In the grand theatre of automobiles, where the stars are judged not just by their speed but by how elegantly they can pirouette on the asphalt stage, the Volkswagen Passat has been a notable performer. Its evolution over the years has seen it adapt and refine its turning circle, a critical aspect often overlooked by those dazzled by horsepower and torque numbers. With the current model boasting a turning circle of 12.00 m, it's like witnessing a well-rehearsed ballet performance, only this is in parking lots and tight urban spaces rather than on stage.
VW Passat - How has the turning circle changed over the generations?
Tracing the lineage back to the 1973-1977 Passat B1, we've seen the evolution from a turning circle of 10.30 m to the current 12.00 m in the 2024-now B9 model. The increment, although seemingly minor, is a tale of technological advancement and changing priorities. From the agile and nimble B1, akin to a young prodigy making its first mark, to the mature and refined B9, each model’s turning circle reflects its era's engineering ethos and consumer expectations. As we moved through the generations, the gradual increase from 10.30 m to 12.00 m mirrors the car’s growth in size and sophistication, like comparing a young ballet dancer's first tentative steps to their confident strides as a principal performer.
VW Passat generationsGeneration year | Turning circle |
---|
Passat, Model year 1973 (B1) | 10 m |
Passat, Model year 1977 (B1 (1. Facelift)) | 10 m |
Passat, Model year 1980 (B2) | 10 m |
Passat, Model year 1985 (B2 (1. Facelift)) | 10 m |
Passat, Model year 1988 (B3) | 10 m |
Passat, Model year 1993 (B4) | 10 m |
Passat, Model year 1996 (Passat B5) | 11 m |
Passat, Model year 2000 (Passat B5 (1. Facelift)) | 11 m |
Passat, Model year 2005 (Passat B6) | 11 m |
Passat, Model year 2010 (Passat B7) | 11 m |
Passat, Model year 2014 (B8) | 11 m |
Passat, Model year 2019 (B8 (1. Facelift)) | 11 m |
Passat, Model year 2024 (Passat B9) | 12 m |
-
Passat, Model year 1973 (B1)
10 m
-
Passat, Model year 1977 ) (B1 (1. Facelift)
10 m
-
Passat, Model year 1980 (B2)
10 m
-
Passat, Model year 1985 ) (B2 (1. Facelift)
10 m
-
Passat, Model year 1988 (B3)
10 m
-
Passat, Model year 1993 (B4)
10 m
-
Passat, Model year 1996 (Passat B5)
11 m
-
Passat, Model year 2000 ) (Passat B5 (1. Facelift)
11 m
-
Passat, Model year 2005 (Passat B6)
11 m
-
Passat, Model year 2010 (Passat B7)
11 m
-
Passat, Model year 2014 (B8)
11 m
-
Passat, Model year 2019 ) (B8 (1. Facelift)
11 m
-
Passat, Model year 2024 (Passat B9)
12 m
The difference in Turning circle between first generation (B1) from 1973 and last generation (Passat B9) from 2024 is 2 m.
The turning circle of the current generation of Passat is 12 m.
The turning circle compared to other VW models
If the Volkswagen lineup were a royal family, the Passat would surely be one of its dukes. Noble, yet not overly pretentious. When compared to its kin, the affable VW up! models and the electric ID. series prance around with a turning circle of just 9.80 m and 10.30 m respectively, putting them in the category of court jesters, able to make quick turns and twists with ease. The Passat, with its 12.00 m radius, commands a more regal presence, balancing between agility and stately comfort. It might not dart around corners like a pageboy, but it navigates with a dignity befitting its status.
