Volkswagen Passat sedan 2006 review

Probably not.

What if the parking brake was an electronic brake operated by a button on the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel?

However, the new Volkswagen Passat has an electronic parking brake that, if you have the time and the natural reactions, acts as a panic brake, bringing the car to a neck-jolting stop in a surprisingly short distance.

If only you could learn to use it in an emergency situation.

Rather than one of the "unexpected pleasures" the car is being marketed on, it is more of an "unnecessary pleasure" for the use of motoring journalists on road tests.

It is hard to see it being used very often in everyday motoring.

However, that little added extra should not detract from what is a rewarding car to drive and look at, despite famed British motoring broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson labelling it the most boring car in the world.

Probably not my pick of the VW fleet, but certainly a good fun car to drive.

In an Australian first, the model's entry vehicle is a diesel.

The Passat fleet consists of the two-litre TDI (turbo diesel injection) sedan at $42,990, a two-litre petrol turbo FSI sedan at $44,990 and the 3.2-litre V6 FSI at $54,990 with the three wagon variants costing an extra $2000.

VW Group Australia marketing general manager Peter Dierks expects with this new Passat to double last year's 441 sales.

"We can see a big chance for Passat because the market is going away from large local cars, but is now looking for fuel economy, safety and driving fun," he said.

"We expect to get VW customers upgrading to a slightly larger car from Golf or Bora (now replaced by Jetta)."

If you are used to the rather spartan interior of these models, you will enjoy the slightly classier cabin of the Passat.

Unfortunately, the trim is five different shades of grey,

But there are plenty of standard "unexpected pleasures": rain-sensing wipers that actually work, a low tyre pressure indicator that actually works, auto headlights, electric handbrake, six-way powered driver's seat, cruise control, leather steering wheel, a six-CD changer and even an umbrella recess in the door which includes an outlet for the wet brolly to drain.

The V6 comes standard with 4Motion, front fog lights, leather upholstery and heated front seats which are a bit firm and too flat.

Outside, there is plenty of chrome, smooth and uncluttered lines and integrated blinkers in the mirrors. OK Mr Clarkson, it is a little boring, but then so are most German cars and even a host of Japanese sedans that have adopted a similar silhouette.

The worst part is the podgy and featureless rear end which uses the VW emblem as the boot handle.

Where the Passat shines is on the road.

All Passats have automatic transmission, with the V6 getting the super-swift and seamless six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox.

This alone, makes the V6 Passat a delight and should sway any manual gearbox devotees.

It features a handy pushbutton auto hold function which prevents the car rolling forward or backward once stopped.

Handling is neutral with plenty of feel through the feet and fingertips, the car reacting swiftly to throttle and steering input without any nervousness.

In fact, a quick sprint across some lose gravel showed this is a car ready for the worst of roads, if it weren't for the wide, low-profile tyres.

At least there is a full-sized alloy spare under the cargo floor in case you get a puncture west of nowhere.

There is a little hesitation off idle, then it lurches into hyperdrive as revs rise rapidly.

This makes it a little difficult to drive smoothly, especially at traffic lights.

Safety features include use of high-tensile steel in crucial parts of the body for a 5-star NCAP crash rating, eight airbags, cornering headlights, ABS, brake assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, a brake disc cleaner to wipe off excess water, traction control and active front headrests.

The options list is extensive and, compared with German luxury opposition, reasonably priced. For example, sat nav is $2990 and sunroof $1990.

Colours are limited to three shades of grey, plus black, white and blue, while interior choice is black cloth or black or beige leather.

Very conservative.

The first front-wheel-drive Passat was launched in 1973 and sold in Australia in 1974, winning Wheels Car of the Year award.

While the new Passat is a great car, it is probably not an award winner.