Sorry B7, you loss to the new Passat . . .

[Mark]

No flames here people . . . just what is to come.

I hate to say it . . . but to be honest the B7 is just an updated B6. With the New Passat coming out VAG has just made a current problem for themselves larger, intra-company sales competition. With the B7 just released, VW has released the new Passat in Europe. The car has the same technology as the B7, but with a whole lot more to boot. The pricing of the B7 A4 isn't desirable either, and for those that don't want a hatchback A3 this is a problem.

Enter the Gen 6 Passat . . . same B7 2.0T, or a brand new 280hp 3.6 FSi Vr6 and with the same AWD, offered in a 6 speed manual. A fully loaded 3.6 will cost just about the price of a fully loaded 2005 A4 2.0T. Audi still hasn't fully addressed the interior problems that have plagued A4 since even the B5, namely space. The rear seats of the B6 are tight, and not comfortable for anyone tall at all. The sunroof being fully opened creates a nasty and deafening cabin resonance at 35mph . . . same problems for the B7?

Judge for yourself though, and ask the question . . . is the Audi name worth it? A car with more technology, costs less, more room, and has the same basic looks. I know many will say, well the Audi looks better . . . well ok . . . do you really like the front grill? Be honest . . . and consider the car as a whole. Some will say, we'll hell it is STILL a VW . . . what do you think an Audi is?

I'm not a hater, quite the contrary . . . I love my B6. I just don't think Audi did right with the B7 . . . and wouldn't buy one. So, to those that are looking into getting a new B7 . . . perhaps VW instead? I will go look at the new Passat though, and perhaps might just go back to my VW roots. [;)]

VWVortex Gen. 6 Passat info . . . (http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/volkswagen_news/article_1203.shtml?page=1)

http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/uploads/021__scaled_600_004.jpg

http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/uploads/022__scaled_600_007.jpg

http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/uploads/023__scaled_600_007.jpg

http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/uploads/013__scaled_600_008.jpg

http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/uploads/016__scaled_600_004.jpg

http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/uploads/017__scaled_600_009.jpg

http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/uploads/015__scaled_600_011.jpg

http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/uploads/017__scaled_600_009.jpg



More images at . . . (http://www.vwvortex.com/gallery/gallery2.php?mode=album&album=/Volkswagen/Passat/Passat%20VI/Passat%20Sedan%20(Europe)&start=0#)

[sxates]

I had a similar thought when I read about the new Passat. I was left thinking "geez--this thing has more than the A4 and is cheaper--what's up with that?"

I agree, VW is really edging into audi territory...

[CO AVANT]

Passat looks better inside and out over the B7

[IndieRockSteve]

wow, back to the dashboard ignition switch?! rock on!

[|Sandman|]

not very sporty in my opinion.... but very cool for its price..

Diogo

[Hassmeister]

Gotta say the headroom in the back seats in the B7 are [down] . I almost feel that my B5 has more room back there.

[foofighter]

just for clarification. All VW chassis will be running transverse motors now and will be using the haldex awd rather than the torsen.

But as mark summarized the new gen passat is marketed right in between the b7 and the a6 at a cheaper price!

[evilkoala]

wow, that does look promising. must say i am impressed

[Gzo17]

interior is nice....but look at the car from the side and back...I sh!t nicer turds than that

[Gzo17]

Originally posted by Mark
Some will say, we'll hell it is STILL a VW . . . what do you think an Audi is?

so you wouldnt buy a Ferrari b/c FIAT owns Ferrari?? or a MB b/c Daimler chrysler owns them?? [confused] not raining on your parade here...you made solid points

[2.7Thai]

I hope those aren't cupholders on top of the nav....You'd think they would have learned that its a sucky place to have cup holders. I do like the looks of that car though, but that chrome grille screams Nissan, and the overall shape reminds me of Lexus. The new German cars just dont have that German feel anymore IMHO.

[Mark]

Originally posted by Gzo17
so you wouldnt buy a Ferrari b/c FIAT owns Ferrari?? or a MB b/c Daimler chrysler owns them?? [confused] not raining on your parade here...you made solid points

no no no . . .we're on the same page, hard to convey sarcasm over the net sometimes. I am in total agreement . . .

should have written it like this:


"Some will say, we'll hell it is STILL a VW" . . . and I would retort "what do you think an Audi is"?

[evilkoala]

i would hope the cup holders would be under that sliding (looking) panel in the center console

[showcarmike]

the new passat is really nice...i wonder how much its gonna cost

[2.7Thai]

Originally posted by Gzo17
so you wouldnt buy a Ferrari b/c FIAT owns Ferrari?? or a MB b/c Daimler chrysler owns them?? [confused] not raining on your parade here...you made solid points

I dont know about the others but Daimler Chrysler may not be the same situation as Honda/Acura, Nissan/infinity, VW/Audi...etc. It more of a merger, to become like a global power in the auto world. Check out their site and read up about the company mission statement.DaimlerChrysler (http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/dccom/0,,0-5-7155-1-12898-1-0-0-0-0-0-8-7155-0-0-0-0-0-0-0,00.html)

Probably the best thing that happened to Chrysler IMHO.

