Passat 2015 & Alltrack 2015

[dieterbohlen]

Hi all.

After reading information about new Passat B8 which is apparently comes to Australia in third quarter of the next year, which is around July-September 2015, I'm wondering if VW will release an updated version of Alltrack based on B8 Passat platform.
Is there any information about that or will it be pushed back to 2016-2017, if ever?

Just thinking about getting Passat Wagon as a next car but not sure whether to wait another year for updated B8 model or get the current B7. Not sure if the price for B7 will go severely down once B8 is on the horizon?

Another question was whether to get TSI or TDI, according to most people TDI is better than petrol version, Is it true? I know that diesel version is more expensive but it also offers more features as standard inclusions. And then again if i were to choose TDI, is there a huge difference between TDI and Alltrack (features wise) besides the obvious (price and evaluated suspension)?

Thanks

[kleung]

according to most people TDI is better than petrol version, Is it true?

1. Who is 'most people'?
2. Define 'better'?

For example in the B7 range, the 3.6l VR6 outperforms the diesel by a significant margin, and has AWD, but the TDI returns significantly better fuel economy, and is cheaper.

Depending on how you intend to use the car, either could be 'better'. Towing or lots of driving? Probably the diesel. Lots of short trips, or you don't do lots of kms per year? A petrol would probably be a better fit.

Personally, I prefer a NA petrol, despite the higher fuel consumption. I've driven a number of VW diesels, and I didn't like the turbo lag - especially in a 125TDI Passat CC. You put your foot down, and nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, WOAAAAHHH.

is there a huge difference between TDI and Alltrack (features wise) besides the obvious (price and evaluated suspension)?

With the B7, the 130TDI was only available in FWD form in Australia, while the Alltrack had 4MOTION AWD, if that's important to you. Skoda currently offer the Superb in both FWD and AWD forms, so it's possible that VW will bring the AWD TDI variant to Australia with the B8, but there's no information either way at this stage.

[tigger73]

1. Who is 'most people'?

In speaking to my local dealer he indicated that "a lot" of people looking at the Passat would buy the 130TDI over the 118TSI. It wasn't necessarily that it was diesel over petrol just the way that VW has arranged the models/engines in Aus that you can either get the entry level or top of the range in petrol but if you want a mid-range vehicle it's only available in diesel.

The 130TDI performs very well and certainly if you stepped out of a 118TSI into a 130TDI it's a decent step up in performance (118kW/250Nm to 130kW/380Nm). You really feel the massive 50% increase in torque. The 118TSI in the Passat is a good engine but to get the most out of it you have to run it higher into the rev range... which is probably not how a lot of people that buy Passats want to drive.

[booba]

Considering that the alltrack came out after the standard passat i would think the alltrack facelift would be 1-2 years from b8 passat release.

[andrew7]

Why wait, grab a Golf Alltrack (MQB platform) due out mid 2015

[dieterbohlen]

It rumoured to cost $40,000 plus. For this amount I would rather go with Passat.

[andrew7]

Similarly I think you find the new Passat Alltrack Wagon (when it eventually turns up down under) at approx $50k so a 10k saving.

[Cossor]

But, for my 5 cents, if comfort is important on country roads, wait for Alltrack!
Suspension more compliant than Std Passat sedan. (Comparison present Sedan vs Alltrack)
I am waiting for new Passat on MQB platform, With adaptive suspension!

[JB's Dub]

2015 Volkswagen Passat Review | CarAdvice

Here is a review on the new Passat. From what this says there will be no V6 on the new Passat but a BiTurbo diesel which makes the Passat quicker than a GTI with stupidly low fuel consumption.

[CaseySP]

Personally, I prefer a NA petrol, despite the higher fuel consumption. I've driven a number of VW diesels, and I didn't like the turbo lag - especially in a 125TDI Passat CC. You put your foot down, and nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, WOAAAAHHH.

This is very true with the gearbox in auto mode - use sports mode or, even better, the paddles, get the engine in the right gear (like any turbo car needs to be) and its a different story - instant response and punchy torque.

[Buzy_Robot]

Just wondering if Volkswagen are taking too long to bring the B8 Passat to market here:

Medium and large cars coming in 2015

Not that I ever expect it to match the sales of Toyota Camry or Mazda6 here in Australia, but other key competitors (eg. Ford Mondeo, Subaru Liberty etc) will have new or updated versions of their medium cars much earlier than the anticipated October 2015 Australian launch.

Hmmmm .....

[2VWs]

My view is go with a B7 rather than waiting for the B8. It is likely there will be teething problems with the new platform so hence my view about the B7. Our Passat is a 3.6l V6 and has adaptive suspension. Our fuel economy is 10.2 l/100km which is pleasing for the amount of city driving we do. I've driven the TSI Passat on rental cars; I've found it sluggish at starting and I don't like to push the revs. If I was forced to decide between a TSI or diesel, then I'd go for the diesel but it would be unkind on the engine for short trips. Can you find a Passat or Alltrack now at a dealer?

[brenno]

I found an Alltrack in Sydney. I guess the release is imminent.