Volkswagen Passat Reviews

So you want to negotiate terrain more challenging than the driveway but can't cop being seen in an SUV? Despair not.Volkswagen has toughened up its Passat wagon so that it goes nose-to-nose with the Subaru Outback as well as its siblings from Skoda and Audi. It's called, with only slight hubris, the Alltrack.At $47,790 the all-wheel-drive Alltrack is $1800 price hike over the front-drive Passat 125TDI. That's $1000 over the diesel Outback Premium, but the VW brings a standard six speed DSG auto to Subaru's manual sole transmission choiceOther standard kit includes chrome roof rails, leather trim, dual-zone climate control with rear-seat vents, a reach and rake adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel with sound system and phone controls, Bluetooth phone and audio link, a hard-drive equipped satnav and sound system with USB input and a powered tailgate. It rides on 17-inch alloys with self-sealing tyres and a space-saver spare.Options include pearl-effect paint ($700), sunroof ($2000) and parking assistance system ($900). The two option packs look decent value. The $3300 driver assistance and visibility Package adds intelligent bi-xenon lights, lane departure warning and blind spot warning.For $2800, the Sport package gets 18s a multi-function leather steering wheel with gearshifter paddles, Nappa full-grain leather trim and heavier rear window tint. The adaptive cruise control, that includes the auto-braking accident warning and avoidance system, is a $2000 option and the adaptive damper suspension option (with either 17in or 18in alloy wheels) is $1650.The Alltrack uses the 2.0-litre common-rail direct-injection turbodiesel four. It's a proven unit with 125kW/350Nm and a thirst of 6.3l/100km  barely more than the 150kg lighter standard Passat.  Electric stability aids are disabled by a button's push while the off-road system also quickens the reaction time of the electronic differential locks to prevent wheel spin, automatically activates hill descent control to a higher engine speed and if the manual shift mode is employed, the gear will be held and not over-ridden by the gearbox computer. The 4Motion drivetrain feeds only 10 per cent of power to the rear axle until the electro-hydraulic system sees a need for more.The staid squared-off conservative look of the Passat wagon has been beefed up with wheelarch trim and added bits on the front and rear bumpers. More importantly, the Alltrack's ground clearance has risen to 165mm. That's down on the Outback's 213mm, the VW's bootspace is at 588 litre  almost 100 litres greaters than the Soobs. It's a clever and flexible space too, with luggage net and remote release for the seat backs.The Passat scores five stars under the NCAP. A notable feature in this edition is an "extended" electronic diff lock and four-wheel drive. The driver gets an auto-dimming rearvision centre and driver's side mirror, tyre pressure monitoring and some underbody protection.First impressions of the Alltrack are not surprisingly Passat with hiking boots and a bit more swagger. The six-speed auto plays well with the turbo diesel, humming swiftly along at freeway speeds and providing more than enough punch for overtaking. The ride is on the firm side and a little jittery in the Sport package; I'd be inclined to stick with the standard wheel/tyre package.Winding back roads are not going to trip the Alltrack that height increase is not significant enough to make it lean drastically. The downside to that is 165mm of ground clearance is going to mean you'll test the model-specific underbody protection a little more than you would in a Subaru Outback once you're off the bitumen.The loose-surface dirt road is easily traversed as well, with the all-wheel drive system and driver aids working together to prevent too much wandering. The front-drive biased all-wheel drive system is not my personal preference - the more even split engaged by Subaru or the VW's cousins at Audi are better balanced. The Off Road mode brings in a clever hill descent control system that has its speed set by the driver's right foot, but given the low clearance you won't be stepping over big rocks and ruts.If you value a German badge over a Japanese one, the Alltrack is a family wagon that can complete a broad range of modern SUV tasks from fire trails to the school run.

