2011 Volkswagen Passat Reviews

Volkswagen Passat is a medium-large car aimed at those looking for a solid machine that should stand the test of time. Stylish it's not, but that's the way VW does its shapes, intending them to be timeless. There's an exception in the Passat range, see the upcoming notes on the model tagged the "CC". Passat shares

Most carmakers have a hot car division dedicated to turning mundane everyday drivers into fire-breathing, tyre-shredding, road-burners, and VW is no different.

Passat is a medium-large German car that appeals to those who refuse to pay big dollars for a similar car from one of the more prestigious marques from the same country. Audi won’t thank us for saying so, but there are quite a few out of sight components that are shared by Passat and upmarket Audi vehicles.The Passat in all its formats offers better than average comfort thanks to well-shaped seats and suspension which is able to soak up just about anything thrown at it. Handling is good, with virtually neutral road behaviour at normal speeds, gradually changing to safe understeer if the big car is pushed hard.In the earlier days almost all Passat imports were four-door sedans but with the introduction of the 1998 model, five-door wagons were offered. Wagons have been a popular choice ever since as their squared off rear end makes for a practical load area.An interesting style called Passat CC was introduced in February 2009. Virtually a four-door coupe in the manner of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the sleek CC is just right for those who seldom use the back seat but want the convenience of rear doors. The back seat is reasonably comfortable and is certainly much better than that of the typical two-door coupe.Volkswagen went all cute with the marketing of the latest CC when it arrived in June 2012, dropping the Passat from its name and calling it simply the CC. Don’t forget to check out both names if you’re doing a search for the pretty coupe on used-car sites.Engine options show a fascinating variation, with four-, five-, six- and eight-cylinder layouts. The V5 and V6 use an interesting design with a narrow-angle V which enables it to run one cylinder head covering both cylinder banks.Though smaller engines aren’t always accepted by Australian buyers, even the four-cylinder Passats have enough performance for many buyers. Many of the later petrol – and all diesel – Volkswagen engines use a turbocharger to generate significantly extra torque.Volkswagen started a strong push on turbo-diesel engines in Australia in 2006 and these days the company often sells more diesel cars than petrol ones in Australia.A four-speed automatic was used in the pre-1998 model, followed by a five-speed unit with tiptronic. The forward ratios were increased to six with a DSG installation from 2006, and to seven forward ratios from early 2010.All-wheel drive isn't all that common in Australian Passats but gives better traction coming out of corners and on slippery surfaces and is worth considering if you are doing a lot of driving on unmade surfaces, or even on the snow and ice for which it was originally designed.For the revhead, Volkswagen imported the Passat R36 from June 2008. R36 has a 220 kilowatt engine, all-wheel drive and is sold in both sedan and wagon bodies.Volkswagen Group Australia has put a lot of work in recent years in getting its supply of spare parts up to international best practice. Prices are similar to those of other European imports in its class. Similarly, the dealer group has grown markedly in recent years and VW is represented in most population centres of significant size.Passat is a relatively complex machine in the modern manner, but a competent home mechanic should be able to do a fair bit of work on it. Always have a workshop manual on standby, and please leave safety items to professionals.Insurance is generally not expensive but make inquiries from a number of companies as there can be quite a difference in premiums.WHAT TO LOOK FORLook over the condition of the interior in case the Passat has had a hard life. It’s not common in a car like this, but can happen and rectification can be expensive.The engine should start within a second of the key being turned and should settle into a steady idle within seconds. If there is a flat spot in acceleration there could be fuel-injection problems.Check the insides of the front wheels for signs of severe brake dust build up, indicating hard driving. This is more likely on one of the sporting models, but Passats do seem to attract people who like to pedal along hard.Look over the body for signs of crash repairs, especially paint that doesn’t match and panels that don't fit exactly. Check the complete body, including hard to reach areas under the bonnet, in the boot and under the car.CAR BUYING TIPBefore settling on any car it makes sense to check on availability of spare parts and servicing in your home and work neighbourhoods. 

