The history of the model started in 1969 when Audi NSU Auto Union AG became part of Volkswagen AG. Right after the “confluence” the companies carried out a collaborative project, the result of which was Audi 80. A year later, in 1973, the companies unveiled the first VW Passat which was constructed on Audi 80’s platform. The sensational novelty was front-wheel driven with water cooling system of the engine – for the first time on VW. Before Passat the company produced the models 1600 and 411, bur those were the cars with the rear placement of the engine – derivatives from pre-was Beetle.

 

The first generation of Passat was produced in two variants: 3- and 5-door and has a line of 3 petrol engines. The most power of them had 115 h.p. But the Germans didn’t stop at that point – in 1974 they unveiled the wagon Passat Variant. It immediately became popular with families and all the other fans of huge roots. In 1977, after 1 million Passats, the car of the 1st generation was modernized: in particular it was given new “aerodynamic” bumpers covered in plastic. And in a year the line of the engines was completed by a 50-h.p. diesel – in those times diesels were beginning to gain popularity. The new engine was very economical - 7.5 liters per 100 km.

Despite the stability of the buyers’ demand, it was obvious that the car must be restyled. The major task that was set before the engineers – to make the new car more distinctive from Audi 80, and it was accomplished. Passat got bigger and, moreover, got its unique style.

 

Having saved its usual features, the car was up-to-date with the time and automotive fashion. The car got two new modifications. The model line (at that moment it consisted of wagon and hatchback) was increased by the 4-door sedan Santana.

From 1984 on the car got another modification – 4WD wagon.

In the spring of 1988 the automotive market saw the Passat of the 3rd generation with the marking B3. The car got even bigger, and the wheel base – longer. The line of the engines was constantly updating: in 1991 Volkswagen created its renowned VR6 with 174 h.p. (which enabled the acceleration to 224 k.p.h.). In 1993 VW unveiled the Passat B4 which featured 2 airbags and a new braking system. The exterior changes included the classic radiator grille with a huge logo instead of the previously closed front end.

 

In 1996 the world saw the Passat of the 5th generation. The car opened a new page in the history of the car reaching the higher classes of passenger vehicles. The customer was offered three engines: 1.6 liter (100 h.p.), 2.3 liter (150 h.p.) and 2.8 liter (193 h.p.). The success of the car was enabled by the developed passive safety and the increased quality of the car. In the following years VW constantly developed the model – in 1998 the engine line was added by a turbo-diesel with 115 h.p. and ESP as a basic feature. In the autumn of 200 VW released the restyling version  - Passat GP which was later awarded the first prize in its class.

And eventually in the December of 2004 the company unveiled Passat B6 which claimed its place on the pedestal.

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