While the boom in SUV sales in Australia has knocked station wagon sales for six, some brands, including Volkswagen and its Audi and Skoda cousins, are persisting with keeping both SUVs and wagons in their model line-ups. The latest offering from the people at VW is the Passat Alltrack a car designed to bridge the gap between the traditional wagon. One that can take on a bit of the rough stuff for adventurous families.VALUEThe Alltrack comes with a value-for-money $47,790 price tag and generous standard-kit inventory. As well as its leather trim and heated front seats, buyers can look forward to 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, automatic lights and wipers, a clever electrically operated tailgate, an electric parking brake, front-and-rear parking sensors and a rear-vision camera, dual-zone climate-control “air,” a 6.5-inch touch screen with satellite navigation and a 30GB hard drive, one-touch up-and-down electric windows and Bluetooth mobile-phone and music streaming.Also standard are a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel, fog lights, cruise control and an automatic-dimming electro-chromatic rear-vision mirror. Options include metallic/pearl-effect paint ($700), a panoramic electric glass sunroof ($2000), park-assist 2 ($900), a driver-assistance and visibility package ($3300), adaptive cruise control and front-assist with city emergency braking ($2000) and the sport package ($2800).If you want more-sporty, more-bolstered seats it will cost you $2800 as part of the Sport option that includes other goodies such as steering-wheel-mounted gear-shift paddles. The Alltrack’s competitors include the new $69,900 Audi A4 Allroad and the much-cheaper $43,990 Skoda Octavia Scout. Then there’s the $46,990 Subaru Outback Premium that also comes with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine but cannot at this stage be specified with an automatic transmission.TECHNOLOGYThe new VW is a slightly beefed-up version of the standard Passat wagon and uses the same 125 kW turbo-diesel engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. What sets the Alltrack apart from the Passat wagon is the addition of the Touareg and Tiguan SUVs’ off-road driving program, a less-intrusive electronic stability program and unique front, side and rear body-kit features.On surfaces such as unstable gravel, the off-road driving program automatically remaps the ABS, shift points, throttle response and electronic differential lock to deliver even more traction than when the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is in normal mode. An automatic hill-descent-control system adds to the Alltrack’s surefootedness.DESIGNVolkswagen Alltrack’s interior is a stylish, classy affair with leather trim as standard, soft plastics and brushed-chrome dashboard/centre-stack highlights. There are black-faced speedo and tacho dials with red needles, clear white numbers and an analogue clock that adds to the overall ambience.With 588 litres of cargo space with the rear seats occupied and a cavernous 1716 litres when the rear-seats are folded flat, there’s no shortage of storage capacity. Other storage cubby holes include a sunglasses holder, front-and-rear door pockets, a reasonably sized glove box, front-and-rear drinkholders and a bin beneath the centre front-seat armrest.Alltrack’s ride height has been raised 30 mm above that of the standard Passat wagon, resulting in increased approach, departure and ramp-over angles. A limited amount of front-seat bolstering doesn’t exactly hug you into position during enthusiastic cornering on winding roads.VW’s engineers have fitted a tough, steel under-body protection shield to look after the engine and gearbox during off-road excursions. One niggle however for this 185 cm tall reviewer is that with the seat right back, there is insufficient outward adjustment for the exterior mirrors.SAFETYThe Alltrack has a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating and standard safety kit that includes eight airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, electronic stability and traction control, a driver fatigue-detection system, hill-descent assist and a tyre-pressure monitor. In addition, the tyres come with an internal polymer layer that automatically seals holes made by nails, bolts or spikes up to 5mm in thickness.DRIVINGHeight-and-reach-adjustable steering and plenty of seat adjustment means getting a suitable driving position is easy. Out on the road and irrespective of the road surfaces the Alltrack handles itself with aplomb. Armed with 350 Nm of torque, hills and overtaking are dispatched with ease and even during enthusiastic tight cornering, the car sits nice and flat.With its 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and new SUV-derived off-road driving program, gravel surfaces were no problem to this surefooted new Volkswagen. Out on the road and irrespective of the road surfaces the Alltrack handles itself with aplomb.VERDICTVolkswagen’s new Allroad keeps alive the tradition of the family wagon but it does it with a tad more aggression, an adventurous spirit and greater all-track ability.Volkswagen Passat AlltrackPrice: from $47,790Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: 50 per cent (Source: Glass's Guide)Service interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: five starSpare: space saverEngine: two-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder, 125kW/350NmTransmission: 6-speed twin-clutch automated manual; 4WDBody: 4.9m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.6m (h)Weight: 1704kgThirst: 6.31/100km, tank 70 litres; 166g/km CO2

