Volkswagen Passat Reviews

Its lines were pleasant rather than challenging. It was a car that blended into the scene. Inside, the Passat was neat and clean. The dash was well laid out, with all controls neatly arranged within easy reach of the driver, the seats were comfortable, and the ambience airy.The on-road experience probably ensured the Passat avoided the bland tag. It drove like a European car, which meant it was a much more rewarding experience to drive compared to most Japanese cars. The road holding was good, the handling safe and secure, the brakes powerful and confidence inspiring.Underneath, the Passat rode on four-link front suspension with a spring and shock absorber unit, while the rear was a torsion beam with trailing arms and separate coil springs and sway bar. The punch was provided by one of two engines, the first an 85kW 2.0-litre single overhead camshaft four-cylinder that delivered a spirited performance, at least in manual form. The other was a 128kW 2.8-litre single overhead camshaft V6 that was shoehorned lengthwise under the bonnet making for a rather cramped engine bay when it came to servicing.If the four-cylinder was more leisurely, the V6 had oodles of get-up-and-go, making the Passat something of a sports sedan with credibility. VW offered the choice of a five-speed manual with a decent shift, and a four-speed auto. There were two models, one the the GL, which was well equipped with airconditioning, dual airbags, anti-skid electronics, six-speaker sound, cruise control, on-board trip computer, power windows, mirrors and steering, and cloth trim.The sporty VR6 added alloy wheels, traction control and a leather steering wheel, as well as the V6 engine.A thorough makeover was launched in 1998 when the styling was smoothed for an even cleaner look with a new grille, front bumper and headlights. A wagon also joined the range. New 1.8-litre double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engines were used. The base engine boasted 92kW, while the turbocharged version had 110kW. The V6 went up to 142kW.While the main mechanical components are quite reliable and robust, the Passat does suffer from a number of problems. The airconditioning evaporator cracks and the ABS brake controller can fail. Both require replacements costing about $2000 for each.It's worth having the front suspension and drive shafts checked, in particular the rubber seals over the joints. The seals protecting the control arm joints are known to split or crack and once that happens the grease lubricating the joints leaks out and grit and grime gets in, which hastens the end of the joints.As with most modern VW engines the Passat's engines can use a little oil so it pays to keep a watch on the oil level. VW configures the piston rings such that the engine will consume a little oil as a way of protecting it at high speed on the German autobahns, but it can be worrying for anyone used to Japanese engines which don't use any oil at all. Using the oil isn't something to worry about, but it does pay to check the oil level regularly to make sure it doesn't drop to a dangerously low level.Dual airbags across the range and side airbags on some models give the Passat decent crash protection, while standard ABS in tandem with the Passat's chassis balance means a good level of active safety.

That car had cornering almost free of body roll, a willing 1.5-litre engine, carefree fuel economy, body-hugging driver's seat and consumed long distances better than many larger cars.It had only 55kW power and 116Nm torque, but in its day that was enough in a lightweight (well under one tonne) two-door. It had no power steering, manual window winders, 13in steel wheels and safety features were seat belts and damn good brakes. But, gee, it was fun to drive.Although 31 years may be a generation in human terms, the latest Passat is its sixth generation and, on Volkswagen's own admission, its biggest design leap.This latest, largest Passat weighs in at 1506kg (still 68kg under even a base Holden Commodore). And at $44,990 in the two-litre turbocharged petrol engine version as tested, it's about 10 times the price of the 1975 Passat TS.But just look at what's included now in this VW model: eight airbags (dual front, front and rear side, and front and rear head), active crash head restraints, electronic stability control, electromechanical (push-button) parking brake, dual-zone automatic airconditioning, traction control, ABS brakes, 17in alloy wheels, eight-speaker sound system with six-stack CD, a boot lid that raises at the press of a key fob, electrically heated mirrors which include turn indicators, six-way electric adjustment for the driver's seat, rain-sensing wipers and five-star ENCAP occupant protection rating in a crash.And that's just a small selection of the standard equipment that makes the modern Passat a pleasurable vehicle for relaxing progress.The Passat driven had the 2.0 FSI turbo petrol engine. This gives 147kW power at 5100-6000rpm and torque of 280Nm over a wide 1800-4700rpm. It translates to a 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds, says VW, and a potential top speed of 230km/h.It runs a six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission that settles at 2300rpm at 110km/h when cruising.This is the same engine as found in the Volkswagen Golf GTi. In that GTi, it's a little cracker – eager, responsive, a hot unit. In the Passat, it could be a different engine – quiet, refined and only singing its presence when the accelerator is pressed hard. It's an ideal example of a good turbocharged engine in a family car: there's no startling evidence that it is a turbo. It pulls steadily from low revs. Quiet driving is rewarded with pleasing fuel economy. Sure, there's a lot more go at higher revs where the turbo allows strong performance if required, but it doesn't arrive with a marked leap.Passat can be had with other engine choices. The range starts at $42,990, with a two-litre turbocharged diesel giving 103kW power and a good 320Nm of torque at just 1750rpm. Or at $54,990, there's the 3.2-litre V6 petrol of 184kW and 330Nm torque. The V6 means also getting the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The V6 is the super-luxury version with extras. The V6 and the diesel are mated to VW's excellent DSG six-speed transmission.Station wagons are $2000 more in each case.The glove box is barely medium-size but there are generous door pockets and some other fascia compartments. Rear leg room is good and head room fair.Cornering poise is there but hard driving can find understeer, inevitable when the engine weight is ahead of the front axle line in a front-wheel-drive car.Options include an electric sunroof at $1990, metallic paint $990, bi-xenon self-levelling headlamps $2290, leather trim $2990 (including heated front seats standard on the V6) and satellite navigation $2990.The car runs on premium unleaded petrol.You'll impress others with the smart key that requires just placing in a dashboard slot and pressing to start the engine. And the parking brake is also controlled by a push button on the dashboard. There's an auto-hold function that can be selected for the transmission: it prevents the car creeping forward when left in D after you've stopped in traffic.The boot is a real surprise, too: very long and with 565-litre capacity in the sedan, even with a full-size spare wheel under the floor where there's more stowage space.The Passat's not what it used to be. It's now a luxury European sedan at family-car prices.

