Is this supposed to be the finale, seriously? What we think of the Volkswagen Passat after driving 8712 km
A long-term test of the all-wheel-drive diesel Volkswagen Passat reveals mixed feelings about its significance as the model faces possible discontinuation.
The Volkswagen Passat, equipped with a 4Motion all-wheel-drive diesel motor, has been a part of the editorial team at Aktuálně.cz for three months, culminating in a reflective review that evokes nostalgia for this long-standing model. The car's history in automotive journalism often sees it receiving a lukewarm reception, likened humorously to fast food: satisfying but not particularly thrilling. However, the editorial team found joy in their experience with the Passat, leading them to ponder what car could have entertained them more during their extended testing period.
The review touches on the changes in the Passat's production and presentation, highlighting that the model's ninth generation seems to have been released without much fanfare. Volkswagen has reduced its lineup by removing the sedan variant, consolidating the body style with the Superb, and shifting production from its historic plant in Emden, Germany, which had been in operation since 1977, to Bratislava. The article hints at the possibility that this Passat could be the last of its kind, as the automotive industry shifts towards electrification and away from combustion engines, placing traditional models at risk of being obsolete.
Given the emerging trends in the automotive market and potential implications for enthusiasts, the article serves as both a farewell to a beloved model and a commentary on the future landscape of car manufacturing. As the Passat moves towards a potential end, the sentiments expressed resonate with both nostalgia and a sense of uncertainty as the industry embraces new technologies and changing consumer preferences.