Especificaciones y análisis del Volkswagen Passat
Power
150HP
Torque
310Nm
Consumption
8.8l/100
Emissions
-g/km
0-100 km/h
11.1s
Top Speed
206km/h
Weight
-kg
Price
32,797€
Technical summary
Gasóleo
Automático 5v
AWD
5 / 5 doors
450 L
62 L
110 kW
Current
Technical specifications
Engine
Capacities
Detailed analysis of the Volkswagen Passat Variant Highline 2.5 TDI tiptronic 4Motion · 150 CV (1999-2000)
General description
The 1996 Volkswagen Passat Variant Highline 2.5 TDI Tiptronic 4Motion is a vehicle that, despite its age, still evokes a sense of robustness and reliability. This model, with its estate body, was designed for those seeking space, comfort, and powerful diesel performance, all wrapped in the sobriety and quality that Volkswagen has always promised. Its 2.5 TDI engine, combined with 4Motion all-wheel drive and Tiptronic transmission, made it a very attractive option for long journeys and adverse weather conditions, offering a safe and pleasant driving experience.
Driving experience
Behind the wheel of this Passat, the predominant feeling is one of solidity and poise. The 150 hp 2.5 TDI engine delivers its power linearly and forcefully, with 310 Nm of torque available from low revolutions, which facilitates overtaking and highway driving. The 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, although not the fastest of its time, offers smooth and predictable shifts, contributing to a relaxed driving experience. The 4Motion traction provides exceptional grip, instilling confidence on curves and slippery surfaces. The suspension, with a deformable parallelogram on the front axle, filters out road irregularities well, although the comfort does not reach that of a luxury sedan. Overall, it is a car that invites you to devour kilometers with peace of mind and safety.
Design and aesthetics
The design of the 1996 Volkswagen Passat Variant is a clear example of Volkswagen's philosophy of the era: functional, sober, and timeless. Its lines are clean and understated, with a silhouette that prioritizes interior space and cargo capacity. The Highline version adds details that enhance its presence, such as 16-inch wheels and higher quality interior finishes. Despite its age, its aesthetic remains recognizable and, for many, elegant. The interior, though not dazzling, is ergonomic and well-built, with materials that withstand the test of time. Spaciousness is one of its greatest virtues, especially in the rear seats and the generous 450-liter trunk.
Technology and features
At the time, the Passat Variant Highline 2.5 TDI Tiptronic 4Motion incorporated advanced technology for its segment. The 2.5 TDI engine with direct injection, variable geometry turbo, and intercooler was a benchmark in diesel efficiency and performance. The Tiptronic transmission offered the convenience of an automatic with the possibility of sequential manual control. The 4Motion all-wheel drive, based on a Haldex system, guaranteed optimal traction in various situations. In terms of safety, it featured ventilated front disc brakes and rear discs, and it is expected that it included systems like ABS. Although these technologies may seem basic today, in 1996 they represented a considerable level of sophistication for an estate car.
Competition
In the market for mid-to-high-end diesel estates of the late 90s, the Volkswagen Passat Variant Highline 2.5 TDI Tiptronic 4Motion faced tough competitors. These included the Audi A4 Avant, with which it shared a platform and some mechanical components, offering a more premium approach. It also rivaled the BMW 3 Series Touring, which prioritized a sportier drive, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate, known for its comfort and ride quality. Other contenders included the Opel Vectra Caravan and the Ford Mondeo Wagon, which offered a very competitive price-quality ratio, though perhaps with less mechanical and finish refinement than the Passat.
Conclusion
The 1996 Volkswagen Passat Variant Highline 2.5 TDI Tiptronic 4Motion is a car that represents the essence of German engineering of the era: robustness, functionality, and very capable diesel performance. It is an ideal vehicle for those who value space, the safety of all-wheel drive, and the convenience of an automatic transmission, all with the reliability expected from Volkswagen. Although its urban fuel consumption may be high by current standards, its ability to devour kilometers on the highway and its durability make it an interesting option for the second-hand market, provided a well-maintained unit is found. A modern classic that still offers a lot for little.