The third-generation Volkswagen Passat, also known as Volkswagen Passat B3 or Volkswagen Passat 35i, was launched in March 1988 in Europe, 1989 in North America, and 1995 in South America. In Australia, a limited number of Passat GL 16V sedan and wagon models were sold in 1991. Unlike its predecessors, the B3 was only available as a 4-door sedan and 5-door station wagon, departing from the fastback style of earlier Passat models.

The design of the B3 featured curvy lines, in contrast to the boxy appearance of the previous generation, influenced by Ford’s “jelly mould” style seen in models like the Sierra and Taurus. The car’s front end, with its grille-free design and bottom breather approach, evoked older rear-engined Volkswagens like the 411 while also aligning with modern trends. The aerodynamic styling of the B3 was derived from the Auto 2000 concept car introduced in 1981, boasting a coefficient of drag of 0.25.

Noteworthy is the fact that the B3 was the first Passat to be developed on a unique Volkswagen platform rather than sharing one with an Audi saloon. This internal platform development set the stage for the model’s future generations and paved the way for the distinct design and engineering approach that characterizes the Passat line to this day.

Key Points:
1. Introduced in the late

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