Aggressive pricing by Volkswagen will slice into Australia’s all-wheel drive heartlands when it debuts its new wagon later this year.The Passat Alltrack is expected here at less than $50,000 - a $15,000 discount to similarly-equipped European off-road wagons and lobbing right into Subaru’s hunting ground.The Alltrack - driven for the first time here - was expected to cost about $58,000 when it goes on sale in Australia in November.But Volkswagen spokesman Karl Gehling later says his company wants a sub-$50,000 tag for its 125kW turbo-diesel automatic - a move that will shake the established all-wheel drive market and rattle a lot of similarly-priced SUVs.Would you buy one? Do you need one? If you desire the off-road capabilities of an all-wheel drive SUV wagon but don’t need that vehicle’s height, fuel consumption and bulk, then the answer may be “yes’’.Volkswagen already has a Passat all-wheel drive (in VW speak, it’s called 4Motion) wagon. But the new Alltrack, here in November priced from under $50,000 which is about $4000 more than Passat front-drive wagon - is different.It gets the same off-road package - electronic drive traction and braking aids, a steel underbody and an extra 30mm ride height - as its Touareg and Tiguan SUVs.That makes it as capable - except for the Passat’s extended front and rear overhang - as the pair. Yet the new Alltrack is more luxury-oriented, more comfortable and handles with far more confidence on bitumen. It also smacks the face of its sister, the Audi Allroad, which - when it returns to the market late this year - costs about $50,000 more. Is Alltrack a worthy rival to SUVs? Absolutely.VALUEVolkswagen Australia says it comes as a one-spec version for less than $50,000. In perspective, the current 125kW/350Nm Passat front-drive wagon sells for $45,990.The Alltrack adds all-wheel drive, extra electronic aids, an underbody protection plate, different ride height and a new set of front and rear bumpers, wheel arches and an upspec cabin that includes pleated leather upholstery.For that it trounces its European rivals - Volvo, BMW and the new Range Rover Evoque - but the fact that it’s more comfortable and handles like a sporty passenger car gives it an even bigger edge.DESIGNThe Passat wears pretty bland clothing and the Alltrack merely adds a bit more interest with its bolder bumpers, macho wheel arches and high ride height.Conservative it may be, but the Passat is actually beautifully crafted with quality that matches Audi. The size offers excellent cabin room, a huge boot and the expected high level of versatility in an SUV.The dashboard escapes much of the all-black plastic of some VW models with contrasting colours and soft-feel plastics.TECHNOLOGYThe 4Motion system has been around for a few years, now upgraded for the Tiguan and Touareg and this spills over into the Alltrack.  It delivers about 10 per cent power to the rear wheels on bitumen but seeks out traction and is flexible enough to put up to 100 per cent to the rear wheels. An electronic off-road program can, at the push of a dash button, modify the ABS brakes to react less aggressively on soft road surfaces, dampen accelerator pedal delivery, deactivate some aids and automatically switch on a hill descent program to control downhill manouevres.SAFETYThe Alltrack has the added all-wheel drive system as its main safety point, enhanced by a five-star crash rating, six airbags and a raft of electronic aids. It is likely to get a space-saver temporary spare but this is yet to be decided.The wheel well may be able to accept a full-size spare. There’s also a standard reverse camera.DRIVINGIt is perhaps expected but the Alltrack drives like any other 2012 Passat. That it’s predictable, comfortable and feels so confident on the road is a good thing. It’s not especially inspiring around the city and it’s not until it’s shown poor-grade roads and winding routes that it comes into its own.The test cars (in Austria during snow season) had Pirelli Sottozero winter tyres that were absolutely superb grippers. Nice choice for Australian ski bunnies but for the rest of us, the all-season tyre is yet to be chosen.That final decision aside, the Alltrack rides and steers as good as a standard front-drive Passat. The sole engine - at the launch - will be the 125kW/350Nm 2-litre turbo-diesel with excellent mid-range punch but a bit weak off the mark. It retains the diesel growl at idle but is nicely muted at speed. The box is a six-speed DSG with paddle shifts for manual operation. Tested in snow, the all-wheel drive system constantly sends power to the wheels with traction.It works very well but enthusiastic off-road owners will find the car’s flaws are its 165mm ground clearance and its comparatively long 941mm/1120mm front/rear overhangs.The Alltrack will tow up to 2000kg and - with the standard anti-sway program within the car’s brake package - is appealing to people towing boats, horse floats and caravans.VERDICTThis could be a high-quality, affordable alternative to the increasingly ubiquitous SUV. The fact it drives like a standard car and yet has good off-road ability makes a lot of sense.VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT ALLTRACKPrice: est. $49,500Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: n/aService interval: 15,000km or 12 monthsSafety: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC.Crash rating: 5 starsEngine: 125kW/350Nm 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselBody: 5-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 4771mm (L);1820mm (W); 1513mm (H); 2710mm (WB)Weight: 1725kgTransmission: 6-spd dual-clutch automatic; all-wheel driveEconomy: 5.9 l/100km; 155g/km CO2OTHERS TO CONSIDERBMW X3 20dStar rating: 3.5 out of five starsPrice: $62,200Enigine: 2.0-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 135kW/380NmTransmission: 8-spd automatic, all-wheel driveBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 5.6L/100km, CO2 147g/km"Top-notch drive but down on VW’s value for money''RANGE ROVER EVOQUE TD4 DYNAMICStar rating: 4 out of five starsPrice: $69,375Engine: 2.2-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 110kW/400NmTransmission: 6-spd automatic, all-wheel driveBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 6.5L/100km, CO2 174g/km"Fantastic looker that has good off-road ability but watch the options list''VOLVO XC70 D5Star: 3.5 out of five starsPrice: $63,450Enigne: 2.4-litre, 5-cyl turbo-diesel, 158kW/440NmTransmission: 6-spd auto, all-wheel driveBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 6.9L/100km, CO2 188g/km"Seriously under rated wagon that is Alltrack’s main rival''

Mid-sized cars are not too small and not too big; they're just right. A perfect balance of power and efficiency, comfort and agility, and performance and environmental consciousness.

Volkswagen Passat 125TDI and Hyundai i40 Premium go head-to-head in this comparative review.

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.