Magotan and Passat are both B-class cars of the Volkswagen Group, but the two are not sold separately from the same model, the SAIC Volkswagen Passat currently on sale in China is actually the American version of the Passat, which is used to being called B7L in China, in fact, it is called NMS (New Middle Sedan) in the North American market, and FAW-Volkswagen's Magotan is the European version of the Passat, which has used the new MQB B platform, which is called B8L in China.
 
The current engine of the new Magotan is divided into 1.4T, 1.8T and 2.0T, which is the same as the Passat, the 1.4T model is EA211, and the 1.8T and 2.0T are EA888, of which the 1.8T model is the best-seller. The transmission is a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, but the 1.4T model gets the DQ200 dry dual-clutch transmission, and the 1.8T and 2.0T get the DQ380 wet dual-clutch. The 1.8T engine can output a maximum horsepower of 180 hp, and the driving experience is more confident than the 1.4T at high speeds or full loads, and the 1.4T model uses a 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission codenamed DQ200, which may still have problems with the previous generation in congested road conditions. Unless necessary, the 1.4-liter dry dual-clutch model will not be preferred.
 
In terms of the matching of the gearbox and the engine, the difference between Magotan and Passat is very large, the shift speed of Magotan is relatively slow, and this feature is more obvious when changing gears manually, but in exchange for a smoother shift feeling, and the response of the throttle is much more linear than that of the Passat.
 
The new Magotan is a little better than the Passat in terms of chassis premium, silent performance, and high-tech configuration. In addition to completing the conventional engine speed and speed display, this LCD screen also integrates navigation, multimedia playback, vehicle information and other functions, which looks very dazzling and practical, which is not bad for Passat.
 
In terms of space, the wheelbase of this generation of Magotan has been lengthened, but the ride space in the car is much more than that of the Passat, the two are just similar levels, the biggest difference actually comes from the trunk volume, the Passat is 490 liters, and Magotan is 530 liters, whether it is from the senses, or the level of actual use, the trunk of Magotan is a lot larger. In terms of seat comfort, Magotan is a little worse than the Passat, which is reflected in the stiffer and flat seat cushion, the steeper backrest angle, and the headrest, although it has a wrapping shape, is too prominent, and the neck will form a suspension.
 
Magotan has never been a car with outstanding handling, in China, because Volkswagen has successfully established a "high-end" image, Magotan as its localized sub-flagship model, on the "sense of luxury". Magotan has a stable and comfortable cabin, and it is very spacious and quiet, some of the configuration and materials in the car are also very classy, compared with the same level of rivals, although the driving performance is very tepid, but Magotan in many aspects of the ride experience is like a higher level of car, this may be a high-end Volkswagen car in the hearts of Chinese Volkswagen fans, Magotan has also done.
 
However, in terms of quality and reliability, the expected reliability of Magotan is not high, because the previous generation of Volkswagen EA888 burned engine oil is very common, and in the reliability survey of American consumer reports, even in new cars, the probability of oil system failure is already high. About five years old Magotan / Passat began to have frequent failures, and the high incidence of failures are big problems in the engine and gearbox, although Magotan is the European version of the Passat, and also uses a new platform, but the reliability is not optimistic.
 
Magotan has done a good job in terms of safety, in the European E-NCAP crash test, the 2014 European version of the B7 Passat received a 5-star rating, and in the United States IIHS, the American version of the B7 Passat won the 2016 Top Safety Model (TSP), but in the 2018 test, due to the inclusion of the co-pilot crash score, the Passat only received the second-lowest rating of Marginal, and the headlight test received the lowest rating of Poor. In fact, the Shanghai Volkswagen Passat participated in the 2012 CNCAP crash test and also received a 5-star safety rating with a score of 47.4 points, while the Camry scored 50.3 points in the same year.
Volkswagen Magotan evaluation report