2024 Volkswagen Passat B9 1.5 eTSI - Solid Estate (ENG) - Test Drive and Review

[@zaneverovati]

hahahahahha you absolute legend, that was the best suspension test I've seen! Thank You Marek, your dedication is admirable and your realistic approach is unmatched.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

One tries to be mildly amusing sometimes ;)

[@John2710]

Hahaha, best suspension test I have ever seen :) 🎉😂

[@extreme8808]

It's boring It's bland It's understated It's brilliant! This is VW back to their roots! ❤ It's a workhorse, a family car, a company car. It's everything, while managing to look like nothing! This is what VW is suppose to do.

[@emanuelferreira6875]

Honestly i was waiting for your review on this car. Lets start

[@ThanosP]

Passat is the best VW car ever made!

[@artpan4376]

@@ThanosP And now the newer model with almost 5m length, a parking nightmare in any European city.

[@Hell-Hound1]

I'd buy the Skoda instead.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Why?

[@laurradu868]

Yeap! The Superb looks way nicer than this and it is a saloon🎉

[@Hell-Hound1]

@@MarekDrivesENG Well I like it's looks, and little design touches. Also didn't Skoda design the Passat?

[@emanuelferreira6875]

Clima control nobs on skoda are top

[@ILIJA26101993]

Cause you can buy it as a sedan. Also the interior is less annoying to live with.

[@thecomedyspot11]

Finally a car colour that's different but not ridiculous! Lovely looking car. Unfortunately here in Australia the country's gone Ute and SUV mad so no more Passat here (or Golf wagon). So glad I bought a used Golf Alltrack a couple of years ago complete with knobs and real exhausts.

[@trrruls]

Every other car tester: "Just listen to the difference! The bumps are definitely a bit better absorbed!" Marek: "AAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAA. aaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaa." You are an absolute legend, keep it up! 😅👏

[@esadhazirovic]

Very good review!

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stuartback2594]

Where is the wiper controls if the gear selection stick is where they should be?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

On the indicator stalk, like in a Mercedes.

[@stuartback2594]

@@MarekDrivesENG thanks. That will take some getting used too when mine arrives!

[@laurradu868]

Passat, here in Romania, is a winner on the second hand market. It will be interesting to see what it will be the price in 3 years and 200k km. If a diesel cost new 50000 EUR, who will pay more than 20000 Eur in 3 years?

[@RupOase]

Oh, boy, you'll be surprised! :) I think that, after the huge fail from 2019 till 2024, until this model was facelifted, given the fact that many will hunt the 2.0 TDI (as usual), until the so claimed bastards from EU banning new ICE cars, there will be more than never, and even at higher prices! Never will we see in Romania so many illiterate dumb people flocking on VW's cars. Because yeah "Unde-i fum, e putere!" It will be even greater than in the 1990's illiterates that couldn't see ahead of their smoked pair of glasses, when going for the 1.9 SDI (PD) leaving a huge trail of smoke for the next one in line to buy his VW dream-car. You'll be in for a huge surprise!

[@davidmarshall5596]

MAREK, more suspension tests like this please 🙏 😂😂🎉

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I'll tryyyyyyyayayayayayayayayayayyyyy :)

[@davidmarshall5596]

@@MarekDrivesENG 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@NigelRudyard]

Suspension for singers, part 1 LOL I like the Passat, and relieved there are still some relatively simple cars left out there.

[@karliszemitis3356]

it reminds me of Opel Insignia :/ And I want to meet the person who thought Passat was not big enough and needed to make it even bigger.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

They needed a highlight, and size was the only thing that could make it appealing.

[@shroomyesc]

I don't think they thought it needed to be bigger but the Superb has always been bigger than the Passat and VW didn't want to design a new Passat themselves, so alas, the Passat is now the same size as the Superb.

[@leonsiric398]

Like just for brave suspension test!

[@Ostap1974]

Weird, that VW did not include 2.0eTSI. Keeping something for facelift :)

[@MarekDrivesENG]

That would be an interesting engine to see.