There's a prestige aura around Volkswagen's Passat that's been steadily growing over seven generations of the car and nearly 40 years of production.It's a happy mixture of luxury, style and affordability that's difficult to ignore, especially when you compare what you get in Passat with a similar priced sedan (or wagon) of any size. The latest generation offers — more of the same — incremental gains in luxury, performance, safety, economy, style and quality all from a starting point of $38,990 for the 118 TSi sedan which we drove.VALUEPlenty of car for the money especially when you compare it with base Commodore or Falcon — fleet cars versus the handsome, luxurious Passat. And it's more than a big Golf offering heaps of rear seat legroom, a spacious cabin and huge boot along with clever technology to suppress noise like the acoustic film inside the windscreen.Seven speed DSG "auto" is standard, 17-inch alloys, tyre pressure monitoring, media device interface, decent audio and electric driver's seat adjustment are included. It gets leather, heated front seats, Bluetooth phone, auto headlights and wipers and front and rear park sensors — see, told you it was well equipped.SAFETYFive stars here — plus other clever stuff like the hazard flashing system linked to heavy brake application, fatigue detection and plenty of other goodies especially if you start ticking the options or "packages" boxes. Hill hold is handy.UNDER THE BONNETPower comes from a high efficiency 1.8-litre turbo four cylinder petrol engine with 118kW/250Nm, the latter at a low 1500rpm. This translates into strong acceleration right where you want it for general driving. Fuel economy is a creditable 7.2-litres/100km. Volkswagen is more and more utilising turbodiesel technology in its petrol engines with excellent results.Drive is to the front wheels via a slick shifting dual clutch seven-speed DSG gearbox — but no paddle shift just the stick selector for manual mode.INSIDERoomy and classy is the best way to describe Passat's interior. There's nearly as much rear legroom as Falcon. The dash is beautifully designed and made of quality materials with sweet touches like the metal analogue clock in the middle. Optional 3D navi is excellent but expensive at $3600. The standard audio is fine and all the driver assist functions are impressive and clever.THE DRIVEWe can't believe it's a 1.8-litre four pot — on a number of counts — acceleration off the mark, roll-on acceleration from highway speeds and fuel economy. The quoted figure of 7.2-litres/100km is easily bested on the highway — down into the 5.0s no problem. Cruising is a breeze at the limit with the Passat ticking over at low revs thanks to the auto. It's super quiet and smooth.The ride is supple and controlled offering a sporty feel to the steering, brakes and cornering. It's easy to get comfortable and there's plenty of room f or four and their luggage. We like the VW family styling, particularly the squared off frontal treatment.VERDICTExcellent car — would have one in a flash and remember, this is the "base" model with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel and a 3.6-litre V6 petrol all wheel drive above it. Not necessary though.VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 118TSI SEDANPrice: $38,990Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmResale: 48%Service interval: 15,000km or 12 monthsEconomy: 7.7 l/100km; 180g/km CO2Equipment: eight airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC.Crash rating: 5 starEngine: 118kW/250Nm 1.8-litre turbo-petrolTransmission: Seven-speed DSG autoBody: 4-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 4769 (L); 1820mm (W); 1490mm (H); 2711mm (WB)Weight: 1482kgTyre size: 235/45R17, full size spare.

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. VALUEPricing 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.TECHNOLOGYThe 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.DESIGNWhile 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.DRIVINGPreliminary 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.SAFETYPassat 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. VERDICTNew Passat is another clear confirmation of why Volkswagen is doing so well. It is one of the finest mid-size offerings around.

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'.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.

