Volkswagen's Passat is a very respected, smart-looking car, but has it improved dynamically?
'Handsome and business-like' best describe the exterior of VW's latest Passat. It has evolved on the outside to look a little less bulky at the rear but its dimensions are very similar to the outgoing version. LED daytime running lights also feature front and rear in restyled lamp housings. Overall, the new Passat's exterior has been squared off.
The big news is the engine range that now features a band 'A', 1.6-litre TDi version. It is so green... it releases baby bunnies from its exhaust pipe! In fact, you cannot get a Passat in Ireland that sits in a higher tax band than 'B'! So well done, VW, for your BlueMotion (greener credentials) range.
Inside, the five-seat car it's business as usual with the notable visual addition of a dash-mounted analogue clock. Improvements have been made to the electronic handbrake and other driver aids but otherwise it is hard to see much change compared to the old Passat. There are three familiar VW trim levels starting with 'Trendline'. 'Driver Fatigue Detection' is new and standard on 'Comfortline' and 'Highline' models. 'Lane Assist', a new low-speed crash protection system, and 'Parking Assist' are options new to this Passat also. Behind the wheel you don't expect to feel inspired but you will feel content. It is a bit of a sad day when the addition of a small clock is big news, and even then the driver can't see all of the clock face from their seat!
The main criticism of Passat over the years is that it is not as dynamic a driving machine as other front-wheel drive cars like the Ford Mondeo or Mazda6. When it comes to driving feel on B-roads and Irish 'Boreens', Mondeo and 6 inspire a lot of confidence in the driver. So has the fairy dust been sprinkled on Passat to make it the twisty route home favourite?
Eh, no.
Passat is a brilliant mile cruncher and rides very well but it still falls behind when it comes to enthusiastic driving, especially on interesting roads with 'twisty bits'. VW, in all fairness, does not claim that Passat is a WRC car in drag, but sadly for new Passat owners they will still be reminded of this shortfall.
Passat prices, thanks in the main to CO2 reductions, start at a very impressive €24,865 and two body styles are on sale - saloon and estate. My 2-litre TDi 'Highline' test car comes in at €36,185 (including €1,540 of optional extras) and features the 140bhp band 'B' TDi engine. Annoyingly, this doesn't include Bluetooth connectivity for my phone as standard! The 2-litre TDi with the optional DSG (automated manual gearbox) is the pick of the bunch.
Where Passat will continue to impress is in the company car park - it is a substantial machine with an understated, Audi-like elegance. Engines available in Ireland include one petrol 1.4 TSi with 122bhp and four TDi diesels with power outputs from 105bhp up to 170bhp.
So, clearly, Passat remains a smart looking car that efficiently goes about its business.
Michael Sheridan