[@Ostap1974]

@@MarekDrivesENG This engine has been available in Audis for years. This is what makes it especially weird.

[@madisjaagura]

Is there a 2.0 eTSI which is not installed longitudinally?

[@Ostap1974]

@@madisjaagura Yeah, you are correct, this is probably the issue. Thanks for pointing it out.

[@cristiangallov]

It's stupid to have an account to benefit from the car settings and some features. Do we really need this ? Or are we "forced" to do so ?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Depends on the brand, model. I guess you don't want a Tesla if you don't own a relatively new smartphone, and are ready to use their app. Most cars you can use on a guest account, though it may be annoying.

[@artpan4376]

Really dislike the new trend of dashboard without upper cover, and TV size infotainment.

[@4bu53r]

Yeah, I don't think this car is worth spending 50k euro. Looks nothing special and I doubt it's that much of an upgrade over the previous model, which was already very comfortable, spacious and fuel efficient.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

10 years ago you could buy a BMW 5 Series for 50k. Today if you want something roughly Passat size for 30k you have to look among the Chinese imports.

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

I don't like SUVs but yesterday I had a new Peugeot 408 parked outside house, I believe those cost more or less the same... So, as I was watching this video I was thinking, why would I spend 50k in this generic, bland car when I could get the amazing looking Peugeot? Or why not the 508 estate?

[@SuperMrFriendly]

@@TheAllMightyGodofCod those generically ugly ffench stench style over kill

[@cvldblvvded4071]

​​​@@TheAllMightyGodofCod I guess VW claims it has a reputation of reliability and it gives them the right to put high prices on their vehicles as they have modern tech and don't break often. That's what I've heard from adults. Maybe they're right. Maybe not.

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

@@cvldblvvded4071 are you sure your comment is meant for me? Firstly, I said nothing about reliability.... Second, VW reliability is up for debate. Third, your comment does not address any of the things I actually said... I think you have put my name in there by mistake

[@David_Palka]

Hey Marek, I have to chose this engine, or 2.0 TDI. Both 110 kW. I had a 2.0 TSI in B8, but this is still not available (since my experience with petrol, how quiet it is in low rews, I tend more to the petrol). Because of lower price of petrol one, car can be better equiped with advanced accesories, but still .... how it will ride will be more important of course. Can you compare these two? Because I can't try it in salon, they still don't have it on place :(

[@MarekDrivesENG]

AFAIK the 2.0 TSI is coming later, so if you're not in a hurry it may be worth the wait. The 1.5 eTSI is fine for regular use, but if you're planning on doing a lot of fast motorway miles (by fast I mean above 130 km/h), a diesel is the way to go.

[@David_Palka]

@@MarekDrivesENG Yes I have a information it will be in the end of this year available. But I can't wait since my contract to current car will end in next 3 months. I do it on a highway every day 7O km to work and 7O km back. Rarely I go over 140, on everyday usage I go mainly from 120 to 130 and the rest is traveling through the Prague :D so slow driving around. Few times per month I go around 300 km and more. Most of the time I'm alone in the car with no towing. One thing is that since eTSI is on lower price, it can be better equiped.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

AFAIR Czechs aren't crazy drivers. For Poland 1.5 eTSI is a bit weak, but for the use-case scenario you described it should be adequate. And as you said - you can get better equipment for the same money, so it's worth it.

[@christianronn5301]

The mid-range 190hp TDI in my B8 Alltrack is now the top of the range drivetrain option. I don’t know how much the mild hybrid system helps but I’ve driven a 1.5 TSI Seat Tarraco, FWD manual, several times and it felt gutless compared to my diesel even with just me in the car. I don’t want to know what it would be like in a hilly area with six passengers and their belongings on board.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I guess powertrain configuration will be different depending on the model. I recall the first 1.5 TSI evo 150 hp engines they put in Mk 7.5 Golfs were noticeably worse than the earlier 1.4 TSI motors, but later they reprogrammed them, and made them less bad :)

[@titovasss]

Reinvention and best implimentation of aaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[@ianstewart2723]

At last physical buttons are making a comeback. 🎉

[@MarekDrivesENG]

🥳

[@shroomyesc]

Passat B9: Buy the Superb instead. Unless you really really care about brand image (and the brand image of VW still means anything to you after everything the past decade or so) or you don't like the Superb's design if you must have a big VAG wagon then the Superb wins in almost everything really from usability to interior design.

