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Volkswagen Passat (From South West Farmer)
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Volkswagen Passat
4:33pm Thursday 12th November 2009
Overall
rating: 4 stars
Volkswagen really moved the game on with this Passat, offering buyers more space than anything else in the segment. It's the size of a full-sized executive car, despite being priced competitively against far smaller "rep box" rivals.
The conservative styling is predictably Volkswagen, and although the Passat is far from being a visually exciting proposition, its restrained, handsome good looks are pretty much guaranteed to age well. The interior is very impressive: like a scaled-up version of the Golf, including most of the same control layout and switchgear. Front and rear seat passengers enjoy very generous space and both the saloon and the estate can muster vast bootspace.
The Passat's wafty driving dynamics make it a fine long-distance companion. The comfort-orientated suspension makes light work of bumpier road surfaces, while it can still turn in a credible performance over a country road. Motorway refinement is particularly impressive, the Passat cruising quietly at the sort of speeds that really test noise insulation.
The basic 1.6 litre FSI petrol engine can't offer anything more than average performance, although the smooth-revving 2.0 FSI petrol is far better. We still struggle to see much point for the 2.0 litre TFSI and 3.2 litre V6 variants - this isn't a car that's about all-out straight line performance. On the diesel front, the entry-level 1.9 litre unit offers respectable performance, but the 138 bhp 2.0 litre TDI is the pick of the range. Don't bother with the more powerful 168 bhp 2.0 TDI, though - it's more expensive, less refined and barely faster than the standard 2.0 TDI.
What's to like
1) Classy, upmarket image.
2) Great at devouring motorways.
3) Good value to buy and run.
What's not to like
1) Not the most exciting backroad companion.
2) Entry level engines lack punch.
3) Standard equipment is a bit sparse on entry-level versions.
Your sayYour SW Farmer
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Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen Passat
See also
Environment
rating: 4 stars
The Passat's sheer size knocks its environmental credentials, with emissions performance looking distinctly average compared to rivals. 1.9 TDI is the green highlight of the range.
Styling
rating: 3 stars
Not the sort of car that's likely to get pulses racing, but the strong, handsome design gives off a nice, classy vibe.
Handling
rating: 3 stars
Lacks the finesse of rivals like the Ford Mondeo and Honda Accord, but the Passat can still turn in a credible performance over a demanding road.
Comfort
rating: 4 stars
Compliant chassis and a well-insulated cabin make the Passat an excellent place to spend time.
Quality
rating: 4 stars
Constructed with the sort of solidity you'd justifiably expect from something wearing the
Performance
rating: 3 stars
The 1.6 FSI and 1.9 TDI motors aren't the most rapid units, but the more powerful 2.0 FSI petrol and 2.0 TDI diesel are both respectably brisk.
Roominess
rating: 5 stars
The biggest car the segment has yet seen. The Passat is massive, offering an abundance of room to both front and rear seat passengers plus a generously proportioned boot.
Costs
rating: 4 stars
Residual values are very solid compared to the dismal standards of rivals and the diesels turn in excellent fuel economy too.
Value
rating: 4 stars
Entry level pricing is very attractive, although the most basic versions do without much in the way of standard kit. Gets pricey towards the top of the range - especially the largely pointless 3.2 litre V6 4Motion version.
Stereo
rating: 4 stars
The standard audio system is easy to use and sounds great with a variety of upgrades available. Satnav is easy to use and gives accurate instructions.
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