Other models command a premium but the diesel is an unusual entry point to the Passat range.That's goods news in these times of increasing fuel prices because it's going to drive your dollar further, a lot further. It's the same 2.0-litre turbocharged common rail unit found in Golf, Jetta and their Audi counterparts - and it's a ripper.Four cylinder, 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel delivers 103kW of power at 4000rpm and 320Nm of torque from a low 1750rpm.V6 and turbocharged four cylinder petrol variants are also available, but are more expensive.The high torque figure is significant because its the stuff that makes driving a breeze. Diesels deliver more torque than larger capacity petrol engines and at lower engine revs, which is a reason they use less fuel.Top speed is 206km/h and the TDI can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds. That's brisk but slower on both counts than either petrol variant.Volkswagen's advanced six-speed DSG auto is standard, albeit without steering wheel change buttons. It employs two clutches for faster gear changes and is ideal for use with the diesel.Claimed fuel consumption for the diesel engine is 6.6L/100km. We got 7.2L during testing but didn't get a chance to empty the 70-litre tank.Our test car looks a million bucks, finished in black with gleaming chrome highlights. Optional beige leather upholstery is fitted, along with walnut wood inserts. We'd happily give the walnut a miss but the overall effect is certainly classy, a car that looks more expensive than it actually is.Given the car's increased size, fuel ef- ficiency and comprehensive equipment list, you'd be mad not to give it a look. More compact cars with fuel efficient engines are the way of the future.We think the Passat's 2.0-litre TDI engine is one the best around. But we have to admit that it feels a bit noisier and coarser that we remember. Maybe the opposition is just getting better?Not quite as nippy as the turbocharged petrol engined car that we drove recently, but still so much better in more important ways. Offers strong mid-range performance and easy high- way cruising.Suspension is firm as is the Euro norm. Drive is through the front wheels, with plenty of electronic gizmos to keep it attached to the road.Safety is uppermost. Passat gets a five-star Euro safety rating. It comes with ABS, eight airbags, active front head restraints and electronic stability control as standard.Standard equipment includes dual zone climate control, premium audio, 17in alloys including the spare, multi-function steering wheel and cruise control.VERDICT:Classy effort. TDI is a hands down winner with the way fuel prices are going. Priced from $42,990 it is a sophisticated car that offers state of the art technology in a practical easy to use package. 

