Such clever features which bring technology, safety and convenience to the experience are part of a recurring theme within the Passat, but it's all
wrapped in an understated package in which the Passat comes off a bit like a premium machine on dress-down day. It doesn't flaunt its badge, wear gaudy clothing or scream for attention at every light. The lines are clean and discreet, the grille is large and friendly, and in the rear, the proportions are nothing but traditional looking European wagon- albeit for the subtle dual exhaust outlets hinting at what's under the hood.
It's VW's new 3.6 litre V6 engine, and with 280 horsepower, it's on par with some of the most potent performance cars on this side of affordability.
It goes like schnitzel, too.
Good for 0-60 in just 6.2 seconds, it's faster off the line than even a Honda S2000, or more relevantly, the Chrysler 300C AWD which has 60 more horsepower. There is a plentiful reserve of torque in nearly any situation, and the mill is markedly soft and passive when driving gently.
But by far the best thing about the new 3.6 litre unit is its exhaust note. It's one of the all-time best sounding factory systems I've ever heard, and it confidently roars with power during hard downshifts and emits a shrill, exotic sounding snort when pushed. Think of it like a sport-sedan with a packsack on.
It sounds thirsty, but it's not really. Steady highway driving averaged about 8.7 litres per 100km at a sustained 115 kph, with city driving at between 11 and 13 L/100km.
Mileage aside, the Passat's six-speed automatic transmission comes with steering wheel mounted shift paddles which always tempt drivers to gear down and mash the go pedal. The paddles put the engines full brunt at your fingertips at any time- and there isn't even a need to shift the gear lever into a special mode to use them. Gearshifts are generally precise, though there is a delay before the computer processes your request. I found an occasional hard, jolting shift at certain low RPM combinations of engine load and throttle position as well.
Power is routed to all four wheels by an advanced all wheel drive system which VW calls 4Motion, further deepening the wagon's grip on the road. Electronic Stability Control is also fitted, fine tuning power delivery in bad weather. With a comfortable, soft ride and moderately light and precise
steering, the overall driving experience when the road gets twisty is enjoyable.
Brakes are powerfully matched for the Passat's performance, though the pedal requires a fair amount of pressure before the brakes bear down. Emergency stop and swerve maneuvers, even from highway speeds are kept confidently in check, and the chassis exhibits a mild understeer when pushed hard.
Be it a summertime cruise or a mid-January snowstorm, occupants can relax and be pampered by the luxurious and inviting interior. There is plenty of room all around front seat occupants, and in back, three adults have adequate space. Behind that, a large, deep trunk handles cargo needs, easily accepting larger items like a folded up stroller or bicycle.
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| (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
It's VW's new 3.6 litre V6 engine, and with 280 horsepower, it's on par with some of the most potent performance cars on this side of affordability.
It goes like schnitzel, too.
Good for 0-60 in just 6.2 seconds, it's faster off the line than even a Honda S2000, or more relevantly, the Chrysler 300C AWD which has 60 more horsepower. There is a plentiful reserve of torque in nearly any situation, and the mill is markedly soft and passive when driving gently.
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
It sounds thirsty, but it's not really. Steady highway driving averaged about 8.7 litres per 100km at a sustained 115 kph, with city driving at between 11 and 13 L/100km.
Mileage aside, the Passat's six-speed automatic transmission comes with steering wheel mounted shift paddles which always tempt drivers to gear down and mash the go pedal. The paddles put the engines full brunt at your fingertips at any time- and there isn't even a need to shift the gear lever into a special mode to use them. Gearshifts are generally precise, though there is a delay before the computer processes your request. I found an occasional hard, jolting shift at certain low RPM combinations of engine load and throttle position as well.
Power is routed to all four wheels by an advanced all wheel drive system which VW calls 4Motion, further deepening the wagon's grip on the road. Electronic Stability Control is also fitted, fine tuning power delivery in bad weather. With a comfortable, soft ride and moderately light and precise
 |
| (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
Brakes are powerfully matched for the Passat's performance, though the pedal requires a fair amount of pressure before the brakes bear down. Emergency stop and swerve maneuvers, even from highway speeds are kept confidently in check, and the chassis exhibits a mild understeer when pushed hard.
Be it a summertime cruise or a mid-January snowstorm, occupants can relax and be pampered by the luxurious and inviting interior. There is plenty of room all around front seat occupants, and in back, three adults have adequate space. Behind that, a large, deep trunk handles cargo needs, easily accepting larger items like a folded up stroller or bicycle.