Big and beautiful

摘要

It took a long time, but the Passat eventually became a desirable and aspirational model. Peter Noad profiles the TDI versions of the B5 generation. VOLKSWAGEN'S engineers seemed unable to decide whether the Passat should have its engine mounted longitudinally or transversely. The first two generations were longitudinal then, in 1988, Volkswagen switched to a transverse engine for the Mk 3 Passat, proclaiming that it gave greater cabin space.. But for the Mk 5, which was launched in 1996, VW reverted to Audi practice and installed the engine longitudinally.