As car enthusiasts, we constantly seek vehicles that strike the perfect balance between performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency. But what if we told you there’s a Volkswagen car that manages to blend all these qualities seamlessly? Enter the 2014 Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.4 TSI Ecofuel Automatic Estate: a wagon that’s long been revered for its refinement and timeless appeal, and what we like to call “the Swiss Army knife of automobiles”. Equipped with the efficient 1.4 TSI Ecofuel engine and automatic transmission, this car has always promised an engaging and eco-conscious driving experience.
We’ve been dying to take this Passat wagon model for a joyride. So, when our friend generously offered us the opportunity to test drive his 2014 Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.4 TSI Ecofuel Automatic Estate, we jumped at the chance. We embarked on a two-week journey to explore its capabilities. During our extensive testing period, we examined its performance, handling, fuel economy, and overall driving dynamics. On top of that, we looked into its interior comfort, technology features, and exterior design.
Having checked and tested everything, we’ve prepared a comprehensive review that details our experiences and impressions of this remarkable vehicle. Whether you’re considering purchasing a used model or simply curious about this known car, our review aims to equip you with the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision. So, join us as we unveil the secrets of the 2014 Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.4 TSI Ecofuel Automatic Estate.
Pros And Cons Of The 2014 Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.4 TSI Estate
First, let’s take a look at the Pros and Cons of the 2014 Volkswagen Passat Variant TSI.
Pros
- Peppy engine
- DSG still rocks my boat
- Affordable
- Comfortable cruiser
- Great fuel efficiency
- Smart Interior design
- Impressive safety kit
- Huge cabin and trunk space
Cons
- Conservative exterior styling
- Less kit than competitors
- The DSG causes slight jerkiness at a low gear
- Dull seat design
- Seats don’t provide much support
- Delayed throttle at start-stop
Read on to discover the Volkswagen Passat Variant’s strengths, and weaknesses, and how it holds up against its competitors.
2014 Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.4 TSI Estate: Exterior Design
Like the Passat sedan, the Passat Variant’s exterior design doesn’t really stand out. Recall, the Passat lineup debuted in 1973, and its intent was to be a well-rounded family car. Well, since then, the Passat has done just that – it has been one of the most loved family cars around the world. This particular Passat variant we drove is part of the B7 line. Introduced in 2010, the B7 series was the facelifted version of the B6 that made its smashing debut at the Geneva motor show in 2005.
From the B6, Volkswagen threw in some new external body panels, as well as fresh headlights and grille. Besides that, the B7 still had the same roof and a plethora of the same mechanical similarities to the B6. The result looked updated and neat. But, it still lacked the elegance and style that trended in its competitors. The brand offered the 2014 Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.4 Ecofuel Automatic Estate in four distinct colors: Deep Black, Icelandic Grey, Night Blue, and Reflex Silver.
The front valance looked consistent with the rest of VW’s fleet, with the face looking more like Polo, Scirocco, or the Passat CC from 2008. To put it simply, the car wasn’t stylish enough, and definitely not sporty. It’s clear that the brand still took a conservative approach.
In our opinion, the car looks better at the front than the rear, and that’s thanks to the bi-xenon headlamps that help to add a modern touch. Still, when viewed from the front, you would easily confuse this model with the Polo from the same year. So, the Variant in this picture is the wagon version of the Sedan, and it looks clean and ready to take on the open road.
2014 Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.4 Estate: Interior Design
Inside, the Passat Variant is boldly German – clean, functional, and well-designed with top-quality materials. As you would expect from a premium executive sedan, the Passat Variant is on top when it comes to luxury. The cabin comes upholstered in Vienna leather with iridium’ decorative inserts. The dashboard gets a clean, uncluttered appeal. Luckily, there are no faux wooden panels present in the Passat’s interior.
Another thing we love about the interior design is the functional cockpit, with all the steering controls within reach, as with attached control stalks. The steering wheel itself is well-appointed. It feels grippy and well-weighted. We also admire Volkswagen’s decision to place a USB adapter cable inside the glove compartment, which provides tethered access to your phone. We tested it works flawlessly. For a premium German luxury car, the Passat has a noise-muffled interior, thanks to the doors, concealed engine, and dashboard. The road and wind noise isn’t apparent until you reach a speed of 120km/h.
2014 Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.4 Estate: Comfort And Spaciousness
First, for a VW Passat Variant 1.4 Ecofuel Automatic Estate, particularly from the 2014 model year, the cabin is comfortable. However, even with the 12-way electrical adjustments, the seats still feel flat. They don’t provide much grip and support. So you might find yourself moving left and right when navigating through some corners. Besides that, the seating position is high on the Passat Variant, despite adjusting to the lowest setting. What’s the deal with that? I’m about 5.8, and it feels strange to sit on the elevated seat.
While the seats are comfy, the driver’s seat might feel a bit claustrophobic, especially with taller drivers. Despite that, the Passat Variant’s cabin is quite spacious, providing enough room for 5 occupants, with ample legroom and headroom.
Behind the Passat Variant’s rear seat is a 565-liter truck. That’s enough space to place large travel luggage, with room for a microwave and three 60-inch flat-screen TVs. Okay, maybe not the last one. The point is: there is enough trunk space for any occasion. Folding the rear seats down (with a single click) expands the cargo room.
2014 Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.4 TSI Estate Technology: Infotainment And Features
One attractive feature of the Volkswagen Passat Variant’s interior is the infotainment system. While it doesn’t stand out cosmetically, it gets the job done effectively.