Turning circle: Passat vs. other models by VWVariant name | Turning circle |
---|
ID.7 | 10 m |
ID.7 Tourer | 10 m |
ID.5 | 10 m |
ID.4 | 10 m |
ID.3 | 10 m |
ID.3 GTX | 10 m |
Polo | 10 m |
Polo GTI | 10 m |
Taigo | 10 m |
T-Cross | 10 m |
ID.5 GTX | 11 m |
ID.4 GTX | 11 m |
Golf | 11 m |
Golf GTE | 11 m |
Golf Variant | 11 m |
T-Roc | 11 m |
T-Roc Cabriolet | 11 m |
T-Roc R | 11 m |
Tiguan | 11 m |
Touran | 11 m |
Touareg | 12 m |
Touareg R | 12 m |
ID.7 GTX | 12 m |
ID.7 Tourer GTX | 12 m |
Golf GTI | 12 m |
Golf R | 12 m |
Golf R Variant | 12 m |
Tayron | 12 m |
Passat Variant | 12 m |
-
ID.7
10 m
-
ID.7 Tourer
10 m
-
ID.5
10 m
-
ID.4
10 m
-
ID.3
10 m
-
ID.3 GTX
10 m
-
Polo
10 m
-
Polo GTI
10 m
-
Taigo
10 m
-
T-Cross
10 m
-
ID.5 GTX
11 m
-
ID.4 GTX
11 m
-
Golf
11 m
-
Golf GTE
11 m
-
Golf Variant
11 m
-
T-Roc
11 m
-
T-Roc Cabriolet
11 m
-
T-Roc R
11 m
-
Tiguan
11 m
-
Touran
11 m
-
Touareg
12 m
-
Touareg R
12 m
-
ID.7 GTX
12 m
-
ID.7 Tourer GTX
12 m
-
Golf GTI
12 m
-
Golf R
12 m
-
Golf R Variant
12 m
-
Tayron
12 m
-
Passat Variant
12 m
How does the turning circle of the VW Passat compare to it's nearest competitors?
Placing the Passat in the grand Colosseum against its rivals paints an epic picture. Consider the Mitsubishi Lancer and Opel Omega with their respective circles of 12.00 m and 11.00 m; the Passat dances within the same arena, albeit with a gown of greater dimension. Meanwhile, entities like the Dodge Nitro and VW Nutzfahrzeuge Amarok, with turning circles flaring out to 11.10 m and 13.00 m, remind us that size does indeed matter, but so does the grace with which one uses it. The Passat’s turning radius, when viewed in the company of these contenders, highlights a balance of functionality and finesse that's as admirable on the road as it is in a parking lot duel. Like a knight adept both in the joust and the intricate steps of courtly dances, the Passat holds its ground admirably against these challengers.
Turning circle: VW Passat vs. similar carsCar model | Turning circle |
---|
Aixam Ambition 2023 | 8 m |
Aixam Emotion 2020 | 8 m |
Aixam Minauto 2023 | 8 m |
Ligier JS 50 2019 | 8 m |
Aixam Sensation 2017 | 8 m |
Casalini 550 2022 | 9 m |
Casalini M20 2022 | 9 m |
Ligier JS 60 2020 | 9 m |
Peugeot 508 2023 | 10 m |
SEAT Ateca 2020 | 10 m |
Skoda Karoq 2017 | 10 m |
Hyundai Tucson 2004 | 10 m |
Audi A2 2000 | 10 m |
VW Arteon 2020 | 11 m |
Cadillac XT4 2020 | 11 m |
DS Automobiles DS 7 2022 | 11 m |
Hyundai ix55 2009 | 11 m |
Mercedes-Benz GLC 2015 | 11 m |
Hyundai Grand Santa Fe 2013 | 11 m |
Jaguar XF 2008 | 11 m |
Dodge Journey 2008 | 11 m |
Mercedes-Benz CLS 2004 | 11 m |
ALPINA XD3 2013 | 11 m |
Infiniti QX30 2016 | 11 m |
Mercedes-Benz R-Klasse 2005 | 11 m |
VW Passat 2024 | 12 m |
VW ID.7 2023 | 12 m |
ALPINA XD4 2021 | 12 m |
BMW X5 2000 | 12 m |
Mercedes-Benz GL-Klasse 2006 | 12 m |
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