What is the Volkswagen Quantum?
The Quantum was Volkswagen’s name in the United States for the Passat B2 estate. Its long roof and roomy interior gave it space for passengers and luggage, making it a practical family car. The B2 was larger inside and out than the Passat it replaced, with more room for people and cargo.
Generations and engines
The US Quantum belongs to the Passat’s second generation, known as B2 or 32B, which ran from 1982 to 1988. The B2 came as an estate, hatchback and saloon; Volkswagen also sold the estate as the Quantum in the United States and Brazil.
In the US, the Quantum was offered from 1984 to 1988 in 16 versions, with petrol and diesel engines ranging from 1.6 L to 2.2 L.
How economical was the Volkswagen Quantum?
The lowest listed consumption is 7.1 L/100 km, and the best combined rating is 33 MPG. These are EPA figures for the US market. EPA results use a different test procedure from Europe’s WLTP and NEDC tests.
Where was it sold?
The Quantum name was used in the United States and Brazil for the Passat B2 estate. Volkswagen sold related versions under other names in some markets, including the Corsar in Mexico and the Carat in Argentina.
Questions and answers
What kind of car was the Volkswagen Quantum?
It was the US-market estate version of the second-generation Passat, with space for passengers and luggage.
What years was the US Quantum sold?
US versions covered model years 1984–1988.
What engines did it have?
US versions used petrol or diesel engines from 1.6 L to 2.2 L.
What was its best combined fuel-economy rating?
The best listed rating was 33 MPG combined on the EPA test.