Volkswagen Passat 2011 review: snapshot

Ever since its 1973 global launch, Volkswagen's Passat has been one of the burgeoning German brand's hottest-selling products. In fact, with total world-wide sales of more than 15 million units including 34,000 in Australia it is  after the original Beetle and the Golf - VW's third-biggest seller of all time. 

With this firmly established pedigree behind it, the seventh-generation 2011 Passat sedan-and-wagon range goes arrives in Australian dealer showrooms next month and clever new technology, stronger value-for-money and safety credentials and impressive new-found fuel efficiency will ensure the continuation of this success. 

VALUE

Pricing kicks off from $38,990 for the 118TSI sedan, rises to $43,990 for the 125TDI and tops out at $55,990 for the V6 FSI Highline. Wagon versions carry a $2000 premium over the sedan prices. Fuel-efficiency improvements apply across the range of up to 12 per cent.

TECHNOLOGY

The new Passats come in entry-level and Highline guises and three outstanding engines are on offer. The 1.8-litre,118TSI petrol engine with 250Nm is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission while for top-spec Highline, buyers can choose between a 2.0-litre 125TDI with 350Nm and six-speed DSG combination or a V6 FSI petrol engine with 220kW/350Nm that also uses a six-speed DSG.

The V6 Highline also has VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and can put away a 0-100kmh sprint in 5.5 seconds. Standard kit for the Passat includes Bluetooth and USB connectivity, leather seats, a dashboard-mounted analogue clock, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control.

Electro-mechanical power steering, electric windows, an outside temperature display, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, automatic boot-lid opening, a fancy RCD 510 audio system with MP3 playback capability, a multi-functional leather-wrapped steering wheel, electric lumbar and backrest adjustment for the driver's seat, and a leather gearshift knob.

DESIGN

While styling-wise, the Passat does not appear vastly different from the current model, VW says that other than the roof, all its panels are new. New also is the grille and headlight treatment and there are also design tweaks for the side and rear of the sedan and wagon. 

Build quality like all VWs these days is exceptional and there is a feeling of solidarity and refinement that's right up there with the very best from Europe. While I believe VW's Audi cousin does the world's best interiors, the new Passat's treatment is now right up there.

The dash styling is clean and ergonomically excellent and nice soft-feel plastic is used on the top of the dash. The leather-clad seats  both front and rear  are superbly crafted and comfortable and the overall feeling for the driver is one of behind-the-wheel confidence and relaxation.

DRIVING

Preliminary driving impressions gleaned during the media-launch drive program confirm the new Passats as top-line mid-size sedans and wagons. The styling, while evolutionary is clean and classy and the design tweaks have given both versions an enhanced, more handsome road presence.

SAFETY

Passat scores a five-star Euro-NCAP rating helped by eight airbags, electronic stability program, an electronic differential lock and a low-pressure tyre indicator. New safety goodies for 2011 include a driver-fatigue-detection system, seatbelt-fastening detection for the rear seats and front-seat head restraints that now also adjust horizontally to reduce the risk of whiplash injury. 

Radar-controlled adaptive cruise control is optional in a package. It includes an emergency-braking system and an equally clever radar-controlled lane-departure system. This package also includes goodies such as dynamic-cornering bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime driving lights and tail lights, and front fog lights. 

VERDICT

New Passat is another clear confirmation of why Volkswagen is doing so well. It is one of the finest mid-size offerings around.