THE plumage of a Norwegian Blue parrot is of such beauty that even a dead specimen for sale in a pet shop would unzip the wallet of any obsessive bird lover. Beautiful things do that to people. Unfortunately, beneath the glossed veneer of some cars lies a lifeless character as irretrievable as the heartbeat of John Cleese's Norwegian Blue.But not so with the Volkswagen Passat. Now in its fourth decade in Australia, the Passat has been dosed with an efficient engine range and a strong chassis. It's a competent handler, is strong on fit and finish, is great to drive and just makes a lot of sense. It will do anything asked of it and will reward you with low-cost motoring and even put a smile on your face.Put it on a pet shop perch, however, and the pretty-boy rivals - with or without a heartbeat - will probably outsell it. The latest Passat, like the new Jetta, is a very polished performer but you have to first get over the fact its body has clinical lines that would better befit a Camry.VALUEBetter than expected, actually. The 1.8-litre 118TSI sedan costs $38,990 - the same price as a 2-litre Jetta - and equates well to rivals such as Ford Mondeo ($37,740), Subaru Liberty ($37,990), Mazda6 ($40,905), Camry Grande ($39,990), Hyundai i45 ($37,490) and Kia Optima ($36,990).Fit and finish is damn near perfect, the equipment level is substantial and the sense of solidity and security on the road is hard for rivals to match. Power-focused nomenclature is confusing - the 118TSI here isn't the same as the 118TSi (note the lower-case "i") of the Golf which has a 1.4-litre engine.DESIGNOn the one hand it looks purposeful and neat and clean. On the other, it's bland. It doesn't stand out on the road and could be made by any of a dozen mid-size car makers. If you like coloured baubles and shiny metal, this may not be your car. But the pragmatist sees that it is exceptionally functional. The boot is big and flexible, the cabin is not to big and not too small, the design of the dashboard is simple and very workable and materials such as the soft-feel dash and leather seats are subtle hints that this is a quality product.TECHNOLOGYThe engine is new. Passat is the only Volkswagen to use this 1.8-litre in Australia and is an odd inclusion given it could have picked up the Eos' 155kW/2-litre petrol engine which gets practically the same fuel consumption (7.7L/100km vs Eos' 7.9)  and emissions (180 vs 184g/km CO2) with a lot more poke. Not that there's anything wrong with the 118kW/250Nm 118TSI which may better suit a gentler life in the suburbs. There's no manual, just the slick seven-speed DSG auto. Everything else is as per previous Passat, making this an evolution model that hints at being the breather before an all-new version in four years.SAFETYFive star crash rating, electronic stability control, eight airbags and lots of aids in the chassis to keep your life on track. Good news for travellers and those who don't want to spend hours on the side of the road is the full-size spare.DRIVINGIt has a chassis so taut it feels like a stretched wire - but there's no hint of breaking. This is Volkswagen's chassis boys at their best, providing a rock-solid platform for a family sedan that feels more like an agile racer. The steering is electric but is very good - it feels just a bit numb when slightly off centre - and the driver soon adapts. Designed for the family, the Passat 118TSI is not particularly quick immediately off the mark - due probably to the DSG's slight lag - but soon picks up the ball and can turn in a respectable 8.5 second 0-100km/h acceleration time. The joy is more in its free-revving nature and excellent responsiveness, helped by its selection of the transmission's seven ratios. Ride comfort is also very good and handling is very good, with very low wind noise being one of its most redeeming features.VERDICTNew Passat is a quandary as it competes with Volkswagen's own Jetta that is only slightly smaller and less expensive. But the German-built Passat's quality is excellent and the performance is a nice mix of economy and vroom. Pity that it looks like Plain Jane at the school dance.VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 118TSI SEDANPrice: $38,990Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmResale: 48%Service interval: 15,000km or 12 monthsEconomy: 7.7 l/100km; 180g/km CO2Equipment: eight airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC.Crash rating: 5 starEngine: 118kW/250Nm 1.8-litre turbo-petrolTransmission: Seven-speed DSG autoBody: 4-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 4769 (L); 1820mm (W); 1490mm (H); 2711mm (WB)Weight: 1482kgTyre size: 235/45R17, full size spare.

