2010 VOLKSWAGEN Passat 1.6L TDI 6MT FWD (105 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Volkswagen introduced a heavily facelifted version of the sixth generation of the Passat in 2010, and despite naming it as being the seventh, it was more of a sixth and a half.

The Passat was already one of the best-selling nameplates in history, with over 15 million units sold worldwide since 1973. It was sold around the globe, and the carmaker even considered building it differently for specific markets.

For the refreshed version, the 2010 Passat gained a new front styling that resembled the Scirocco, a sporty hatchback based on the Golf. Its three horizontal slats on the upper grille made the car look wider, even though it wasn’t. Still, it was longer and had the same height as its predecessor. With its more angular lines and the Phaeton-inspired taillights, the mid-size sedan was a hit on the market, something that Volkswagen desperately needed to recover from the Dieselgate scandal.

Inside, the materials’ quality was improved over its predecessor. The car was offered on the European market in three trim levels: Trendline, Comfort, and Highline. Depending on the version, there were different infotainment units and chromed accents around the cockpit. The front bucket seats provided adequate side support and enough comfort for long distances. There was room on the bench for three occupants, although the front-to-back transmission tunnel took some of the middle passenger’s legroom.

Under the hood, Volkswagen installed only Euro 5 engines since they were mandatory starting with 2009. This time, though, it shrunk the offer on turbo-diesel engines but made them cleaner. Last but not least, the gasoline versions were changed.