Volkswagen Passat GT is safe even for beginner drivers on snowy roads

Volkswagen’s flagship business sedan Passat GT returned after a partial change (face lift). The Passat GT, which came back with advanced technology, provided a comfortable and stable driving experience even for beginner drivers the day after snow.

The Passat GT is the representative best-selling car of Volkswagen, which has sold more than 30 million units in Europe and around the world, continuing to evolve with the 8th generation since its launch in 1973.

The Passat GT, which Volkswagen launched in Korea this time, is a 2018 European 8th generation partially modified model. The integrated driving assistance system,’IQ. It features Volkswagen’s new technologies such as’Drive’ and the state-of-the-art infotainment system’MIB3′ for the first time in the brand. The test drive was conducted with the intermediate trim’Prestige’.

The first impression of the new Passat GT was the’clean commuter sedan’. The size was about the size of a Hyundai Avante, and it had a sporty atmosphere rather than a profound. The front part, decorated with chrome grills, was nice, but I thought it looked a little old at the back.

Compared to the existing 8th generation model, there is no significant change in appearance. The location of the headlamp, the front bumper, and the rear muffler tip have been changed in several places, but it is difficult to notice if you take a quick look. The interior interior was similar to the previous work, which was faithful to the basics. The analog clock in the center of the center fascia was removed and a 10.25-inch digital cluster was applied.

The new Passat GT applies’MIB3′ for the first time in the brand, so you can use some smartphone apps (application programs) such as phone calls and messages without using a smartphone while driving. It was rare to use it while driving, but it was remarkable that it maximized its usability by linking it with a digital instrument panel. MIB3 supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has a wireless charging function.

Compared to the size of the vehicle, the loading space was very spacious. The trunk capacity is 586L, and when the rear seats are folded, it increases to 1152L. Starting with the Prestige model, an electric trunk is applied, so you do not have to open and close it. The trunk is opened by pressing the rear Volkswagen emblem. The rear seats were spacious and relaxed for an adult woman with a height of 160 cm. However, it seemed to feel a little low to a tall adult.

Returning to the driver’s seat, I started the engine and stepped on the accelerator pedal with trembling heart. The reporter is a beginner driver who has entered three months of driving experience. The senior reporter who ordered a test drive laughed with the advice to “turn on the semi-autonomous driving function” and left a request to “come back alive.”

The day before the test drive, the snow fell and the road was uneven, so when I sat in the driver’s seat, my heart pounded. However, the Passat GT started stably as if alleviating anxiety. After hitting the ground, smooth cornering was possible thanks to the steering wheel, which was not heavier than expected, and it was not pushed downhill. The curved sections and steep hills were also easily digested. Volkswagen Korea announced that “we have installed winter tires.”

However, the shock delivered to the body was greater than expected as it crossed the speed bump in a situation where the speed was attached to some extent. I think there must have been some due to poor driving. The video reporter, who had heard of his driving experience, could not take his hand off the handle above the passenger seat.

Following the advice of his senior, he turned on Volkswagen’s ambitious semi-autonomous driving system’Travel Assist’. Travel Assist’s solid support was pretty reliable. In addition to maintaining the speed, it kept the car in the car without shaking even if the hand was temporarily released. Even a novice driver who has been driving on an icy road for the first time has relieved a bit of tension that he could not miss. Thanks to this support, I was able to enjoy the acceleration gradually.

In particular, the lane maintenance function was outstanding in the corner section. Even though I wasn’t holding the steering wheel hard, it steered left and right, keeping the lane steady. Travel Assist can be turned on with a button on the left side of the steering wheel, and it runs from start to 210 km/h, maintaining the lane, speed, and distance to the vehicle in front.

The new Passat GT will be released with △Premium △Prestige △Prestige 4motion 3 trims. Volkswagen has applied advanced safety and convenience specifications that are highly preferred by consumers, such as installing Travel Assist on all trims. From the Prestige, heated steering wheels, ventilation seats for the front seats, heated seats for the rear seats, etc. will be added, and Park Assist and Around View will be added to the Prestige 4 Motion.

The price of the car is △Premium 44,335,000 won, △Prestige 4927 million won △Prestige 4motion 53218,000 won. When using Volkswagen Financial and the vehicle return compensation program, the purchase price of premium trim drops to 37 million won. I thought that it was reasonable to be able to enjoy the various convenience specifications of Volkswagen in Germany at the range of 30 to 40 million won.

It is unfortunate that it is a diesel vehicle. The fuel economy is good for long distance drivers, but domestic consumers prefer gasoline or hybrid. I felt a little behind from the cutting edge of the 2021 fashion when electric cars are on the rise. Since it is a model released in 2018, the design that feels somewhat safe was also a disappointment.

The new Passat GT can be defined as a’model faithful to the basics’. This is because there are no shortcomings and price competitiveness. Isn’t it a good model as one of the choices of a family car for the family or the first introductory imported car in the 30s and 40s?

Shin Hyun-ah, Hankyung.com reporter [email protected]
Video = Choi Hyuk, reporter of Hankyung.com [email protected]
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