In Europe, the Volkswagen Passat is as mainstream as a Commodore or Falcon fleet vehicle is here. But in Australia, while it's considered more a premium car, it's never been styled or marketed strongly enough to grab a major share of the premium buyers. That means people have overlooked a car that’s well-built, packed with features and something of a bargain.VALUEIt was a great prospect in the previous model -- and the price has stood still at $38,990 for the entry level, $43,990 for the diesel and $55,990 for the V6, with more equipment being squeezed in.The stand-out features include a new fatigue detection system, emergency ‘city braking’ that under 30km/h automatically slows or speeds the car to match the one in front – think of it as urban cruise control – and a host of sensor and guide systems that keep a radar eye out for front collision, overtaking gaps and even spot and slot you into perpendicular parking spaces.These join the lane-drift prevention, chassis adjustment and other beauties under the skin.TECHNOLOGYThe hot R36 version is gone but its 220kW/350Nm 3.6-litre V6 stays in the line-up, albeit without the performance extras that made the R-line. But it’s still quick at 5.5 seconds to 100km/h.And it’s still the thirstiest Passat at 9.7L/100km – although trimmed by 0.3L with VW’s ongoing efficiency drive adding brake energy recapture systems to all three DSG-mated carryover engines. This brings the 118kW/250Nm 1.8-litre turbo petrol down by 0.5L to 7.2L/100km while the 125kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel – which also gets a stop-start system – drops 0.8L to 5.7L/100km.DESIGNThere’s a little more street presence, but it’s not startling, with the main differences coming from a restyled nose with budding bodykit hints, chrome accents and LED daytime running lights. The cabin is functional and well-finished, with quality materials and switch feel. But it’s all restrained with no nothing to excite the eye inside or out.SAFETYThe previous model was five-star and this one lifts the bar, with increasingly clever tech features joining the barricade of airbags, crash-retracting pedals and a solid – although weighty – body.DRIVINGIt’s a great cabin, but some people will find it hard to get comfortable in the driver’s seat. You feel a bit skewed away from a direct line, and the brake pedal is a bit too high and to the left. It comes down to individual leg length, but if you set the seat close your knee will hit the steering wheel every time you brake.But the cabin is hushed and comfortable overall, and even over rough chip bitumen the tyres proved to quieter than most.The diesel was our pick of the three cars, both for its handy torque and for the lighter feel of the car. The 1.8-litre was more than capable, but -- even though it’s the lightest body by a considerable margin -- couldn’t sparkle when faced with having to haul up hills. The V6, while it had plenty of energy to tap into, was undermined a little by the all-wheel drive system’s extra traction and weight.Steering was accurate once you pointed it, but tinged with the touch of lead you often find among the VW stable, more noticeable in the heavier all-wheel drive. But across the range, the ride quality was remarkable. Even the base model without adaptive suspension pulls off a great balance between soaking up the patchwork surfaces and being stiff enough for capable cornering.VERDICTSmart, sensible and an equipment and technology package that makes it something of a bargain, but there’s no lust factor.

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?VALUEIt'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.STYLESleek 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.SAFETYThere 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.TECHNOLOGYVW 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.DRIVINGMost 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.VERDICTAn ideal family car for Australian conditions.VW Passat 118TSI wagonPrice: $40,990 ($46,990 as tested)Engine: 4-cylinder 1798cc TSIPower: 118kW @ 4500rpmTorque: 250Nm @ 1500-4500Transmission: 7 Speed DSG, front-wheel driveEconomy (L/100km): 7.8 (claimed), 8.2 (tested with 4 adults and luggage)CO2: 182g/kmWheels: 17 x 71.2h alloysTyres: 235/45 R17Fuel: 70-litre tankWeight: 1529kgTowing: 1500kg (braked), 740kg (unbraked), 85kg (towbar load limit)Dimensions (mm): 4774 (l), 1820 (w), 1517 (h), 2709 (wheelbase)

