Volkswagen Passat 118TSI wagon 2011 review

They've sold 15 million of them and the new one is better than ever - safer, more fuel efficient, better looking, affordable. We got hold of the base model 1.8-litre TSi Passat wagon.

It's a turbo petrol powered model and frankly, due to impressive fuel economy (7.5-litres/100km, low 6s on a trip) and strong roll on acceleration, we initially thought it might have been one of VW's new, smooth running, quiet turbodiesels.

It throws a cat among the pigeons for us turbodiesel die-hards who relish the oil burner's punchy low end torque and infrequent visits to the servo'.

Explore the 2011 Volkswagen Passat range

• Volkswagen Passat 2011 review
• Volkswagen Passat sedan 2011 review
• Volkswagen Passat 118TSI wagon 2011 review
• Volkswagen Passat 2011 review: snapshot

This is the seventh generation Passat and features VW family styling being ushered in progressively across the entire range. Main emphasis is on the front end and hopefully, VW will not go too far down a generic styling path with its current cars.

The 118TSi we drove is, realistically, all you would ever need in a passenger car especially with the seven-speed, double-clutch, DSG transmission that fully captures all available power and torque from the turbo engine and efficiently puts it to the road through the front wheels.

This model has a 1.8-litre engine, which, as the name suggests, is good for 118kW and a handy 250Nm from as low as 1500rpm. It passes Euro 5 emissions regs' on 95 octane fuel.

Despite being the entry level model, this car is impressively equipped for the $40,990 pricetag with goodies like leather upholstery, large touch screen multi function display, Bluetooth and audio streaming, driver fatigue detection, park distance control, decent audio, climate control and 17-inch alloys.

It has a five star crash rating thanks in part to no less than eight air bags. The interior is stylish and functional highlighted by discrete touches of chrome and brushed metal.

The exterior appearance is set off by chrome roof rails and chrome body hardware. It carries five adults easily and has a large, expandable load space. Nothing to complain about here, it's all good.