The Volkswagen Passat Variant (B6) 2.0 TDI 110 Hp BlueMotion, produced from October 2008 to July 2010, represents a fuel-efficient and practical offering within the broader B6 Passat range. Positioned as a mid-range trim, it catered to buyers seeking the versatility of a station wagon (estate) with the economy of a modern diesel engine. This variant was primarily marketed in Europe, where station wagons held a significant market share, and aimed to balance practicality, running costs, and a reasonable level of equipment. It sat below the more powerful TDI variants and above the entry-level petrol engines in the Passat lineup.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat |
| Generation | Passat Variant (B6) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TDI (110 Hp) BlueMotion |
| Start of production | October, 2008 |
| End of production | July, 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg, 44.8 UK mpg, 15.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 129 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 196 km/h (121.79 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.3 kg/Hp, 74.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm, 170.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 4200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 55.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1750 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CBDC, CEHC, CLCA |
| Engine displacement | 1968 cm3 (120.09 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.5 mm (3.76 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1468 kg (3236.39 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2070 kg (4563.57 lbs.) |
| Max load | 602 kg (1327.18 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 603 l (21.29 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1731 l (61.13 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 1400 kg (3086.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1200 kg (2645.55 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 90 kg (198.42 lbs.) |
| Length | 4774 mm (187.95 in.) |
| Width | 1820 mm (71.65 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1991 mm (78.39 in.) |
| Height | 1517 mm (59.72 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2709 mm (106.65 in.) |
| Front track | 1552 mm (61.1 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1551 mm (61.06 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.4 m (37.4 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Passat Variant 2.0 TDI BlueMotion is the 1968cc, four-cylinder diesel engine, typically identified by engine codes CBDC, CEHC, or CLCA. This engine belongs to the Volkswagen Group’s common rail diesel family, utilizing direct fuel injection to optimize combustion efficiency. The engine features a turbocharger with an intercooler, boosting power output to 110 horsepower at 4200 rpm and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque at a low 1750 rpm. The common rail system, operating at very high pressures, allows for precise fuel metering and contributes to reduced emissions. The engine also incorporates a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to further minimize harmful exhaust gases, meeting Euro 5 emission standards. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle. The 5-speed manual transmission was standard, designed to balance fuel economy with acceptable performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 110 hp 2.0 TDI BlueMotion offered a comfortable and economical driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 11.3 seconds, and top speed was 121.79 mph. While not a performance-oriented variant, the engine’s strong low-end torque made it well-suited for everyday driving and overtaking maneuvers. The 5-speed gearbox was geared for fuel efficiency, meaning higher engine speeds were often required for brisk acceleration. Compared to the more powerful 140 hp or 170 hp TDI versions, this variant felt noticeably slower, but it provided a significant improvement in fuel economy. The manual transmission offered more driver engagement than the optional automatic, but the automatic was favored by those prioritizing convenience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The BlueMotion trim level, even as a mid-range offering, included a number of standard features focused on efficiency and comfort. These typically included alloy wheels, air conditioning, a radio/CD player, and electric windows. Safety features such as ABS, traction control, and multiple airbags were also standard. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded audio system, parking sensors, and leather upholstery. The interior typically featured cloth upholstery and a functional, if not luxurious, dashboard layout. The BlueMotion designation also included specific aerodynamic enhancements, such as a lowered ride height and modified front grille, to reduce drag and improve fuel economy.
Chassis & Braking
The Passat B6 Variant utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The suspension was tuned for comfort, prioritizing ride quality over sporty handling. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The steering was a rack and pinion system, providing precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Passat Variant 2.0 TDI 110 Hp BlueMotion was generally well-received by automotive critics for its fuel efficiency and practicality. It was praised for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. However, some critics noted that the engine lacked the punch of the more powerful TDI variants. Compared to the 140 hp TDI, the 110 hp version offered significantly better fuel economy but at the cost of performance. Against competitors like the Ford Mondeo Estate and Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer, the Passat offered a strong combination of practicality, efficiency, and build quality.
Legacy
The 2.0 TDI engine, in its various iterations, proved to be a reliable and durable powertrain. While early common rail diesels were prone to some issues with the fuel injectors and DPF, the engines used in the B6 Passat generally proved to be robust. Today, well-maintained examples of the Passat Variant 2.0 TDI 110 Hp BlueMotion can still be found on the used car market, offering a cost-effective and practical option for those seeking a spacious and fuel-efficient estate car. The BlueMotion variants, in particular, are sought after for their enhanced fuel economy and environmentally conscious design.
