Volkswagen Passat 118TSI 2011 Review

LARGE family sedans are on the slippery downhill slope - at least sales wise. But not everyone wants to move from big sedans to SUVs with their perceived aura of "killing the planet".

There are now quite a few sleek station wagons available that have as much carrying capacity as an SUV without the high clearance, road-dominating stature and politically incorrect label. One of the best is the Volkswagen Passat.

The cargo area is so cavernous it could almost be used as a hearse. And without the all-wheel-drive transmission bulk of an SUV, it's quite frugal, especially the entry level 118 TSI version. Could this be the best Australian family car available?

VALUE

It's right on the money. The 118 TSI starts at $38,990 and our review car was $40,990, but with luxury options (metallic paint, Media Device Interface, electric glass sunroof and leather upholstery) that bolstered the cost to $46,990. Considering trim levels, that makes it around the same price as a typical large family sedan.

STYLE

Sleek is not a word often associated with station wagons, but this model certainly deserves the description. Some of the new breed of "sports wagons" try a little too hard to disguise their big rear end and simply fail. The cars either look silly or are impractical with small cargo areas and low roof lines that cramp the rear passengers.

The Passat has the perfect balance between style and practicality.

Outside there are trendy LED taillights and a tasteful amount of chrome including practical and handsome roof rails, while inside is sedate and comfortable with a fine balance between bling and austerity. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of foot, leg, head and elbow room front and back.

Anyone coming from a large car will be more than happy with the space. However, the fifth passenger may find the seat a little hard and space a bit cramped for long trips.

SAFETY

There is a high level of safety gear on board including a suite of seven airbags, a rigid safety cell, ABS, electronic brake-pressure distribution, brake assist, and traction and stability control.

TECHNOLOGY

VW keeps raking in the engine awards and this 118kW turbo petrol unit is one of the gems in its range. It's powerful, quiet, refined and frugal.

With four adults and a heap of luggage on board, driving through cities, highways and up and down mountains, it returned 8.2L/100km, which is not much above the claimed figure of 7.7. That provides potential range from the 70-litre tank of 850km, which is more than adequate for Australian long-distance driving conditions.

The Passat also comes with a fair bit of standard technology such as handy rain sensor wipers that actually worked, an optical parking system and parking sensors that make the carpark a breeze and an SD card slot and six-disc CD changer for entertainment.

However, Bluetooth with streaming is the best way to go for convenience and safety. Instead, the Passat has an aux in socket in the centre console for your MP3 player and 12V sockets at the bottom of the centre stack and behind the centre console. It's good but not good enough.

For those with sensitive noses there is an air quality sensor with automatic air recirculation when you're following a smoky truck and dust and pollen filters.

The optional Multi-Function Display features driving time, trip length, average speed, average and current fuel consumption, distance till empty, speed warning function, audio and convenience display. On a long trip these on-board computer functions are not only handy, but also keep the mind alert.

Another couple of handy bits of low-technology are the chillable glovebox and umbrella holder in the driver's door. One bit of technology I'm not a fan of is the electro-mechanical parking brake but it worked well enough.

DRIVING

Most people who move from a large sedan miss its high-speed stability, quiet cabin and no-fuss road holding. They won't be disappointed with the Passat.

The 2709mm wheelbase keeps it stable under speed and the sophisticated independent front end and four-link rear suspension tackles the lumps and bumps with aplomb. The electro-mechanical power-assisted steering gives plenty of feel and feedback.

It simply doesn't drive or steer like a station wagon.

The key to this car is the enormous cargo area with its flat floor, automatic tailgate release, adjustable net partition and luggage cover, and storage box. You can also lay the rear seats down flat and turn it into a hearse. And under that flat floor there's also a full-sized alloy spare.

VERDICT

An ideal family car for Australian conditions.

VW Passat 118TSI wagon

Price: $40,990 ($46,990 as tested)
Engine: 4-cylinder 1798cc TSI
Power: 118kW @ 4500rpm
Torque: 250Nm @ 1500-4500
Transmission: 7 Speed DSG, front-wheel drive
Economy (L/100km): 7.8 (claimed), 8.2 (tested with 4 adults and luggage)
CO2: 182g/km
Wheels: 17 x 71.2h alloys
Tyres: 235/45 R17
Fuel: 70-litre tank
Weight: 1529kg
Towing: 1500kg (braked), 740kg (unbraked), 85kg (towbar load limit)
Dimensions (mm): 4774 (l), 1820 (w), 1517 (h), 2709 (wheelbase)