7 February 2011
First impressions of the Passat's new styling - which now adopts Volkswagen's family features seen in other models - are impressive with all who we polled liking the modern, executive appearance.
Interior styling follows typical Volkswagen design recipe, and as a result is fairly minimalist in its design with all controls falling to hand easily.
No complaints about build quality, all components fitted together snugly, and there were plenty of soft surfaces offsetting any use of hard plastics.
The leather bound wheel includes audio and cruise control buttoning. Dual zone climate air conditioning is standard, and gimmicky they may be but the nifty 'push in' key and electronic parking brake make this mid size sedan feel a bit special.
As does the umbrella mounted in the end of the driver's door.
Seating is pleasantly less firm than other Volkswagens we've tested in the past and is comfortable and easy to adjust. Electric adjustment is standard for Lumbar support only. Full electric seat adjustment is available for a further $1600; add another $4000 and you'll receive classically 'ribbed' Napa leather.
The cabin is roomy and the outer rear occupants sit comfortably with good head and legroom, the centre rear position is obstructed by a drive train tunnel in the floor pan, utilised in 4Motion derivatives. Despite this however, still offers up a good amount of space.
Our test model was fitted with the 2.0 TDi common-rail turbo diesel engine. Delivering 103kW @ 4000 rpm and a healthy 320Nm of Torque @ 2500 rpm, performance is not a weak point of this engine. In fact it's not an engine that's easily faulted at all.
Acceleration is slightly too reliant on turbo boost pressure, however this is only really an issue from a standstill, once in motion the performance rivals and often exceeds a 2.0 litre petrol vehicle.
Transferring the engine's energy to the wheels is a six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG). The DSG system seems well matched to the diesel engine.
The rapid ratio changes don't allow the diesel engine to drop in rpm as much as a conventional transmission, so turbo lag is kept to a minimum and the engine is kept in its optimum torque range.
Around town though the drive train is not as smooth as an automatic transmission and also tends to roll unnervingly during hill starts. To combat the 'roll back' during hill starts the Passat incorporates an electronic hill-hold mechanism; which for the best part works well, but becomes quite annoying when manoeuvring on a gradient such as in a car park building.
Vehicle dynamics are good, providing a compliant and comfortable ride. In our opinion the Passat's suspension set-up isn't as well suited to sporty driving as it is smooth and pleasant open road cruising, though a nicely weighted steering feel and an extended version of the Golf's capable platform ensures the Passat isn't out of its depth on a twisty road.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) aids road holding during emergency situations.
Luggage space is a generous 565 litres with the rear seats in the upright position, with the 60/40 seating folded flat a massive 1974 litres is available. A centre aperture folds down for transporting skis, snowboards or similarly lengthy items.
It's practical, demonstrated good frugality at the pump (8.5 litres/100 km) and has commendable open road behaviour.
Its operation in the urban environment would benefit from a smoother drivetrain; however the DSG proves its worth on longer drives.