Passat is top of its class

When I drove it at the media launch a few months ago I described it as a mind-changer and having just spent a week in the new mid-range 1.8 TSI Highline DSG version I have no reason to change my mind about it. In fact, I now rated it even higher.

The Passat (or 'Patat' as it was nick-named for a long time in the rural parts of South Africa) is probably one of the most unfairly rated sedans on the local market and not one of VW’s big volume sellers over here, yet it is hugely popular and much liked in Europe where it sells in impressive numbers. The Passat was also a finalist in the World Car of the Year which was won by the considerably pricier Volvo CX90 which competes in a different sector.

Admirable performance

On the trot the Passat goes about its job in a solid suit-and-tie manner. It holds the road with confidence and although it does not deliver red-hot performance it performs admirably through the corners and in a straight line the 132kW/250Nm engine is spritely and energetic enough to sprint from zero to 100km/h in 7.9 sec and to clock a top speed of 232 km/h.

The taut suspension can be a tad thumpy and noisy when the tar becomes really patchy but it is not intrusive and a small sacrifice to make for the good handling provided by the firmer suspension.

When it comes to auto transmissions, few rivals can beat the smoothness of the VW’s renowned DSG transmission and the seven-speed box is a perfect partner for the 1.8 direct-injection turbopetrol engine under the elegantly-contoured hood of the Passat. VW claims fuel consumption of 5.8 litres/100km (which we did not put to the test) and emissions of 130g/km which are better than some of the rivals in this class.

Spacious living quarters

Its living quarters are spacious and the seats really comfortable. Brushed aluminium trim is liberally spread across the dashboard,the centre piece 6.5-inch infotainment screen and the gauges and dials are arranged in orderly Germanic fashion, even with the array of optional extra goodies fitted to our test vehicle.

On that point, our test car sells for R457,500 in standard format but I reckon the 15 optional extras it was decked with ups the price to over the R500,000 mark. The extras include metallic paint, auto boot close, Park Assist, Discover Pro Navigation with Active Info Display, sunroof, rear view camera assist, DynAudio Confidence sound system, Nappa leather seats, LED headlight and more…

The climate control does a good job, even on really hot summer days and because it is three-zoned the rear-seat passengers can adjust it according to their individual requirements. The luggage zone is enormous as well as low and wide which makes it really easy to use – and it can be enlarged even further with the 40:20:40-split rear seatback folded down.

A refined contender

Overall, the Passat is a refined and very strong contender in the family sedan sector, particularly against rivals such as the Lexus ES, Toyota Corolla, Mazda6, Ford Fusion and Honda Accord. Our test model is on the pricey side so it is well worth having a close look at the two smaller 1.4-engined options which cost substantially less than the 1.8SI Highline reviewed here.

But in spite of the price tag the 1.8 Passat is an excellent option, backed by solid German engineering and a badge much loved and respected by South Africans. I would rate it higher than anything else in this class. All four Passat variants come with a price-inclusive three-year/120,000km warranty, five-year/100,000km maintenance plan and service intervals of 15,000km.