2013 VW Passat Review
The VW Passat is popular in Europe especially in the UK where it ranks among the most popular family cars. In Kenya, its mildly popular having been overshadowed by the cheaper Japanese alternatives. It was at one time a government standard before it fell out of favor with the powers that be. It competes with the Toyota Avensis, Subaru Legacy, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4 and Toyota Mark X.
Detailed Review
The Volkswagen Passat is a 5 seater, full-sized family car that has been in production for eight generations starting from 1973 till present. It’s offered in both Saloon and Station Wagon body types with a range of petrol and diesel engines in the lineup. It’s related to the VW CC which is a coupe variant and the Passat Alltrack which is an off-road variant similar to the Subaru Outback.
Engines
The 2013 VW Passat is offered with a choice of 6 engines(4 petrol engines and 5 diesel) these are;
Petrol
1. The 1.4 Litre 122 PS TSI Petrol Engine
2. The 1.8 Litre 160 PS TSI Petrol Engine
3. The 2.0 Litre 210 PS TSI Petrol Engine
Diesel
1. The 1.6 Litre 105 PS TDI Diesel Engine
2. The 2.0 Litre 140 PS TDI Diesel Engine
3. The 2.0 Litre 170 PS TDI Diesel Engine
Transmission
These are linked to either a 6-speed automatic DSG transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission and available only in 2WD.
2013 VW Passat Grades
- VW Passat S – This is the base grade that comes with a choice of either 1.4L TSI, 1.8L TSI, 1.6 TDI or 2.0L TDI engines, start/stop function, battery regeneration, 15-Inch alloy rims, manual AC, Bluetooth, plain steering wheel and halogen clear headlights.
- VW Passat SE – This is a luxury grade that comes with a choice of either 1.4L TSI, 1.8L TSI, 1.6L TDI or 2.0L TDI engines, start/stop function, battery regeneration, 16-Inch alloy rims, automatic AC, Bluetooth, a multi-function steering wheel, xenon headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Alert System and Front Assist
- VW Passat Sport – This is a sports grade that comes with either 1.8L TSI, 2.0L TSI, 1.6 TDI or 2.0L TDI engines, sports suspension, sports seats, 17-Inch alloy rims, automatic AC, Bluetooth, a multi-function steering wheel, xenon headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Alert System, Front Assist, Ambient lighting, parking sensors and adaptive fog lights.
Interior
Legroom & Space
The VW Passat is a spacious and comfortable car. At the first row, there’s is sufficient legroom for both driver and passenger with enough space to recline as desired. At the second row, the legroom is similarly impressive and the seats are elevated and well padded.
Cabin Storage
There are several storage compartments in the cabin that are useful for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags etc. At the first row there are 4 cup-holders, door panel storage, a cubby box and glovebox. At the second row, there are 2 cupholders and and storage pockets on the front seats.
2013 VW Passat Boot Space
The boot is large enough to carry luggage for a family of five. The station wagon has a much bigger boot and the rear seats can fold down to create extra space when needed.
Other Extras: Adaptive Headlights, Navigation
Safety Features: SRS airbags, knee airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, ABS, EBD, Traction Control and Counter Support(ASR), 3 Point seat belts with ELR, Electronic stability control(ESC), Electronic Differential Lock(EDL), Lane Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Alert System,
Exterior
The VW Passat is a well designed car that appeals both to masculine and feminine buyers. The headlights are sharp and modern with daylight running lights on the higher grades. All grades come with alloy rims ranging from 15-Inch to 17-Inch.
2013 VW Passat Fuel Consumption
2013 VW Passat 1.4L TSI fuel consumption: 20.0 Km/L
2013 VW Passat 1.8L TSI fuel consumption: 17.1 Km/L
2013 VW Passat 2.0L TSI fuel consumption: 15.6 Km/L
2013 VW Passat 1.6L TDI fuel consumption: 27.9 Km/L
2013 VW Passat 2.0L 140 PS TDI fuel consumption: 23.1 Km/L
2013 VW Passat 2.0L 170 PS TDI fuel consumption: 22.6 Km/L
2013 VW Passat Acceleration
2013 VW Passat 1.4L TSI accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 10.3 sec.
2013 VW Passat 1.8L TS accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.5 sec.
2013 VW Passat 2.0L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.6 sec.
2013 VW Passat 1.6L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 12.2 sec.
2013 VW Passat 2.0L 140 PS TDI accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.8 sec.
2013 VW Passat 2.0L 170 PS TDI accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.6 sec.
2013 VW Passat Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 Litres
2013 VW Passat Ground Clearance
It has a ground clearance of 5.4 inches(137mm) which is below the minimum recommended ground clearance of 6.5 Inches for Kenyan roads and it may not clear some speed bumps. It might be necessary to modify the ground clearance to adjust the car to Kenyan roads. Read our guidelines here on how to safely increase a vehicle’s ground clearance.
2013 VW Passat Stability and Handling
These is an area where the VW Passat totally excels. None of its Japanese rivals including the Subaru Legacy feel as stable on the road as the Passat does. The acceleration is brisk even the mildly powered 1.4L is no slob and it picks speed quite fast.
Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil
Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
Service parts are fairly priced and shared with other VWs such as the Golf and the Touran. Body parts on the other hand are expensive and mostly available in Nairobi.
2013 VW Passat Reliability
The driving conditions in Kenya are significantly different from those in Japan and Europe. Reliability reviews done for those markets largely do not apply to the Kenyan market. There are differences in roads, fuel, climate, spares, and technical expertise. To give you accurate and reliable local insights, we interview experts such as mechanics and car dealers, who have in-depth knowledge of the Kenyan market. We also test the cars ourselves. Our aim is to give you the right information to enable you make an informed decision when buying a car.
The VW Passat is not as forgiving on poor maintenance as some of its Japanese rivals. The DSG gearbox has elaborate maintenance procedures and it should only be serviced by a qualified technician. It also requires a very specific transmission fluid with dedicated additives. Anything short of proper maintenance is catastrophic. Also, ensure you thoroughly read the Owner’s Manual as it contains vital information on the maintenance and operation of the car. Send us an email at [email protected] for a copy of the 2013 VW Passat Owner’s Manual.
Resale Value: Average
VW Passat Competitors: Toyota Avensis, Subaru Legacy, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4 and Toyota Mark X.
Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price: See Latest VW Passat Prices here
Comprehensive Insurance: Average Ksh. 52,000/ per annum- Or
3rd Party Insurance: Ksh. 7,000/- per annum
Change of Tyres(If neccessary) Ksh. 28,000/- for 4 Tyres
What we like about the 2013 VW Passat
1. Comfortable
2. Excellent safety ratings
3. Powerful
4. Good build quality
What we don’t
Low ground clearance
Conclusion
The VW Passat is an excellent family car that boasts of top notch safety ratings and premium quality build. It’s ideal for people with large families who value economy and comfort.
Where to Buy the 2013 VW Passat in Kenya
If you are looking to either import or buy the VW Passat locally, we can help you with this process. Over the years, we have developed a network of trusted dealers both in Kenya and UK who supply us with exceptional cars. Simply call us or send us a message through our contacts below and we’ll get you the right car at the right price.
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