The line-up of diesel engines from Volkswagen is already gathering a big fan base in Australia.  The turbodiesel side of the Passat range is the more popular part of the range and Volkswagen has a BlueMotion model within the revamped range.ValueThe local arm of the German car maker will be expanding its diesel model line-up with the inclusion of the Golf BlueMotion next year, but the company also has the option of further eco-centric turbodiesel models here with the new Passat. As yet there's no firm price-tag on the BlueMotion, but VW is keen to hold pricing to current levels where possible.DesignThe BlueMotion is not to be confused with the BlueTec or other models running compression ignition, which get some BlueMotion technology as standard - low rolling resistance tyres, a Stop/Start system and a battery regeneration mode.The Passat BlueMotion gets little aerodynamic aids as well as the other gear, using the most fuel-efficient engine of the range - the same 1.6-litre turbodiesel that will appear in the Golf BlueMotion when it arrives in 2011 - to maximum effect.TechnologyWhile the outputs aren't quite up to the two-litre turbodiesel we already get in Australia, 77kW and 250Nm from 1500rpm is enough to get things rolling in the new BlueMotion.The VW claim is 12.2 seconds to reach 100km/h and a top speed of 195km/h, with frugal figures improved over the outgoing car by 0.2 of a litre per 100km to 4.2 and 109g/km.Extracting diesel from a 70 litre tank, that equates to a range of at least 1600km, although a UK journalist managed to get a record of just over 2400km from one tank of fuel.Volkswagen says the record-breaking Passat used 77.25 litres to cover the record distance - so the tank was full to the brim - which equates to 3.14 litres per 100km or 90 miles per gallon.DrivingCarsguide got behind the wheel of the new-look Passat in its BlueMotion guise during the model launch, firing it up and punting through the traffic before heading for the hills outside of Barcelona.The six-speed manual gearbox is perhaps not as convenient through the traffic as a DSG, but the cog-swap is easy enough, with a decent shift action and useable clutch.The BlueMotion's little turbodiesel was a little chuggy when cold but once warmed settled down to a quiet demeanour - the more effective insulation introduced as part of the model upgrade keeps the cabin quiet enough.The torque on offer from 1500rpm was enough to allow fifth and sixth gears to be used easily on the motorway above 80 or 90km/h, provided there's no incline - 110-120km/h is an easier task for top gear as the turbo is getting into the meat of its operation.Peak power of 77kW is nothing to write home about - and the engine is not fond of heading into the upper reaches of the rev range to reach its peak.Better progress - and probably more frugal - is made keeping the engine gently humming with the gearbox, making the most of the torque.The test car had the variable damping that offered a comfortable ride in normal mode, which didn't degrade noticeably when sport mode was selected to tighten up the suspension and increase the weighting on the steering.VerdictOnly the absence of a DSG model takes the shine off its appeal for auto-addicted Australia, which is a shame, as the greenest of the new Passat models would make a worthy addition to the local line-up.Volkswagen Passat BlueMotionEngine: 1.6-litre 16-valve BlueMotion particle-filtered turbodiesel four-cylinder.Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive.Power: 77kW @ 4400rpm.Torque: 250Nm between 1500 & 2500rpm.Performance: 0-100km/h 12.2 seconds. Top speed 195km/h (governed).Fuel consumption: 4.2 litres/100km, tank 70 litres.Emissions: 114g/km.Suspension: MacPherson strut (front); multi-link (rear).Brakes: four-wheel discs, front ventilated.Dimensions: length 4769mm (wagon 4771mm), width 1820mm, height 1472mm (wagon 1481mm), wheelbase 2712mm, track fr/rr 1552/1551mm, cargo volume 565 (wagon 603/1731) litres, weight  1499kg.Wheels: 16in alloys.