[/\G]

are the a4 and passat still sharing the same lug pattern? If so, it might make the decision a little easier...

[astris]

Interior looks nice... but I would never buy a V dub especially for that much. Sorry, just can't shake the stigma.

Yes VW and Audi are stepping on eachother, but its not exactly a fair comparrison. The B7 is just a freshen up to keep the styling in line with the rest of the brand (and showcase the new motor), whereas the Passat is entirely new. Is this correct? So, in my opinion the new Passat should be compared to the B8 (whenever the hell that comes out). Since there is no B8, I guess you have to compare whats out there.

That being said... I would still much rather have a B7 (S4 especially).

[DRA4]

Is a nice car, but is not that sporty, more like a lex ride, The Audi is more sporty, thats the direction Audi is going, and i will follow.

[foofighter]

fully loaded Passat is said to be 38k? that's awd nice motor and interior appointment. I dont see that being expensive...with the new b7 2.0t fully loaded you're looking at a price tag of 37k from what i've read? so if the car's this much now i can only imagine it being more expensive when the b8 arrives. then what? Hardly a comparison...if the buyer is looking to maximize their dollar then the Passat will win. It's not as sporty as the audi line but i wouldnt let that bother me.

[robots_are_neon]

I think the new passat is awesome, but I am an audi man and just feel better about having an audi as opposed to a vw, im sure porsche people feel the same way about porsche to audi

[DoubleAudi]

Sorry but those back lights look like Corolla Lights

[astris]

Originally posted by foofighter
fully loaded Passat is said to be 38k? that's awd nice motor and interior appointment. I dont see that being expensive...with the new b7 2.0t fully loaded you're looking at a price tag of 37k from what i've read? so if the car's this much now i can only imagine it being more expensive when the b8 arrives. then what? Hardly a comparison...if the buyer is looking to maximize their dollar then the Passat will win. It's not as sporty as the audi line but i wouldnt let that bother me.

Sorry Foo, its still a dub. I would never buy a VW... especially when I can get an Audi for a comprable price. I know, I'm crazy.

Even though b7 and passat will probably compete against eachother, I still don't like comparing a new gen to a refresh. I wouldn't compare the current passat to the current (b7) a4. I'm not really sure what my point is anymore. Oh well, VWs are for girls! [eek] [;)] [:p]

[Crazy Quattro]

I dont see how you guys can say that interior is nicer than the b6/b7 A4.

I will still bet that the A4 can handle better than that car.

[A4 - Oh Snap]

the styling on that thing is a little boring.

[lavetaaxon]

yeah the interior looks really nice. im feeling the B7's body styling a little bit better though. but overall the vw line is coming up!

[Coolest A4 Guy]

Originally posted by robots_are_neon
I think the new passat is awesome, but I am an audi man and just feel better about having an audi as opposed to a vw, im sure porsche people feel the same way about porsche to audi

I agree. I would definitely (just for the heck of it and with no inference to the one I'm quoting, notice I spelled definitely correctly, jeepers - I've never seen a word mispelled so often as is done on the interenet) feel better about having an audi as opposed to a vw passat. But If I could I would and therefore I'd be a Porsche Man with one of those new 911 convertibles for 185k. Then I'd give you all a dirty look when you passed by in your little Audis.
But since that'll never be the case, a new loaded 06 GTI for 25k may permanently afix a grin on my face that, when seeing the four rings pass by and getting that dirty smirk back at me, will not come off, regardless. Maybe.
Still, Audi got VW beat in the panache dept., don't you think?

[1sicknickel]

o wow that is nice lookin I wouldnt buy one myself the styling is alot better with audi's

[Audi S4 Turbo]

Originally posted by astris
I'm not really sure what my point is anymore. Oh well, VWs are for girls! [eek] [;)] [:p] hahahaha still laughing.... hahah im in tears funniest thing..

[mksap11]

But since that'll never be the case, a new loaded 06 GTI for 25k may permanently afix a grin on my face that, when seeing the four rings pass by and getting that dirty smirk back at me, will not come off, regardless.

Yeah, that'll never happen cuz that 25K doesn't even buy you a loaded Jetta V with the base 2.5L 150HP engine. [;)]

[raulg_usa]

MY story: just changed my 04 Passat (maybe 1-2 months ago). I found out from my dealer they have the new passat, I went there and I got a really good price on some 2006 2.0T tip passat. Nice car, a lot of improvements over my 04 manual passat. I really like it. Great car. Still, I always said the Audi looks better, so I went to check out the new Audi (2005.5-06 model). After a lot of thinking (not about the numbers/$, more about the look, the quality, etc) I had no decision. The new Passat looks really good. Not like the new jetta which is 100% toyota corola (my opinion), I would never buy the jetta, but the Passat is wider and I think that changes the car a lot. Plus other body changes (headlights, etc) that pull away from that toyota corola look to something I can say is a good looking car.