[@michaeltuomenoksa3605]

The passat is alot quieter so has more comfort. Both cars are ugly but do the job of hauling from A-B

[@kevinn1158]

I'd say this is the ultimate family mobile. And because North Americans. cough cough Americans hate wagons, we don't get it here. Nice seeing it in a video though. Thanks Marek.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

If this had a Subaru badge, there'd be traffic around anchorage areas with ships full of these things :)

[@kevinn1158]

@@MarekDrivesENG LOL. Exactly.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

Over in Ireland, they don’t get the new Passat. But they’ve got the new Škoda Superb and the ID.7 Tourer, which should make up for the demise of the Passat there.

[@lflyr6287]

Damn, this VW Passat B9 is now 4,92 meters long....while Audi A6 Avant is 4,94 meters long....damn this Passat has grown like crazy :) ....but sadly it's uglier than the previous 2015-s B8 version.

[@Sha-Ayo]

I spoke to a VW technician who said he didnt have much confidence in VW cars especially post 2015 models especially the petrol models. He said Skoda was better because they usually used older more proven electronics. I dont know what to think of this. I'm considering buying a X350 Jaguar XJR which is a very different car 😅 and later a Jaguar F Type V6s

[@jimj2683]

What would be your ideal family vehicle if you had a lot of money?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

If I had a lot of money, I'd have many cars, and the people carrier with kids would be driven by a chauffeur with a nanny on board, so I don't have deal with the children, and their issues. Otherwise I'd just get a Sienna or whatever is the Honda equivalent :)

[@kresimirkalman6113]

Question of the century - why diesel engines arno not electrified?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I imagine the cost of adapting them would not be worth the CO2 savings. And probably VW assumes majority of customers will rather choose petrol or PHEV.

[@autowiewiorka771]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@natoftw]

I hope more people buy ice cars, so I don't have to wait for a free charger when travelling.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

But then will the charging network continue developing?

[@natoftw]

@@MarekDrivesENG It doesn't have to, current coverage for my usage is great. It's busy enough to be profitable, not busy enough to have waiting times. Might sound egoistic, I prefer it to stay like this.

[@MOR3Y3]

RIP Passat Sedan 💔

[@laupakhin]

I'm not sure what's happening at VW design HQ at the moment but all their recently released cars look a bit... off? They remind me of Brazilian market VW - it still has the company styling but produced at a budget. I keep expecting to find out that they're built on a 20 year old Polo platform :D I'm glad they're bringing back physical buttons at least on the steering wheel and the boot looks very practical. I'm not convinced that this is the car to entice people back from SUVs though.

[@artpan4376]

Without top cover. I suspect instrument cluster will be reflecting in the night on the windscreen annoying driver.

[@Commentator541]

I mean it looks ok, but again worse and more expensive than the Skoda. God knows what kind of fleet contracts they have for this, as we all know there is no reason for it to exist. Not a bad thing overall, but I think they peeked with the Golf 7 and whatever passat that was.

[@Sha-Ayo]

Yeah I agree with you, those VWs were just right

[@shroomyesc]

@@Sha-Ayo Golf 7 and B7/B8 Passat era VW was definitely peak. Design wise too, those were basic but handsome. But all the cost cutting after dieselgate and everything with the infotainments... In my country (Finland) the Golf since the mk8 got released has fallen from #1 most sold car model to #25 most sold model behind Tesla 3/Y, Corolla, Octavia, Enyaq, Rav4, Kia Ceed, etc etc. so clearly it's not just enthusiast dissatisfaction.

[@sinanspearhead]

I like VW cars but preferable without DSG gearbox(sometimes problematic and expensive). I've a proposal to all the car manufacturers: please offer both ful- automatic and dsg options to the customers for the same car. I would choose fullautomatic one...I think i do not need to explain it's advantages...

