Although exact pricing isn't available until the second week of June, figure spending from $3,800 to $7,000 less, depending on options, on a 2012 Passat over the outgoing model.
We begin our drive with the 2.0L TDI. The pale cream and charcoal interior with "nut burl" trim is conservative, yet surprisingly well put together when you consider that this car is thousands of dollars cheaper than its predecessor. There's no telltale diesel clatter inside the car, and it’s just barely discernible outside. The TDI-equipped Passat includes Volkswagen's Ad Blue technology, a urea-injection system that reduces tailpipe emissions to ammonia and water.
The oil-burner has plenty of low-end grunt that's delivered in a smooth, linear progression. We're never at a loss for power on the freeway. Mated to the much-lauded DSG gearbox, shifts are smooth and lightning quick with no hunting for gears.
Mid-point on our route to Nashville, we exchange the TDI for the 6-cylinder VR6. It's smooth and powerful, but given the extra cost and added fuel consumption, the more-frugal and zippier characteristics of the TDI (several of us averaged around 5.0 L/100 km) would be my first choice. VW projects that TDI will represent 45% of sales, the 2.5L another 45%, with the VR6 making up the remaining 10%.
Our drive route consists of smooth freeway where we remarked the Passat's quiet demeanour. There's little wind noise, and lots of sound absorption, although we did notice quite a bit of tire drone from the Continentals, particularly while cornering.
Leaving the freeway, we pass through small villages whose broken pavement was absorbed well by the four-link independent rear suspension. Regardless of the surface, the Passat feels very solid and tight. Tightly curving hill routes revealed little body roll and neutral handling. The thick, grippy wheel communicates better feedback than generally expected from a family sedan, and the steering is nicely weighted.
While not sports-car stiff, the Passat provides an engagingly solid ride with a bare minimum of float, yet is comfortable enough to satisfy the average buyer in this family-oriented segment.
Volkswagen has high hopes for the Passat. "I believe that with a full portfolio, the VW brand has the opportunity to do Mazda and Nissan volumes in Canada" says John White, Executive Vice-President at Volkswagen Canada. The Passat is a big part of the company's plan to boost Canadian sales to 55,000 annually, from 45,388 in 2010.
Larger, better equipped, more fuel-efficient and yet thousands less than its predecessor, the Passat is well poised to continue the success of the Jetta.
The Passat is scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms in mid to late September 2011.
We begin our drive with the 2.0L TDI. The pale cream and charcoal interior with "nut burl" trim is conservative, yet surprisingly well put together when you consider that this car is thousands of dollars cheaper than its predecessor. There's no telltale diesel clatter inside the car, and it’s just barely discernible outside. The TDI-equipped Passat includes Volkswagen's Ad Blue technology, a urea-injection system that reduces tailpipe emissions to ammonia and water.
The oil-burner has plenty of low-end grunt that's delivered in a smooth, linear progression. We're never at a loss for power on the freeway. Mated to the much-lauded DSG gearbox, shifts are smooth and lightning quick with no hunting for gears.
Mid-point on our route to Nashville, we exchange the TDI for the 6-cylinder VR6. It's smooth and powerful, but given the extra cost and added fuel consumption, the more-frugal and zippier characteristics of the TDI (several of us averaged around 5.0 L/100 km) would be my first choice. VW projects that TDI will represent 45% of sales, the 2.5L another 45%, with the VR6 making up the remaining 10%.
 |
| The Passat is a big part of the company's plan to boost Canadian sales to 55,000 annually, from 45,388 in 2010. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |
Our drive route consists of smooth freeway where we remarked the Passat's quiet demeanour. There's little wind noise, and lots of sound absorption, although we did notice quite a bit of tire drone from the Continentals, particularly while cornering.
Leaving the freeway, we pass through small villages whose broken pavement was absorbed well by the four-link independent rear suspension. Regardless of the surface, the Passat feels very solid and tight. Tightly curving hill routes revealed little body roll and neutral handling. The thick, grippy wheel communicates better feedback than generally expected from a family sedan, and the steering is nicely weighted.
While not sports-car stiff, the Passat provides an engagingly solid ride with a bare minimum of float, yet is comfortable enough to satisfy the average buyer in this family-oriented segment.
Volkswagen has high hopes for the Passat. "I believe that with a full portfolio, the VW brand has the opportunity to do Mazda and Nissan volumes in Canada" says John White, Executive Vice-President at Volkswagen Canada. The Passat is a big part of the company's plan to boost Canadian sales to 55,000 annually, from 45,388 in 2010.
Larger, better equipped, more fuel-efficient and yet thousands less than its predecessor, the Passat is well poised to continue the success of the Jetta.
The Passat is scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms in mid to late September 2011.
Article Gallery