In the era of fuel vehicles, the normal rhythm of model updates is: a major update every five years and a minor update every three years. In the current new energy era, SAIC Volkswagen’s flagship model Passat also has to keep up with the pace. It was updated in March last year and again at the end of October. What changes does the 2024 Passat bring? How is the market? Let’s go to the store today to find out!
First, let’s talk about the changes, there are four aspects. The first is in the exterior color, it has removed the gold and added the same starry night blue as the SAIC Audi A7L, which is still quite high-end.
Secondly, the 380 version now offers the option of a starry front face, allowing for a more youthful and stylish appearance while still maintaining efficient power.
Third, the 380TSI has added the Elite Edition configuration. The previous Elite Edition was a more practical version, but now the Elite Edition can truly live up to its name. Fourth, in terms of pricing adjustments, the luxury and flagship versions have been reduced by 6600 yuan (930$) and 9600 yuan (1350$) respectively. At the same time, a series of new configurations have been added, including IQ Smart Car Link, IQ360 panoramic view, IQ Parking Butler, and sensor rear tailgate. Therefore, its overall cost performance and competitiveness have become stronger.
So, which configuration of the new model is more worth choosing? Let’s keep you in suspense, we’ll talk about it later. Exterior: In terms of appearance, although the overall positioning of the Passat is towards luxury and stability, the front face of the 2024 Passat has changed the overall design concept of the “chrome army” at this level, instantly enhancing the overall delicacy and sense of technology. In addition, the starry sky version is embellished with chrome decoration on the intake grille, giving a feeling of a starry sky, and a light strip running through the middle. Overall, the sense of technology has been enhanced.
Interior Highlights The style of the central control panel has not changed, but all models have switched from genuine leather steering wheels and seats to faux leather material. With cost control, a large amount of soft materials and leather wrapping are used, making the riding experience more comfortable.
The car is equipped with wireless Carplay and Carlife, which allows for voice control of the air conditioning temperature, music playback, and more. It also has added remote control through a mobile app to access real-time vehicle location and status. All models come with automatic emergency braking, and except for the base version, they all have full-speed adaptive cruise control. Overall, considering the price range of around 200,000, the overall configuration is quite impressive.
Rear seats.
How is the space in the second row? Let’s have our 1.75-meter tall assistant take the stage! The front row has been adjusted to his normal driving position. Thanks to the 2871mm wheelbase, there is still a space of 2 fists for the knees and 1 fist for the head.
However, the central bulge of the rear row is still quite noticeable, the feeling of sitting in the middle, I don’t need to evaluate, you know! The central bulge of the rear row is still quite noticeable, the feeling of sitting in the middle, I don’t need to evaluate, you know!
Power The 2024 Passat still has three power versions: 1.4T, 2.0T low power, and 2.0T high power. The 1.4T is only for commuting, with 110kW/250Nm. The 2.0T low power version has 137kW/320Nm, providing smooth overtaking and quick acceleration. If you occasionally want good value for money, this version is the one to choose. The high power version is much stronger, with 162kW/350Nm, focusing on a thrilling driving experience. It is equipped with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
Market and shopping advice In terms of purchasing advice, I personally do not recommend the 1.4T version, as this configuration feels a bit like “a small horse pulling a large cart”, and the stability is not good with the matched dry dual clutch.
Today in the store, this model is the flagship version. For home use, I recommend the elite version, which offers great value. It adds ventilated front seats, seat memory, and the driver’s lumbar support is now four-way adjustable. The passenger seat has added height and lumbar support adjustments. Overall, the configuration has been improved. The elite version is now available in 330 and 380, with the 330 price remaining unchanged. It can be said that it is an increase in quantity without an increase in price.
If I were to buy it myself, I would choose the 380 Starry Sky Elite Edition. The price difference between it and the 330 is 2400 yuan (340$). Spending an extra 2400 yuan (340$) will increase the horsepower from 186 to 220, and it comes with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. This guarantees smoother shifting, more powerful performance, and more stable quality. It also gives more confidence when overtaking at high speeds. Of course, the 380 Elite Edition is also good, the only difference is in the front face. In summary, the 2024 Passat has a more youthful appearance and improved configuration, bringing a more affordable choice in terms of power.
As for the price, the current discount is around 30,000, which means you can get the 380TSI elite version for just over 170,000, and the final price won’t exceed 200,000. There are many options at this price point, but the choices become more limited when you consider the space and power it offers. Additionally, in cities with purchase restrictions, such as my city Shenzhen, you can choose the PHEV version for around 210,000. Alright, that’s it for today. Let me know in the comments what cars you want to see next.