Volkswagen Passat (B3)

Volkswagen Passat (B3)
Volkswagen Passat (B3)
Overview
Also called	Volkswagen Passat B3
Production	1988–1993
Assembly	Germany: Emden; Slovakia: Bratislava (VWBA);
Designer	Herbert Schäfer
Body and chassis
Class	Large family car (D); Mid-size car;
Body style	4-door saloon/sedan; 5-door estate/wagon;
Layout	Transverse front engine, with front-wheel or four-wheel drive (syncro)
Platform	Volkswagen Group B3
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol engine:; 1.6 L EZ/RF/1F/ABN I4; 1.8 L PB/PF/RP/AAM/ABS I4; 1.8 L KR 16V I4; 1.8 L PG G-Lader I4; 2.0 L 2E I4; 2.0 L 9A 16V I4; 2.8 L AAA VR6; Diesel engine:; 1.6 L RA/SB turbo I4; 1.9 L 1Y I4; 1.9 L AAZ turbo I4;
Transmission	Four-speed automatic; Five-speed manual;
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Front-wheel drive: 2,625 mm (103.3 in); Syncro (four-wheel drive): 2,630 mm (103.5 in);
Length	4,575 mm (180.1 in)
Width	1,705 mm (67.1 in)
Height	1,430–1,500 mm (56.3–59.1 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	Volkswagen Passat (B2)
Successor	Volkswagen Passat (B4)

The third-generation Volkswagen Passat, known as Volkswagen Passat B3 or Volkswagen Passat 35i, was introduced in March 1988 in Europe, 1989 in North America, and 1995 in South America; it was also briefly available in Australia in 1991, when a total of 14 Passat GL 16V in sedan and wagon versions were sold by then importer TKM.^[2] Unlike the previous two generations of the Passat, the B3 was not available as a fastback - only 4-door sedan and 5-door station wagon versions were available, setting the precedent for the model for all subsequent generations to date. Its curvy looks were a contrast from the boxy appearance of its predecessor and owed much to the "jelly mould" style pioneered by Ford with the Sierra and Taurus. The lack of a grille, utilizing the bottom breather approach, made the car's front end styling reminiscent of older, rear-engined Volkswagens such as the 411, and also doubled as a modern styling trend. The styling was developed from the 1981 aerodynamic (c_d = 0.25) Auto 2000 concept car.^[3]^[4]

^ "Our Production < Products and Production < Volkswagen Slovakia". En.volkswagen.sk. 2011-08-11. Retrieved 2014-01-08.
^ "Volkswagen Passat 1995–1997". clubveedub.org. Retrieved 2020-01-19. Although the second series (1980-1988) Passat never officially made it to the Australian market, the third (1988-1993) certainly did. A few years ago (mid-1991) you could buy a brand new, Australian market (and hence Australian compliance) Passat sedan or station wagon from your local Volkswagen dealer. What many people don't realise is that TKM cancelled the Australian release of the Passat after 14 cars had already been sent over. Indeed it was an 11th hour pull out, as TKM had already showed the car at the 1990 Sydney Motor Show, with brochures and a price list, intending to have the car available in early 1991.
^ "Auto 2000 (1981)". Volkswagen AutoMuseum. Volkswagen AG. Archived from the original on 2006-07-07.
^ "1981 Volkswagen Auto 2000 - Concepts". Carstyling.ru. 2012-10-20. Retrieved 2014-01-08.

[1] "Our Production < Products and Production < Volkswagen Slovakia". En.volkswagen.sk. 2011-08-11. Retrieved 2014-01-08.

[2] "Volkswagen Passat 1995–1997". clubveedub.org. Retrieved 2020-01-19. Although the second series (1980-1988) Passat never officially made it to the Australian market, the third (1988-1993) certainly did. A few years ago (mid-1991) you could buy a brand new, Australian market (and hence Australian compliance) Passat sedan or station wagon from your local Volkswagen dealer. What many people don't realise is that TKM cancelled the Australian release of the Passat after 14 cars had already been sent over. Indeed it was an 11th hour pull out, as TKM had already showed the car at the 1990 Sydney Motor Show, with brochures and a price list, intending to have the car available in early 1991.

[3] "Auto 2000 (1981)". Volkswagen AutoMuseum. Volkswagen AG. Archived from the original on 2006-07-07.

[4] "1981 Volkswagen Auto 2000 - Concepts". Carstyling.ru. 2012-10-20. Retrieved 2014-01-08.

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