Volkswagen Passat B1 / B2 (1973–1988)

De Volkswagen Passat B1/B2 (1973-1988) was Volkswagen's first modern family car on the Audi 80 platform, with approximately 4,5 million B2 units built worldwide. From the Giugiaro-designed B1 fastback to the B2 with a five-cylinder 136 hp engine, Santana sedan, and Syncro all-wheel drive as a factory option — the Passat B1/B2 defined the center of the Volkswagen lineup for fifteen years.

The Volkswagen Passat was introduced in 1973 and, like the Golf, marked a significant change of direction for Volkswagen. Out with the rear-mounted air-cooled engines, welcome front-wheel drive and modern technology. The Passat was based on the Audi 80 and positioned itself as a spacious, comfortable mid-size car for families and business drivers.

1973 Volkswagen Passat

History and background

The Volkswagen Passat was introduced in 1973 and, like the Golf, marked a significant change of direction for Volkswagen. Out with the rear-mounted air-cooled engines, welcome front-wheel drive and modern technology. The Passat was based on the Audi 80 and positioned itself as a spacious, comfortable mid-size car for families and business drivers.

Over the years, the Passat grew into one of Volkswagen's most important models, especially in Europe. Where the Golf was the compact all-rounder, the Passat became the ideal travel car: spacious, comfortable, and reliable. Through multiple generations (B1 to B9), the model evolved from a fairly simple hatchback into a mature business car featuring luxury and technology that sometimes came close to premium brands. The station wagon (Variant), in particular, became enormously popular with families, sales representatives, and anyone who likes to carry a lot of luggage without having to buy a van.

Volkswagen Passat B1 interior

Design and interior

The B1 was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro — the same man who had also styled the Audi 80 B1. The result was a sleek, modern fastback body that stood in stark contrast to the air-cooled Volkswagens it replaced. Depending on the specification and market, two rectangular, two round 7-inch, or four round 5,5-inch headlights were present.

The B2 was instantly recognizable as a Passat but had a more modern and lower line, with larger rectangular headlights that gave the model a more businesslike appearance. The side panels and doors were slightly curved for a more exclusive look. In 1985, the B2 received a minor facelift with larger bumpers, a new dashboard design, and a new grille; at the same time, the three-door hatchback was dropped from the range.

Model variants

Passat B1 sedan / hatchback (1973–1981) — the introduction:

Available at launch as a two- and four-door fastback sedan. In January 1975, three- and five-door hatchbacks with an identical profile were added. In 1974, the five-door estate/Variant arrived — also sold with an Audi badge in North America.

Passat B1 facelift (1977–1981) — revised version:

In 1977, the B1 received a revised interior and exterior. Larger bumpers, improved dashboard, slightly modified nose.

Passat B2 hatchback / Variant (1981–1988) — the second generation:

Three- and five-door hatchback plus five-door estate. The three-door hatchback was discontinued in 1985. The top five-cylinder 2,2-liter engine was a novelty compared to the B1.

Volkswagen Santana (1981–1985 as Santana, 1985–1988 as Passat sedan) — the sedan:

The four-door sedan version of the B2 was sold as the Volkswagen Santana until early 1985 — a separate model name to distinguish it from the hatchback Passat. After the 1985 facelift, the sedan shared the Passat name and the updated front end.

Passat B2 Syncro (1983–1988) — four-wheel drive:

In 1983, the four-wheel drive Syncro variant appeared, both as a Passat and as a Santana. The Syncro was available with a five-cylinder petrol engine and as an estate/Variant — an early example of four-wheel drive in a family car.

The Volkswagen Passat B1 was introduced in 1973 and the B2 ended production on March 31, 1988 — fifteen years, several million units, and the two generations that definitively marked the transition for Volkswagen from air-cooled to water-cooled, from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive. From the Giugiaro-designed B1 that brought Audi 80 technology to a wider audience, to the B2 with the five-cylinder Syncro flagship model and the Santana that was built in China until 2012 — the Passat B1/B2 laid the foundation for one of the best-selling cars in Volkswagen history.

Volkswagen Passat B2

The Passat is always one of the most important models of Volkswagen has been. In 2006, with 725.000 cars sold, the new model was even the most successful model of the entire Volkswagen Group. In 2006, about 9000 fewer Golfs were sold than Passats.

Competitors

The Passat B1/B2 competed in the European D-segment of family cars. Direct competitors were:

• Ford Taunus TC / Sierra (Germany) / Cortina Mk3/Mk4 (UK)
• Opel Ascona B / C
• Renault 18 / 20
• Peugeot 305/505
• Fiat-Argenta

Successor model

De Passat B3 was introduced at the 1988 Geneva Motor Show — the first Passat on a completely independent Volkswagen platform, for the first time with a transversely mounted engine. With this, the direct platform link with Audi, which had characterized the B1 and B2, disappeared. The B3 was also the first Passat without a hatchback body.