2- 2013 Volkswagen Passat (88.42%)
This may be the closest finish to any comparo test that we've ever experienced. Well, in fact, it wasn't. Allow us to explain. The tested 2013 Volkswagen Passat was motivated but what we feel is the segment's secret weapons, in fact, Volkswagen's secret weapons: the TDI diesel engine and the DSG automated sequential manual gearbox.
Together, they outscored, outpaced and flat-out outperformed all of the competitor's powertrains. With 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, VW's TDI is well worth the extra $2,600 required to get it under the car's bonnet. A supplemental $1,400 will get you the DSG. Granted, $4,000 is a large chunk of change, but we still stand by our recommendation of the pair.
In order to be fair, we rated the 2013 Volkswagen Passat as though it was equipped with the base 2.5L 5-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic. Having done so is what knocked the Passat off the first step of the podium. This powertrain remains competent, but its 170 hp and 177 lb-ft are short of causing the wow effect given its configuration.
Despite this, the 5-pot manages more than adequate performance and the 6-speed is a generally solid performer. Although the engine would not have blown us away, we were quite fond of how the large Passat handled.
The 2013 Volkswagen Passat is every bit a Volkswagen and proved it on test day. All testers, young and old, male and female, thoroughly enjoyed every moment they spent at the wheel of the big Volkswagen. The word on all the tester's lips was: "solid." The Passat moved and grappled the road like no other 1,450+ kg (3,200 lb) car should.
The drive is generally excellent. Steering is equally top-drawer as it felt connected and precise even in the "iffy" conditions we faced. In true German fashion, the 2013 Volkswagen Passat's suspension suffered no complexes, providing comfort levels equal to its handling capabilities and its brakes were just what the doctor ordered.
There are generally few things to say about a Bavarian automobile's cabin. In the Passat's case, they can be summed up with the following adjectives: clean, classy, roomy, and well executed. The rear bench is positively cavernous, capable of taking on three humanoids. The trunk will easily accommodate a further four with relative ease.
As explained earlier on, the 2013 Volkswagen Passat's diesel engine and DSG transmission are virtually superior to all, but come at a price. If you spend an inordinate amount of time with your car, both of these mechanical aspects will quickly make you further appreciate your purchase. If you prefer to remain with petrol powered cars, our No. 1 pick will hit every mark.
This may be the closest finish to any comparo test that we've ever experienced. Well, in fact, it wasn't. Allow us to explain. The tested 2013 Volkswagen Passat was motivated but what we feel is the segment's secret weapons, in fact, Volkswagen's secret weapons: the TDI diesel engine and the DSG automated sequential manual gearbox.
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| The 2013 Volkswagen Passat is every bit a VW and proved it on test day. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |
Together, they outscored, outpaced and flat-out outperformed all of the competitor's powertrains. With 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, VW's TDI is well worth the extra $2,600 required to get it under the car's bonnet. A supplemental $1,400 will get you the DSG. Granted, $4,000 is a large chunk of change, but we still stand by our recommendation of the pair.
In order to be fair, we rated the 2013 Volkswagen Passat as though it was equipped with the base 2.5L 5-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic. Having done so is what knocked the Passat off the first step of the podium. This powertrain remains competent, but its 170 hp and 177 lb-ft are short of causing the wow effect given its configuration.
Despite this, the 5-pot manages more than adequate performance and the 6-speed is a generally solid performer. Although the engine would not have blown us away, we were quite fond of how the large Passat handled.
The 2013 Volkswagen Passat is every bit a Volkswagen and proved it on test day. All testers, young and old, male and female, thoroughly enjoyed every moment they spent at the wheel of the big Volkswagen. The word on all the tester's lips was: "solid." The Passat moved and grappled the road like no other 1,450+ kg (3,200 lb) car should.
The drive is generally excellent. Steering is equally top-drawer as it felt connected and precise even in the "iffy" conditions we faced. In true German fashion, the 2013 Volkswagen Passat's suspension suffered no complexes, providing comfort levels equal to its handling capabilities and its brakes were just what the doctor ordered.
There are generally few things to say about a Bavarian automobile's cabin. In the Passat's case, they can be summed up with the following adjectives: clean, classy, roomy, and well executed. The rear bench is positively cavernous, capable of taking on three humanoids. The trunk will easily accommodate a further four with relative ease.
As explained earlier on, the 2013 Volkswagen Passat's diesel engine and DSG transmission are virtually superior to all, but come at a price. If you spend an inordinate amount of time with your car, both of these mechanical aspects will quickly make you further appreciate your purchase. If you prefer to remain with petrol powered cars, our No. 1 pick will hit every mark.
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| Clean, classy, roomy, and well executed. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |