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Business & Money • Automotive

Volkswagen Passat

The Volkswagen Passat is a mid-size family car produced by Volkswagen since 1973.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Volkswagen Passat is a mid-size family car produced by Volkswagen since 1973. It has been sold in multiple body styles and markets, including saloon and estate versions, and has been offered under several nameplates in some countries. By 2026, the Passat is in its ninth generation and is marketed primarily as an estate in some markets, including the UK.

History

The Volkswagen Passat debuted in 1973 and has evolved through nine generations. Over time, it has been sold in various body styles and has been renamed in some markets.

Body styles and markets

Depending on the generation and region, the Passat has been offered as a saloon, estate, and hatchback. European and UK models have often emphasized estate practicality, while other markets have seen sedan-focused versions.

Powertrains

The Passat has used a wide range of engines over its history, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid options. Recent UK-market versions are reported with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, paired with automatic transmissions.

Market position

The Passat is positioned as a practical mid-size family car within Volkswagen's lineup. It has been marketed toward buyers wanting interior space, long-distance comfort, and everyday usability.

Key facts

  • The Volkswagen Passat has been in production since 1973 and is currently in its ninth generation.
  • It has been sold under multiple nameplates including Dasher, Santana, and Quantum.
  • By 2026, UK-market Passats are offered with hybridised powertrains and automatic transmissions.
  • Global sales have reached approximately 34 million units.
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Canadian context

The Passat has been relevant to Canadian readers as a Volkswagen family car sold in the Canadian market for many years, though availability has varied by generation and model year.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Volkswagen Passat?
A mid-size family car produced by Volkswagen since 1973, sold in several body styles and markets.
How many generations of the Passat are there?
The Passat is in its ninth generation.
Has the Passat been sold under other names?
Yes. It has also been marketed as Dasher, Santana, Quantum, Magotan, Corsar and Carat in different markets.
What body styles has the Passat had?
Depending on generation and market, it has been offered as a saloon, estate, and hatchback.
Is the Passat still sold in the UK?
Yes. Current UK-market Passat models are offered primarily as an estate with hybridised powertrains.

References

  1. Top Gear — https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/volkswagen/passat
    Supports: Ninth-generation Passat and current UK-market powertrain information.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Passat
    Supports: General history, 1973 introduction, body styles, alternate nameplates, and reported global sales.
  3. RAC — https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/volkswagen/passat/passat/
    Supports: Current size, hybrid powertrains, and UK-market transmission details.
  4. Auto Express — https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/volkswagen/passat
    Supports: Estate-only emphasis in the ninth generation and drivetrain details.
  5. Volkswagen UK — https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/en/new/passat.html
    Supports: Manufacturer description of the Passat as a spacious estate car.