across the range and the introduction electronic ‘fly by wire’ throttle control.

In November 2002, the B5.5 Passat range was revised as the 1.8T variant was replaced by the 2.3 V5, and both the 2.3 V5 and 2.8 V6 were available in S and SE editions. In 2003, the range was expanded with the introduction of a range-topping 4.0 W8 variant and, in August 2004, the range was reduced to 2.3 V5 and 2.8 V6 variants without editions. The full range is given in the table below.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen B5.5 Passat included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and front and outer rear seatbelts with load limiters and pretensioners.

From November 2002, the Passat was fitted with full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants) as standard.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2001 VW B5.5 Passat sedan – fitted with a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine and equipped with dual front airbags and front side airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 28. In the offset crash test, the driver’s head almost rolled off the airbag, the driver’s chest hit the steering wheel and hard points between the fascia presented a hazard to the driver’s knees and upper legs. As such, protection of the driver’s chest and thighs was rated as marginal, while chest and lower leg protection for the front passenger was rated as adequate. In the side impact test, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features

Standard features for the Volkswagen Passat 1.8T included 15-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, contoured front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and alarm. The 2.8 V6 was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD changer and rain-sensing wipers.

Compared to the 1.8T, the Passat S editions (i.e. the 2.3 V5 S and 2.8 V6 S) were further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels and steering wheel audio and cruise controls; beyond this, the SE editions added 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, heated front seats and a power glass sunroof. The 2.8 V6 variants were also distinguished by their six-disc in-dash CD changers and rain-sensing wipers (notwithstanding the editions).

Compared to the 2.8 V6 SE, the Passat 4.0 W8 was distinguished by its satellite navigation system, power adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, bi-xenon headlights with washers, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, power retracting door mirrors, electrochromatic rear view mirror and chrome interior highlights.

Post-August 2004 Passat range

In August 2004, the Passat range was reduced to 2.3 V5 and 2.8 V6 variants without editions (i.e. simply the ‘2.3 V5’ and ‘2.8 V6’). Compared to the 2.3 V5 and 2.8 V6 S editions, these models were further equipped with power adjustable front seats and cooled glovebox; the 2.8 V6 was also fitted with an electrochromatic rear view mirror.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Volkswagen Mk.5 Passat