Even pushing the extra weight of the larger, heavier Passat wagon, it still delivers plenty of punch - enough to make you wonder whether a V6 or even the diesel model is really warranted?We first saw the 2.0-litre TFSI engine with the debut of the new GTi hot hatch last year, followed recently by it sedan counterpart in the Jetta range.The turbocharged four engine produces 147kW of power between 5100rpm and 6600rpm and 280Nm of torque from a low 1800rpm.It's enough to propel the Passat, in both sedan and wagon forms, from 0-100km/h in a rapid-fire 7.8 seconds.Fuel consumption for the wagon meanwhile is a claimed 8.9L/100km from the 70-litre tank and it uses premium unleaded - the 98 grade good stuff is recommended.Vollkswagen has been hitting some home runs lately and it looks like Passat may be another one.The company describes the car as "the greatest evolutionary step since the series was first created."It's larger in every dimension than the previous model which we admit having had a bit of a soft spot for.Putting a rule over it the new car it's 62mm longer, 74mm wider and 10mm higher.Shopping it against smaller stablemate Jetta, there's not much separating the two cars in terms of style.Jetta is also quite roomy inside and could in fact be spacious enough for many people, especially since it's cheaper.Passat has a five-star safety rating and comes with eight airbags, active front crash head restraints and electronic stability control as standard.Our test car was the four cylinder wagon priced from $46,990, that's $2000 more than the entry level 2.0-litre diesel.You can't get a Jetta wagon so if it's a wagon you're after, it will have to be the Passat.In the four cylinder wagon the engine is hooked up to a six-speed sequential auto that allows the driver to change gear manually (V6 and diesel get the hi-tech, double clutch DSG box).From start the changes that have been introduced with the new model become quickly obvious.To start the car there is no ignition key as such. Instead you stick the remote control unit into a slot in the dash, pushing the thing home to turn the engine over.There's no fumbling for the handbrake either. To operate the handbrake it's just a matter of pushing a dash-mounted button to the right of the steering wheel.Our test car was finished in dark blue with gleaming chrome accents.The wagon is the same width but fractionally longer than the sedan at 4774mm but sits a good 45mm higher.The profile is raked and sporty, with a high waist line and side windows that narrow and plunge to a point at the front.Alloys wheels with low profile 235/45 rubber are standard as is a full-size alloy spare.Inside velour trim is standard but that is just fine by us because leather is cold to the touch in winter.The seats are firm but comfy and supportive, with good side bolstering.Rear legroom is generous and the wagon seats four adults comfortably, five at a pinch.As mentioned the car takes premium unleaded petrol and we averaged 11.7L/100km from the 70-litre fuel tank during testing. 

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?Even less likely.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.

Or worse, if they did, they'd probably mistake it for something less than half the price.That is why you don't see many Volkswagen Passat W8 sedans around. Even if you did stumble across one, you're unlikely to recognise it as something special.It is VW's hi-tech flagship but any more low-key and it would become invisible to speed cameras.But it is fascinating, partly for what they've built into it (all-wheel-drive for starters and an eight-cylinder engineunlike anyone else's) and because here is a Volkswagen or 'people's car' that costs about $100,000.The price may come as a shock but technology doesn't come cheap. Many similar-sized and powerful European cars are much dearer than the VW. Ah, but the other top-dollar machines are from companies such as BMW and Mercedes, whose customers are used to paying for major-league motoring.Not to be picky but VW's image lacks some of their gloss.So no wonder the Passat W8 is vastly outnumbered by Porsches. Even Ferrari and Lamborghini outsold it in December last year, with just two registered nationwide.The W8 is one of the rarest cars on the road. Just 28 were registered in Australia last year, which includes all VW's company cars and various dealer demonstrators.The W8 is exclusive but not necessarily for the right reasons.Unfortunately, for the $97,900 Passat, it looks virtually identical to the base-model version, which costs $49,990.The 'cheapie' Passat boasts a revolutionary V5 engine but lacks the flagship's bigger engine, all-wheel-drive and countless luxury touches.There is also a V6-engined Passat 4motion SE, close to the W8 in equipment level but $32,000 cheaper. A lot of money for an engine.But it is no ordinary engine. With everyone having an eight-cylinder V8 powerplant these days, VW chose to be different.Enter the W8 layout. Take two four-cylinder units in V-shape, then join them together side by side to form a W.Perhaps VW has a whole bunch of engineers it wants to keep busy.Their engine handiwork is compact, fitting in the space where a four-cylinder unit sat when the Passat reappeared in 1998.But the techno-laden W8 doesn't feel as responsive as its 200kW-plus output suggests it should be.First impressions are that it goes, but does nothing special. Then you notice the refined snarl as the revs rise, and eventually you discover that if prodded awake, it delivers.Overall, it is not the effortless, easily accessible performance to be expected for this price.Perhaps the automatic transmission is to blame. The test car's gearshifts were not as silken as they might have been.Eventually, it was a matter of learning the knack of pressing on the accelerator gently at first, as though priming a pump, and then stomping on it.At that stage, the W8 would respond surely and with a pleasing hint of aggression.But the Passat's hefty weight means it is no scorcher.It came to Australia because VW has ambitions to sell limo-sized sedans like S-Class Benzes – with the W8 seen as a first step on the upmarket path.The Passat's problem is that it doesn't look five-star and neither does it drive that way, lacking the charisma and poise of cars in the $100,000 bracket.Here, then, is a luxury car for people who don't want to shout about their wealth.