[@christianronn5301]

If VW offered a real 8 speed automatic, there would be no need for a DSG.

[@sinanspearhead]

Some ordinary drivers may feel themself like F1 pilots with DSG !

[@demagab]

VW should get rid of the DSG also in Europe. 8 speed autos are so much smoother in every situation. or maybe they should redesign the DSG and add a torque converter to it for low speed and acceleration

[@christianronn5301]

@@demagab Just scrap it and put an 8 speed Aisin in there. I have a DSG and i’m tired of the clutch robot not knowing what to do. A torque converter does everything so much better in every way.

[@sinanspearhead]

There is another oily type of DSG transmission which is similar to the fully automatic transmission. But in every aspect the new generation-full automatic transmission is the best...

[@gheorghiualex]

I read solid State and I was thinking wtf did they outpace toyota's forever promises? 😂

[@MarekDrivesENG]

😂

[@sasoperme]

Would buy Skoda instead. Better design and higher quality.

[@BMF-1234]

cobblestone test 5/5 😄

[@AHarker100]

It looks like a versatile vehicle, but it lacks excitement.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Passat was never about excitement. It's about covering miles in relative comfort, and this one delivers.

[@robans]

You need an account to drive a car? Next is a monthly subscription, and if you don't pay, they shut it off for you in the midle of the autobahn. You need to hurry somewhere, you start your car and want to go, but no, wait a moment, there is a major software update you need to perform before you go, it only takes half an hour 😂

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Sounds like those electric meters on Mr. Bean :)

[@stefanp.9222]

I would think owners will buy this car for carrying 4-5 people and luggage. 1.5 eTSI for a car this big at 57.000 euro? Nooo, thanks! I'd have the Superb L&K with the 265 hp TSI or 193 hp TDI and 4x4, at lower price (checked the configurator and it is ~52k full-spec).

[@interceptor-ss8kb]

Volkswagen obviously not taking the UK market seriously as the previous generation passat was mostly sold as a Diesel, but they are only offering the B9 with that gutless 1.5 it makes no sense when skoda has every engine option Diesels and 2.0L petrol everyone is buying the skoda superb instead because vws decision makes no sense also the skoda is cheaper to buy and it has a better interior

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I wonder if in the UK the Passat isn't more of a company car (hence 1.5 TSI) vs. Superb being more of a private buyers' choice (hence engines that actual people would prefer)?

[@interceptor-ss8kb]

@MarekDrivesENG passat appealed to both lease and company cars. But the previous B8 was more popular as a Diesel so it's probably losing them sales. The skoda superb obviously way more popular and discounts are much better for private buyers

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

This is another car that completely sucks my soul... I bet it is amazing to drive on a motorway, all Passats are.... Even the b4 I keep as s relic is... But when i look at very plain interior... At thode digital screens and instruments... At all that piano black plastic, i can't help but feel that the older ones felt better, more special. This looks cheap. Is this really all that I can't afford? Surely, there is something better.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

It's no longer a matter of afford or not. It's about finding a D segment estate. There aren't many left.

[@NotCommanderShepard]

That "no-buttons" multimedia system is literally the worst thing Germany has ever done.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

And you can thank Tesla for it :)

[@NotCommanderShepard]

@@MarekDrivesENG Ew.

[@Šlapanáček]

Passat B9 🙈🤢🤮 Passat B8 💖👍🏻💪🏼

[@alliejr]

Why why why won’t Americans buy wagons (estates) so we can get this gorgeous car in The States? F**k SUVs😭😭😭

[@shroomyesc]

I'm still surprised Buick tried selling the Opel Insignia Country Tourer as the Buick Regal TourX over there in the states. Failed as expected, but at least they tried.

[@alliejr]

@@shroomyesc It was sweet while it lasted. I wish I was in the market at that time.

[@TerbrugZondolop]

Absolutely disgusting.

[@Otto_VonJizzmark]

It’s awful