4MOTION in VW Passat - The four-wheel drive system






- Haldex coupling provides instant power distribution
- The latest generation of the 4MOTION four-wheel drive system is now available in the Passat
- Electronically controlled Haldex coupling distributes torque between front and rear axles
- 4MOTION offers more safety, better dynamics, and the ability to tow up to 2 200 kg


4MOTION is the permanent four-wheel drive system from Volkswagen. The name stands for enhanced active safety, more driving pleasure, and a system that redefines limits. In 2006 Volkswagen is bringing the four-wheel drive system to the new Passat in three engine versions. The top model of the Passat range, the 184 kW / 250 PS Passat 3.2 V6 FSI 4MOTION, has what is the most effective form of power distribution as standard. The 4MOTION drivetrain, controlled by an electronic Haldex coupling, is available as option with the Passat 2.0 FSI (110 kW / 150 PS) and the Passat 2.0 TDI (103 kW / 140 PS). The 4MOTION drivetrain may be combined with either body version (saloon or estate) and any of the equipment lines (3.2 V6 FSI 4MOTION available starting with the Comfortline).


Permanent four-wheel drive also enhances the rough terrain handling of the Golf, Sharan, Multivan, Phaeton, and Touareg. Volkswagen has been building Passat's with four-wheel drive for over two decades; the first model, the Passat estate GT syncro, was launched in 1984. To date over 256,000 Passat drivers worldwide have opted for the four-wheel drive version. Over the last two decades the Volkswagen four-wheel drive system has become established as a superior choice for all drivers who frequently or just occasionally deal with mountainous routes, rough tracks or large towing loads. In general the system is also used by customers in all relevant performance classes who benefit from its improved traction. To suit the all needs, the current Passat 4MOTION is available in a wide power range from 140 PS to 250 PS.



4MOTION took over from syncro

Permanent four-wheel drive also enhances the handling of VW Golf, Sharan, Multivan, Phaeton, and Touareg. Volkswagen has been building Passat's with four-wheel alongside front-wheel drive for over two decades; the first model, the Passat estate GT syncro, was launched in 1984. To date over 256,000 Passat drivers worldwide have opted for four-wheel drive.



4MOTION is powerful

The Passat comes equipped for the first time with a 4MOTION system featuring Haldex coupling. The coupling, which is fitted directly in the rear axle, is considerably more compact and the system works quickly, sensitively, and quietly. Four-wheel drive also delivers major advantages for towing trailers. The Passat 3.2 V6 FSI 4MOTION, for example, pulls a hefty maximum trailer weight of 2 200 kg on uphill grades of up to 12 percent. Its gross weight rating for the rear axle is 1 220 kg. For the Passat 2.0 TDI 4MOTION a maximum trailer weight of 2 000 kg is allowed on uphill grades of up to 12 percent and 2 200 kg on up to 8 percent grades - in each case 200 kg more than with the front-wheel drive Passat 2.0 TDI. All Volkswagen Passat's with a towing attachment also have ESP with special trailer stabilisation as standard.



4MOTION is adaptable

The central element of the 4MOTION system is a multi-plate wet coupling (in an oil bath). It is called the Haldex coupling as it was developed together with Swedish systems partner Haldex who have worked with Volkswagen for many years.

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