At the Paris Motor Show in the fall of 2000, Volkswagen presented the updated fifth generation Passat, which received the B5.5 index (aka 5+). The car underwent changes in appearance, interior and technical part, after which it was produced until 2005 - it was then that the next generation model came out. In total, over its life cycle, the car has sold over 4 million copies worldwide (B5 and B5.5).
Restyling in quantitative terms has not fundamentally changed the Passat, but the style of the car has become completely different. The front part has noticeably changed, which has acquired new optics, a radiator grill with chrome crossbars and a bumper of a different configuration, and only other lights appeared at the back. The profile has remained the same, and of the innovations - only a thin chrome strip along the perimeter of the glazing.
The overall dimensions of the "fifth" Volkswagen Passat have not changed as a result of the update: 4669-4704 mm in length (the wheelbase is 2703 mm), 1460-1499 mm in height and 1740 mm in width. The ground clearance is 110-124 mm, depending on the version.
Salon decoration "Passat B5 +" received only a few new features. A chrome bezel around the scales was added to the dashboard, and an armrest was installed between the front seats. The rest is the same solid and ergonomic interior with a three-spoke steering wheel, a massive center console and high-quality finishing materials.
The stock of space in the Volkswagen Passat B5.5 is sufficient in both rows of seats, the front seats have an optimal profile, and the rear sofa has soft filling. The trunk of a car in the sedan body is designed for 475 liters (with the rear seats folded down - 800 liters), and in the cargo-passenger version - for 495 liters (1200 liters).
Specifications. The power line of the updated Passat B5 + has practically not changed - these are gasoline units with a volume of 1.6-2.8 liters, producing 101-193 horsepower and 140-290 Nm of thrust, as well as turbodiesels for 1.9-2.5 liters, the return of which has 90-150 “horses "And 210-310 Nm.
Among the innovations is a "formidable" 4.0-liter engine with a W-shaped arrangement of cylinders with a herd of 205 "mares" and a potential of 370 Nm.
There are three gearboxes - "mechanics" for five or six gears, 5-band "automatic".
For other technical parameters, the updated Passat (B5.5) is identical to the pre-reform model.
The advantages of the car are high-torque engines, a roomy interior, tenacious brakes, high-quality interior design, reliable design and decent equipment.
Disadvantages - stiff and short-lived suspension, low ground clearance, high interest from the hijackers.
Prices. In the Russian market, a restyled "Passat" of the fifth generation costs 250,000 - 450,000 rubles (data at the beginning of 2015).