So, I am at the Audi dealer and I can't make a decision, because in my head I was trying to remember the Passat (interior/exterior) and to compare it with an A4 (which I was checking at that time). Finally, I asked the guy if it's possible to take the Audi to the VW back yard (actually 0.5 miles away) to make sure what car I want.
I found a 06 Passat and I parked the Audi right next to him. And from this moment I knew what I really want. Still, I spent the next 45 minutes checking everything: interior and exterior, from inside and outside (far and close), back and front .. every little detail. And (in my opinion, do not shot me for this) at every little detail the AUDI won points in my head. Although the Passat is longer (and respectively has more space inside, especially in the back row) I do not need a longer car. For those who need a larger family car they should go for it. Not me, anyway. Also, you get more stuff for the same money. But that’s how you pay the quality and sometimes just the trademark. I am OK with that. But believe me, u don’t get just the name, you get more.

The way I see it the new Passat is like a cheaper car than Audi, that looks good but not as good as Audi. This is how I see it and this is how it was made to be seen – by VW (who –as everybody knows- owns Audi). I am not saying is not a good car, it’s great. But I found one that is better. And I bought it in the same day I did that side by side comparison. [a4][a4][a4][a4]

[$lave2BMW]

Originally posted by raulg_usa
MY story:I did that side by side comparison. [a4][a4][a4][a4]

[:D]

[raulg_usa]

>>> . . do you really like the front grill? Be honest . . . and consider the car as a whole. Some will say, we'll hell it is STILL a VW . . . what do you think an Audi is? <<<

I love the front grill on Audi A4 B7. Please check the new A6. Also, the new A8/S8. The best front, ever.
Now, on the other side .. do you really like the front of the new passat? Isn't that toooo much shiny silver overthere? The front grill on the Passat is the only thing that I really disaprove on that car. My first question to the VW dealer was: does it come with something to cover (some of) that? It is just toooo much !

Don't just look at photos, check the real car. Sorry .. looks like a bold car.

I agree with lavetaaxon: >>"yeah the interior looks really nice. im feeling the B7's body styling a little bit better though. but overall the vw line is coming up!"<<

And certainly with DRA4 : >>"Is a nice car, but is not that sporty, more like a lex ride, The Audi is more sporty, thats the direction Audi is going, and i will follow."<<

[chubbychynk]

pictures are deceiving, I have a strong feeling the VW will be of cheaper fit and build quality than the Audi. Yes it will be nice compared to Toyotas, Chryslers, Fords, etc... but it will not have fit and finish akin to Audi, Mbz, Lexus, etc...

You aren't just getting more for less because of the VW badge. I don't know why people say that. I'm sure its going to be an awesome car though. Still the B7 front is much more desirable than that VW rear. That is literally butt ugly.

[mksap11]

Originally posted by chubbychynk
pictures are deceiving, I have a strong feeling the VW will be of cheaper fit and build quality than the Audi. Yes it will be nice compared to Toyotas, Chryslers, Fords, etc... but it will not have fit and finish akin to Audi, Mbz, Lexus, etc...

You aren't just getting more for less because of the VW badge. I don't know why people say that. I'm sure its going to be an awesome car though. Still the B7 front is much more desirable than that VW rear. That is literally butt ugly.

The fit and finish of my Touareg is easily as good as if not better than my B7. I also have features and options that I don't or can't get in the B7 (e.g. TPMS, 4-zone heating, air suspension, etc). Of course, with Touareg prices ranging from $37K to $60K, I suppose this is to be expected.

Haven't been in the new Passat yet so I can't comment on interior materials. Some people over on VWVortex have commented on the 'cheapness' of the interior and I 100% agree with you on the rear end of the Passat. [down] (I love the look of the Phaeton, however)

[Cassmoney]

It all depends on what Audi you get. The Audi allroad offers air suspension, 4 zone heating, etc. Also, the new B7 comes with heating as an option as well. My Mom owns a Toureg and she couldn't be happier with her purchase. The interior is very nice with the Touregs and with most VW's. I will say though, when you start to get towards the Jetta and Golfs, the interior is nothing like that of an A4 or A6.
The new passat is awesome looking and a great price to boot. It is something about Audi's exterior/interior styling that I really like and keeps me coming back.

Although, I did sit down in the new Jetta GLI and although not as luxurious as an A4, it is mad sporty and really gives you a lot for the price. I love the seats in that car too!

[elgallo]

You are right. But when it comes to the Passat, you need the v6. The 4 cyl eats too much gas because of the weight of the car. I just trade my '03 Passat for a '06 A4. The Passat may be a better buy, but I still love my Audis more.

[A4Alain]

Love my Audi but gotta love that refrig glove!!