help with info about Passat

**RodinNSW** · 05-07-2017, 08:24 PM

Hi we currently own a Tiguan TDI however my wife has Multiple Sclerosis and we need a larger car to modify for her to drive, and to fit a mobility scooter in the back. We're hoping to still be a VW family and a Passat wagon looks like it might fit the bill. The car would need to be no more than 3 years old (as we're getting some financial assistance with the driver mods and they won't help with a car over 3yo) so we are looking at a minimum cost late 2014 model - but I need some more info and would be grateful if anyone could assist with the following:
1. What are the dimensions both length and width (between wheel arches) of the wagon cargo area with the rear seat up?
2. Do the all have a power operated opening and closing tailgate or was this an option/on some only? (this is a must as my wife can no longer do this on her own)
3. Do they all have auto headlights and auto wipers? (we have these on our current car and she'll need them on this one too)
4. Do they all have reversing camera?

We're hoping to get another TDI but this may not be possible within our budget. Is there anything I should be aware of or avoid, particularly with the petrol engines?

Many thanks in anticipation for your help
Rod

**Guest001** · 06-07-2017, 09:26 AM

1 A B7 has just over a metre between rear arches and is supposedly 1900 length with seats down and headrests stowed.
Depends on what you want to put in the rear as shortest dimension would be from top of the rear seat to the tailgate which is quite a bit less than the floor length.
As an example we couldnt get a top loader washing machine, lying down in without releasing the back seats and pushing them forward till vertical. Was also without its packing box. The rear opening is also less than 800 high over the rear sill
2 Power tailgate was a $700 option and you have to reach up and press the button in the bottom of the door to close it. Is only auto open.
3 Dont know mine is a highline and has all the options except adaptive chassis so does. Would think auto wipers are standard
4 Dont think so was part of the satnav package on mine for about $3000

Ok went and measured for you Boot floor 1010 from bottom of seatback to inside rear sill
From TOP of seat to door at same height is 890 However if you have the luggage cover in (which supports the seats)its only 750. Shape of taildoor makes length less as you go higher as well
Between the arches is 1010.

Height of opening from floor to highest point of door opening is 770 but due to curvature usable height is less. Also the sill is 45mm high so take that off in trying to put anything long in like our washing machine.

**linchpin** · 06-07-2017, 12:04 PM

Hi there

WRT #3 I am pretty sure all have the auto headlights. My 2012 has not got auto rain sensing wipers though
#4 At no more than 3 years old you would looking at 2014 onwards. From 12.5 onwards all came with sat nav &
reverse camera standard as far as I could find

This brochure might assist you

www.inchcapesydney.com.au/sites/default/files/brochures/volkswagen-passat.pdf

**RodinNSW** · 06-07-2017, 02:15 PM

Thanks very much for this both of you - very helpful & the brochure has all the info I need for any other questions which might arise. Now I've made up my mind because it's the only car within my budget with the option of electric tailgate (my wife isn't able to do this herself anymore). Now we just need to sell the Tiguan and find a suitable Passat wagon. I'm really pleased that we'll still have a VW.

Rod

**Guest001** · 06-07-2017, 06:21 PM

I think the eqiv Ford Mondeo has an electric tailgate dont know if its any bigger inside though

**kleung** · 07-07-2017, 11:36 AM

Originally Posted by RodinNSW

2. Do the all have a power operated opening and closing tailgate or was this an option/on some only? (this is a must as my wife can no longer do this on her own)

From MY13, the reversing camera, power tailgate, bluetooth, dead cow and satnav became standard across the range, but as Hillbilly pointed out, you do need to push the tailgate-mounted button to close the tailgate. I imagine that these are standard on the new-shape B8 series too.

3. Do they all have auto headlights and auto wipers? (we have these on our current car and she'll need them on this one too)

All Australian Passats from the B6 (2005+) have had auto headlights and auto wipers standard. And they are proper auto headlights, not just dusk-sensing, in that they will be triggered earlier if the auto wipers are triggered frequently enough.

4. Do they all have reversing camera?

Since MY13, yes.

Is there anything I should be aware of or avoid, particularly with the petrol engines?

The 118TSI/132TSI got the dry-clutch 7-speed DSG which depending on your perspective might be a negative, but the TDI and V6 models got the 6-speeder.

ANother option to consider is the Skoda Superb or Skoda Octavia wagons, which might fit better into your price range, but I'm not sure about whether the power tailgate was standard on the Superb or not (definitely not the Octy). The Skodas are pretty much all VW under the skin.

**kamold** · 07-07-2017, 11:40 AM

With respect to the tailgate, you could have an auto electrician rig up an additional switch down in the boot area to allow someone to close the boot without the need to reach the raised tailgate.
In the MQB modules it is possible to modify the settings only to allow the interior button to also operate to close the boot but I don't believe this was possible in the PQ platform deck lid control modules...

**Guest001** · 07-07-2017, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by kamold

With respect to the tailgate, you could have an auto electrician rig up an additional switch down in the boot area to allow someone to close the boot without the need to reach the raised tailgate.
In the MQB modules it is possible to modify the settings only to allow the interior button to also operate to close the boot but I don't believe this was possible in the PQ platform deck lid control modules...

I did read somewhere that the reason you can only close it while standing there was a safety factor Imagine a kid sitting with its legs hanging out when mum or dad shuts the tailgate without looking. They run them over when reversing so this would be a definite possiblity but I can see in this ladys case it would make sense, perhaps with the addition of a buzzer when it activates.
The extended switch down lower makes sense however, but as i found out yesterday when I left my keys just inside the door you need to get out of the way fairly quickly.

**kamold** · 07-07-2017, 02:26 PM

Of course that's why its not enabled from the factory and its possibly in breach of ADR rules...
However in the case of vehicles modified to aid in mobility I dare say there is a lot of leniency applied to the rules as long as it is professionally modified.