Not only is the infotainment system user-friendly, but it comes with a responsive touchscreen. It comes standard with navigation, which is pretty straightforward, as is the car audio system. Speaking of audio connectivity, the Passat Variant has a standard Bluetooth functionality feature, which enables audio streaming and smartphone compatibility.
2014 Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.4 TSI Estate: Safety Features
Despite being about a decade old now, the 2014 Volkswagen Passat Variant is among the safest family cars you can find. Like its sedan sibling, the Passat Variant has a 5-star Euro-NCAP rating. This is a car that you keep you safe at all times. It comes with myriad passive safety features, dual front driver and passenger airbags, as well as side airbags and curtain airbags. Besides keeping you safe, the brand also threw in a couple of features to protect your car. This includes the anti-theft alarm system, which comes with an immobilizer.
The Passat also has a built-in fatigue detection system to keep you from falling asleep behind the wheel. When the system detects fatigue, it gives the driver visual cues, along with an acoustic signal. Standard across all Passat models are the ESP and ABS with brake assist, complemented by a flat tire indicator.
We all know how tricky slopes can get, especially under intense weather conditions. That’s why the Passat has an electronic parking brake. Coupled with auto hill hold control, this allows you to take on a slope with confidence. We were surprised at how well this feature actually works.
2014 Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.4 TSI Estate: Engine And Transmission
Unlike the more mainstream 1.8 sedan version, the Passat Variant 1.4 Ecofuel Automatic Estate came as a more fuel-economy model across the line. It perfectly suited families who wanted more out of their car without taking more trips to the gas station. But, this fuel efficiency came at a cost: Power.
Under the hood, the 2014 Volkswagen Passat Variant Ecofuel Automatic Estate carries a 1.4-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, which makes 150 horsepower at 5000 RPM and torque 250 Nm (184.3 pound-feet) at 1500 RPM. This power goes to the front wheels via the 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG). This is the kind of combination that has always impressed us. While the DSG does have some issues, it has excellent power delivery and swift shifts.
2014 Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.4 TSI Estate: Performance
In start-stop scenarios, we experienced some slight lag. But you should be okay when you get used to the drive-by-wire throttle system, which does lag before the power kicks in to turn the wheels. You may also experience jerkings when you press the accelerator from a standstill. But, once the wheels start turning, the real fun begins.
Even though the Passat Variant Ecofuel’s TSI engine has an efficient approach, it is surprisingly powerful. The engine holds revs longer and higher up the rev range to optimize power delivery. And when that happens, the throttle response gets quicker.
You’ll enjoy cruising at highway speeds while effortlessly overtaking the rest. If you find yourself longing for a race-type of vibe, then pull the gear lever down to ‘S’ and you’ll have a different beast. Speaking of race, the Volkswagen Passat 2014 Variant 1.4 TSI can go from zero to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and has a top speed of 217 km/h.
Although, if you need something with a little more oomph, we recommend the turbocharged 1.8 TSI Passat. It churns out around 158 horsepower (160PS) and 250 Nm of torque available between 1,500 and 4,200 RPM. In a straight line, that version accelerates from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in a decent 8.5 seconds. Slight difference, but it’s there nonetheless.
2014 Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.4 TSI Estate: Ride And Handling
Prioritizing comfort, the Passat Variant has an excellent ride quality. Thanks to the good suspension system, the car effectively absorbs bumps and uneven surfaces with composure.
The ride remains smooth throughout, avoiding any harshness. While it may not possess an explicitly sporty handling, it instills a sense of confidence and predictability when maneuvering around corners.
We also love the steering, which provides a satisfactory level of feedback. The braking system also offers a responsive and controlled feel.
2014 Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.4 Estate: Fuel Economy
The Volkswagen Passat 2014 Variant 1.4 TSI has a combined fuel consumption rate of 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers (19.6 kilometers per liter). To break this down, the Passat Variant delivers a fuel economy of 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers in the city and 4.4 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway.
The fuel tank can hold 66 liters or 17.44 gallons, which would allow you to travel up to 1280 kilometers in urban conditions and up to 1480 kilometers on the highway without refueling.
However, our tests indicate that the actual everyday fuel consumption of this Volkswagen Passat is 6.9 liters per 100 kilometers (combined). This is about 35% higher than the manufacturer’s stated value. Still, you’ll be glad to know that this is as fuel-economical as the Passat can get.
How Much Does The 2014 Volkswagen Passat Variant TSI Cost? Price On The Used Car Market
Today, you should expect to pay between $3,000 and $12,000 for a Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.4 Ecofuel Automatic Estate. This is roughly the same price range as the Passat sedan version.
But, of course, the price will depend on the condition, mileage, location, and other factors. You can find a lot of good-condition models on SBT Japan, or Beforward Japan.
2014 Volkswagen Passat Variant 1.4 Estate: The Bottom Line
While it doesn’t have the same level of sportiness found in the Mazda 6 or the extensive features offered by the Honda Accord, Nissan Teana, or Toyota Camry, the Volkswagen Passat still maintains its own appeal and refinement.
Overall, the Passat Variant Ecofuel Automatic Estate exhibits excellent performance. Like its siblings, this model combines smooth driving, impressive fuel efficiency, and powerful acceleration.
With its distinct European styling and luxury features, the Passat Variant offers a compelling package at an attractive price point.
