VW's Passat has always been the automotive equivalent of vanilla ice-cream and its less-than-glamorous image has made it one of the market's most under-rated cars.
The previous version of Wolfsburg's medium-sized sedan proved you can't always judge a book by its cover and its high specification and competitive price made it one of the best buys around.
It was basically an Audi with a VW badge but sold for far less than its cousin with the four-rings in its nose.
The sixth-generation Passat launched in South Africa just over a month ago continues in the same vein. It's grown in all dimensions and, size-wise, slots between the Audi A4 and A6 yet it's priced against the smaller A4.
The Passat 2.0 turbodiesel six-speed manual version tested here retails for R252 000 but has more legroom than the A4 2.0 TDi (R258 500) which has the same engine and has a similar features count.
The least expensive A6 goes for R362 000.
And the extra-good part is that the VW badge doesn't mean any corner-cutting in quality or specifications. The Passat's solidly built (57 percent more torsionally rigid than its predecessor) while its plush cabin really sets a benchmark in its class.
You could be sitting in an Audi and no Renault Laguna or Toyota Camry comes close to the Passat's classy finish and sumptuous look.
In the looks and image department the old Passat was the car that always hung around in the kitchen at parties but the new car has added some sex appeal to the equation. It will never have the same lust quotient as its Ingolstadt-built cousin but neither does it have "grey-suited accountant" written all over it.
The Passat's curvy lines and interestingly shaped headlights now convey a more interesting, outgoing image.
As before, one of the Passat's biggest selling points is space. There's an impressive supply of that and the large cabin will easily swallow four rugby players. Cavernous, too, is the 565-litre boot and even that can be expanded by folding the 60/40 split rear seats.
Three Passats are available n SA for now
- 2.0 FSi petrol
- 1.9 TDi diesel
- 2.0 TDi diesel
of which the 2.0 TDi is the subject here. It comes with either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearbox but early in 2006 a turbocharged two-litre FSi and a muscular 3.2 V6 FSi will join the range.
In its Highline spec the two-litre TDi is a lot of car for its price. It bristles with luxuries and gadgets that include heatable front seats, a radio/CD, cruise control and a dual-zone air-conditioner.
If your budget is strong there is a host of options, among them satnav, power seats and sunroof, cornering lights and parking sensors.
Electrick handbrake
A new standard item in all Passats is an electronic ignition key, which must be pushed into a slot on the fascia to the left of the steering wheel. Can't say it offers an advantage over a normal key but at least it's unobtrusive.
It's a different story with the new electric handbrake: a button on the fascia replaces the traditional between-seats lever and we developed a love-hate relationship with this inconsistent device. At times it would act as a convenient hill-holder and automatically release when the car moved off while at others it demanded manual release.
That apart, the driver is well catered for with a height and reach-adjustable steering wheel that allows even the long-legged to sit comfortably. The body-hugging sports seat offers a good range of positions and they all look terrific in leather and alcantara.
There are plenty of storage nooks including a lidded bin between the front seats, a good-sized cubby and a smaller cubby on the driver's side. Six crash bags perform guard duty.
The two-litre turbodiesel engine is powerful but displays annoying turbo lag up here on the Reef. It's very pronounced; at first it's woefully sluggish and then suddenly all hell breaks loose. If you're making a standing start and turning a corner the sudden rush of power threatens to shoot you into the oncoming lane.
Cruising muscle
We've said it before: turbodiesel engines that might work a treat at sea level aren't always a great success in Jo'burg's thinner, power-sapping air. At least this car has a manual gearbox so you can rev the motor past its dead zone before dropping the clutch. Once that turbo's spinning the engine pulls very, very willingly.
It has exceptional cruising muscle and quick overtaking. Exceptional economy too, if VW's 5.9 litre/100km town/freeway figure is to be believed.
The Passat drives like a smaller car, which is meant as a compliment. There's no wallow or cumbersome feel of a large sedan and on the road it feels almost as light-footed as a Jetta. Dynamically this ain't no BMW 3 Series but the handling's neat and tidy and the steering delivers good feel.
Its ride quality over most surfaces is comfortable, though the front suspension tends to knock over speed humps. Road and engine noise are well filtered and the Passat has the smooth, sophisticated nature of a premium car.
Summary
The Passat has emerged from potentially terminal dullness. Its new and striking styling has added a dash of rum and raisin to the vanilla ice-cream. It's still lower on the aspiration meter than other premium German brands but if you can look past the flash and consider the cash it will make a really good buy.
You won't find this kind of space, luxury and sophistication at a much better price and it includes a five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan.