30th August, 2007

The new Passat is just one of the many models which form an interesting and desirable product range.

With a choice of sedan or wagon, the Passat is positioned at the lower end of the prestige market. Equipment levels are excellent and engine choices are superb. There are two diesels and two petrol engines available for the Australian market. The 2-litre diesels offer a choice between a 103 kW and a 125 kW unit. The powerful petrol-engined variants provide a choice between the exciting 2-litre turbo unit or the smooth 3.2 litre V6. The 3.2 litre V6 is offered with Volkswagen's all-wheel drive system.

Pricing confirms that Volkswagen is intent on securing success for the Passat, just as it is with other models in the expansive model line-up.

Interestingly, the superb 2-litre diesel auto sedan (103 kW), which is well appointed, is the lowest priced model in the Passat line-up. It is priced at $42,490 (RRP). Other sedan models are priced (RRP) at $44,990 for either the brilliant 125 kW diesel or the delightful 2-litre turbocharged petrol version. The excellent 3.2 litre V6 petrol model is priced at $54,990 (RRP). The wagon models, which are available with the same engine and transmission choices, are just $2,000 more. All Passat models are equipped with automatic transmission for the Australian market.

The safety aspect makes a very strong case for the VW Passat. The front seats feature active head restraints. Eight airbags are standard. So is ABS, EBD, brake assist and ESP (electronic stabilisation programme). But, important as all these features are, the prize all cars should feature is just what the new Passat offers ..... a 5-star EuroNCAP rating (European New Car Assessment Programme). Five stars is as good as it gets in European crash testing. In this class of car, anything less than a maximum 5-stars is quite sub-standard. For example, the new BMW 3-series convertible does not perform well in crash testing. So the 5-star rating for the Volkswagen Passat during EuroNCAP testing is quite impressive. In EuroNCAP testing, the rating for child safety is often less than 5-star. And that is the way it is with the VW Passat. EuroNCAP provide a 4-star rating for the Passat with respect to child safety. This rating is quite good, because some cars only get 3-stars for child safety.

Standard equipment includes alloy wheels, parking sensors, rain sensing windscreen wipers, auto headlights (including a 'coming home' feature), auto dimming interior rear-view mirror, low pressure tyre indicator, cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning, 6-way power operated driver's seat, 6-disc audio system, height/reach adjustable steering wheel and a leather steering wheel, gear shifter and handbrake grip.

The 3.2 litre V6 powered models feature leather interior trim, heated front seats, front fog lights, anti-theft alarm and all-wheel drive.

A wide range of options are available. For example, the Passat can be optioned up with satellite navigation, leather trim (4-cylinder models), bi-xenon headlights, sunroof and/or metallic paint.

Interior space is best described as roomy and the luggage space in both the sedan and wagon is excellent. Both are in keeping with the requirements of this class of car. The rear seat features a centre armrest with storage and, important to some folks, two cup holders.

Fuel efficiency is unbelievable with the low power diesel sedan ..... on the combined cycle, consumption is rated at just 6.6 litres per 100 kms (6.7 litres/100 kms for the low power diesel wagon). The turbocharged 2-litre petrol engined models, on the same combined cycle use less than 9 litres per 100 kms, whilst the V6 uses 10 litres per 100 kms (10.1 litres for the wagon).

The overall package, at the current pricing, is likely to threaten sales of cars in other segments. The quality of the Passat, the level of appointments and the generous interior space may end up taking sales away from larger cars, because the Passat certainly offers a very rewarding proposition.

Interesting aspects of the Passat include an ignition key which you press, rather than turn, to start the engine. The parking brake, as opposed to the handbrake, is electrically operated and is a particularly welcome inclusion in this well-equipped model. Additionally, there is an illuminated/chillable glove box and, on the driver's door, an umbrella holder.

The history of the Volkswagen Passat goes back to 1973. It was then that Volkswagen introduced the model which was named after an African wind. This model, the 1973 Passat, was Volkswagen's first front-wheel drive car. Since then VW has manufactured millions of front-drive vehicles. And

But the long and successful history of the Volkswagen Passat doesn't overshadow the brilliance of the current model. This car provides an excellent driving experience with comfortable ride qualities and superb driving dynamics. The drivetrain, brakes, suspension, steering and handling all work together to provide an impressive drive for all on-board. Then the various safety aspects make a compelling case in favour of the Passat during any assessment.