Volkswagens in the US aren’t typically an aspirational car. Maybe they aren’t aspirational cars anywhere but regardless there are some significant differences between the US market VW Passat and the current B8 Passat in the European marketplace that make the Euro version more desirable.
I first noticed this in Norway where the Passat seems to be one of the most popular vehicles -in the Bergen area in any case. Norwegians seem to like adding sleek roof cargo carriers that help give the vehicle a adventure/active lifestyle vibe.
So what’s the difference between the North American and Euro Passats?
The obvious difference is the exterior design. Almost all the Passats I’ve observed in Norway, Sweden and Denmark have been estates (or wagons as we call them in the US). There’s more to it than just a hatchback and longer roofline though.
Take a look at the current generation US Passat in this photo:
Now here is the current generation B8 Euro Passat:
The most noticeable difference I’m seeing is the front end headlight and grille design. In the US the headlamp unit seems to have an upward bias. In other words if the lamps are the car’s “eyes” it appears to be looking skyward and ahead while the Euro market Passat has a sterner, more road focused stare.
In my view this makes the Euro Passat a more serious, aggressive looking vehicle which lends it’s presence more gravitas and quality. There are other small details that add to the upscale impression the B8 Passat gives off as well.
A sharp, distinctive panel crease runs down the side and is integrated with the door handles
The wheels fill the wells better and the designs are higher quality -similar to Audi or performance VW wheels instead of economy car designs more common in the US
A wider, lower perceived stance. it’s total height is only 10 mm lower than the US Passat and the width difference is negligible. The length is reduced but the wheelbase is almost the same. Wheels closer to the corners of the vehicle always help lend that road hugging look.
A sedan rear design that brings to mind the rare -and dead- VW Phaeton
More Powerplant Choices
Now that the US government has capriciously killed off the very efficient TDI Passat in the US for now the only power plants available in the US market Passat are two gasoline powered units:
- 1.8L turbocharged inline 4 capable of 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque
- 3.6 naturally aspirated V6 capable of 280 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque
The B8 Euro Passat is available with...
Petrol engines:
- 1.4L gasoline inline 4 capable of 123 hp/148 lb-ft or 148 hp/184 lb-ft depending on the “tune”
- 1.8L gasoline inline 4 capable of 178 hp/236 lb-ft
- 2.0L gasoline inline 4 capable of 217 hp/258 lb-ft
- 1.4L gasoline I4/electric hybrid capable of 218 hp/184 lb-ft
Diesel engines:
- 1.6L diesel inline 4 capable of 120 hp/184 lb-ft
- 2.0L diesel inline 4 capable of 150 hp/251 lb-ft, 190 hp/295 lb-ft or 240 hp/369 lb-ft
As you can see there are many more power plant options in the Euro market. Minimal badging is popular in Germany and Scandinavia so when you see these Passats driving about it can be tricky to tell which power plant is in use although diesels are the popular choice. The fuel economy they offer is amazing for the level of performance.
The 2.0L version with 240 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque sounds particularly appealing to me with it’s 6.1 second 0-62 MPH acceleration time and combined fuel economy rating of over 42 MPG (US gallons).
If I get the chance to drive any of the Euro spec diesel models I'll plan to report back as I'm currently doing with the BMW 320d I have now.
What do you think? Which version of the Passat do you find more appealing? Have another favorite car that isn't available where you live? Share it below in the comments.