Exploring the Volkswagen Passat Plug-in Hybrid: Efficiency and Comfort at the Forefront

More than 50 years of history back the adjectives of spacious and capable under the name Passat. Volkswagen has created, and adapted over the years and advancements, a family car (now more than ever with its only Variant body) that now features a very sporty grille, an illuminated logo, or a panoramic sunroof on the exterior; and plenty of technology and connectivity inside.

It remains classic, but this does not mean outdated. In fact, it turns more heads than it seems. The new Passat maintains the essence that has always characterized it with exceptional ride comfort, rolling quality, and outstanding spaciousness, now alongside greater presence, elegance, and a plug-in hybrid engine offering up to 133 kilometers of electric range thanks to a 116 HP electric motor and a 19.7 kWh usable capacity battery. The consumption is not that of a diesel if you don't use the electric motor, but you also don't exceed 6 l/100 km; not bad for a 150 HP gasoline engine that has to push more than 1,800 kilos that this family car weighs.

On the contrary, you can indeed do close to 100 kilometers "in electric". If used at low speeds and in the city, it achieves a minimum consumption of between 0.4 and 1 l/100 km. Thus, it's easy to see on the counter that if you have to travel 200 kilometers, for example, the model does so contributing only 160. And charging will only take two and a half hours at 11 kW, time that reduces to 26 minutes if we opt for a 50 kW "post".

We start our journey aboard this family car heading to Vigo, the most famous city in the world at the moment, I would dare to say, for its Christmas lights. But it is much more than this. Although one should not miss the opportunity to stop and enjoy the sailor neighborhood of Bouzas and sit in a popular tavern, Monte O Castro, with a castle and the best views of the city, the old town, and the Alameda. Note that you can park almost anywhere in the city. And, despite measuring nearly 5 meters long, the Passat is very easy to maneuver and park, something that its multiple driving assistants also help with.

You should also enjoy a morning stroll or a relaxed afternoon in the sun on its beach, Samil. But, where do I put so many "gear" for so many plans? The Passat's trunk is almost limitless. Because if we already have an incredible 510 liters of capacity with electric opening and easy access; you reach 1,780 if you fold down the rear seats. Certainly, you don't have to leave anything behind on long trips. Not forgetting its five spacious seats (for knees and head) with really enveloping seats.

We continue our route to our second point, reaching the other end of the Ría de Vigo: Cabo Silleiro, very close to the historic town of Bayona, a point we must not miss visiting. In its vicinity, besides the natural environment, we can find the remains of the old lighthouse, the new one, various viewpoints, and the ruins of the old military barracks.

If I have to point out a downside to this family car during the trip and, especially, the short journeys between points, it is the lack of physical commands, to be able to intuitively access very necessary functions during a trip such as heating or music volume. However, the 15-inch screen, to which you can connect your mobile phone, greatly facilitates the vision and handling of other functions such as navigation.

We continue, and another must-stop very close is Nigrán. At this point, dozens of beaches and architecture mix. Do not miss visiting the Votive Temple of the Sea or its Romanesque Bridge, as well as approaching one of its many Pazos, of Galician tradition.

We end our journey in La Guardia, a fishing village that grew around the fishing port. Therefore, you cannot miss touring the port and the old town. But a must-see here is the Monte de Santa Tecla, one of Galicia's most important tourist spots for its archaeological, religious, and scenic values. From here you can also access a viewpoint where the Atlantic Ocean will seem even tiny, towards the mouth of the Miño River.