Volkswagen

The Volkswagen Passat was launched in May 1973. The body types offered originally were two- and four-door fastback sedans. In essence, the Passat was a fastback version of the mechanically identical Audi 80 sedan, introduced a year earlier. A five-door station wagon was introduced in 1974, followed by three- and five-door hatchback versions in January 1975. They all shared a modern design, styled by the Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro.

The whole range received a facelift in summer 1977, featuring an interior upgrade including a new dashboard in the style of the Golf. The subtly revised styling included repositioned indicators and depending on model, either four round or two rectangular headlights. Engine mountings, the gearbox, and the exhaust system were modified in order to reduce interior noise, and comfort was also improved by changes to the springing and shock absorbers.