Volkswagen PASSAT
The latest
Volkswagen Passat has taken family motoring into a new class, as Vanessa Hinkley discovers this week
There's something undeniably bigger and better about the latest Volkswagen Passat. First of all there's the look. That distinctive curved roof is reminiscent of an elegant railway bridge and harks back to the Beetle, a much-loved car if ever there was one. Then there are the indicators on the wing mirrors in the style of the Phaeton luxury saloon. The Passat certainly stands out in a busy car park.
Inside, it's roomier than many cars in the class: I would say it's now jostling for position with the bigger boys further up the scale. It comes as no surprise to learn, therefore, that it actually shares the same basic platform as the
Audi A4. The bright blue turbo diesel model I borrowed for the weekend was more fun to drive, too, than many a more staid business or family saloon. I will admit, though, that the first time I sat in one of these new Passats I was slightly dismayed at the sombre interior.
The Germans, however, like an understated interior and when you get used to the black upholstery, dashboard and fascias, you'll probably conclude (as I did) that the Passat is rather classy.
The interior space, as already mentioned, is a big selling point for the Passat. It also enjoys a deep if shallow boot, perfect for family holidays, two sets of golf clubs, or the company presentation kit if you choose a Passat for business use. Saloon and estates are available as ever and both bodyshells are fully galvanised, creating rust resistance good enough to earn the car an 11-year anti-perforation guarantee. I welcomed the wide provision of safety features right across the range - including anti-lock brakes, twin front and side airbags, front and rear head restraints and both front and rear seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Where the Passat really endeared itself to me was the beautifully logical driving position, smooth gearshift, strong acceleration and perfect handling on the road. Manoeuvrability in the car park, too, was faultless. The curvy roof does mean a rear window which is narrower at the top than at the bottom, so you do have to get used to the view out of the rear view mirror - but isn't that true whenever you change your car? The turbo diesel, available with true Germanic precision in both 100 and 130bhp versions, might not have been my first choice, but I was surprised at how quiet it was, even at motorway speeds. Theres also a 150bhp V6 TDI engine available. The 130bhp version is even available with Volkswagens 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. Three petrol engines are available, starting with the venerable 130bhp 2.
0-litre unit used by the
Audi A4. Equally familiar to
Volkswagen Group spotters is the 150bhp 1.8-litre turbo engine, which is in, well, just about everything, and is carried over from the original post-97 Passat design. Then theres the 193bhp 2.
8-litre V6, fitted as standard with four-wheel drive.
Despite reasonable prices that start at £15,170, standard equipment levels disprove the old myth about German cars being as lavishly appointed as a squash court. All models get ABS, climate controlled air-conditioning, alarm/immobiliser and remote central locking, whilst forking out the extra for SE specification nets you alloy wheels and a CD player as well. Opt for the Sport trim level and youll benefit from a CD autochanger as well as the obligatory sports suspension and seats thatll deliver a commensurately sporty rabbit punch to your kidneys over bumps in the road. The Highline designation is the one for buyers who want a high spec at a competitive price.
Costing slightly more than the SE, it features everything the SE does plus unique Michigan 15-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, heated windscreen washer jets and heated front seats. All cars come fitted as standard with front and side airbags, and should you wish to improve your probability of maintaining cranial integrity still further, you can also specify window airbags as an option.
I was charmed by the Passat, I have to say. It's an excellent all-round package and for company car drivers would double up well as the main family car.
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