VW Passat Mk5, 1997 - 2005
The Mark 5 version of the new VW Passat was a ground up redesign, and rather than based on Golf platforms, had a new chassis developed alongside the newly introduced Audi A4, the replacement for the old Audi 80 model. It was front wheel drive but had the option of the Synchro 4 wheel drive system, effectively a renamed Quattro system from the A4.
The Mk5 Passat introduced a new design language into Volkswagen, heavily influenced by other premium German brands such as mercedes, giving the Passat a very upmarket feel, and moving it away from competitors like the Ford Mondeo, and towards that of more expensive German rivals. This was also reflected in the interior, which had blue backlit instruments, and used soft touch plastics and other expensive feeling materials to imbue a feel of quality. The curvy shape also meant the Passat was very low on drag with a Cd of 0.27 - lower than many sports cars even today.
The Passat was set up for comfort and designed to do many motorway miles, so it had extremely good ride quality, although wasn't known for being as sharp as some of its rivals with its handling, with noticeable body roll if pushed hard in corners. The car was available with a big range of engines, from 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 litre 4 cylinder petrol units, a 1.8 turbo from the Golf GTI, and narrow angle 5 cylinder V shape (essentially a VR6 engine with a cylinder removed) called the V5. The most popular engine by far in Europe was the 1.9 TDI 4 cylinder turbodiesel, capable of 50 mpg+ on an average run.
