phaeton
23-02-2007, 09:55 AM
Bruce Newton, The Age, 21/02/07
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2007/02/21Passat_m_m-1.jpg
This turbo-diesel wagon is refined, economical and well priced, writes BRUCE NEWTON.
The Good
Thrifty
Responsive engine
Quality interior design
Good looks
The Bad
Leather seat upholstery
Powered front-passenger seat
Nuts & Bolts
Price
$44,990, plus options and costs.
Warranty
Three years/100,000 km.
Engine Size/Type
2.0-litre, turbocharged diesel, DOHC, 16-valve, 4-cylinder.
Power
103 kW at 4000 rpm.
Torque
320 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm.
Transmission/Driven Wheels
Six-speed DSG auto.
Turning Circle
11.4 m.
Kerb Weight
1587 kg.
Fuel Consumption
6.7 L/100 km, diesel.
Fuel Tank Size
70-litre tank.
Insurance
$706.75 (RACV, 40-year-old rating-one male, medium-risk suburb, $500 excess).
Steering
Rack and pinion power steering, 2.8 turns lock to lock.
Brakes
Ventilated front and solid rear discs, ABS with EBD and BAS.
Suspension
Front: Independent by MacPherson strut, lower A-arms, coil springs, stabiliser bar. Rear: Independent by multi-link, coil springs, stabiliser bar.
Wheels/Tyres
17 x 7.5 alloy wheels, tyres 235/45ZR17. Full-sized spare includes alloy wheel.
Emissions rating
3.5 stars. (www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au)
Safety Equipment
Dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags; ABS with EBD and BAS; stability and traction control; five lap-sash seatbelts, front seatbelts height adjustable with pre-tensioners and belt force limiters; three height-adjustable rear head restraints; tyre pressure monitoring.
Crash Rating
5 stars. Euro NCAP (Test conducted on 2005 left-hand drive Passat sedan.)
Passat's quiet prestige
Passat is an important badge for Volkswagen in Australia. When the first generation arrived in 1974, it signalled the company's belated move into the modern era after many years of relying on the iconic but ageing Beetle.
Generation six of Passat rolled into local showrooms in 2006. This time its job wasn't to lead a brand revitalisation but continue a cycle of product rejuvenation that started a couple of years earlier with Golf V.
That it does it so convincingly is good news, for the Passat sits in the burgeoning middle ground that mixes enough room for a family, a dash of technology, a smidgen of Euro prestige and an affordable price.
And among the six-model Passat range the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel wagon tested here is perhaps the best. It is impressive value and a fine car.
At $44,990 the TDI is the cheapest Passat wagon, $2000 less than the turbo-petrol TFSI. It is also $12,000 less than the 3.2-litre V6 petrol version that drives the rear as well as front wheels and packs in plenty of luxury gear.
The TDI significantly undercuts most turbo-diesel station wagon opposition, including the likes of the Peugeot 407 HDi Touring ($48,190), Alfa Romeo 159 JTD Sportwagon ($54,990) and the Chrysler 300C CRD Touring ($60,990).
Despite the big price advantage, the 2.0 TDI wagon is no pauper. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels (full-sized spare), dual-zone climate control, eight airbags, ABS with EBD and BAS, stability and traction control, six-CD audio and cruise control.
Push-button stop-start and an electric handbrake add panache, although some might argue for a powered front-passenger seat, leather trim, satellite navigation or a sunroof, all available as options. The dollars also pay for a thoroughly up-to-date technology. This is a completely new car based on the architecture of the Golf V. That means independent rear suspension for Passat for the first time.
The engine also now sits crossways (transverse) in the engine bay rather than longitudinally. Combined with a longer body, this has the immediate benefit of making the cabin very spacious.
Rear-seat passengers will find themselves with plenty of head, knee and foot room. Behind them is 603 litres of luggage space. Split-fold the bench seat and that expands to 1731 litres. It's enough to fit a mountain bike without removing the front wheel. The only issue you will have is with width, as the Passat is a little narrower than typical Australian wagons or Japanese 4WDs.
At 1587 kilograms it is also a fair bit lighter. Combined with the common-rail pump-injection 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine it's also a fair bit thriftier. The official average is 6.7 L/100 km and we managed a still excellent 7.4 L/100 km. The engine also gains Euro IV emissions accreditation and 312 stars from http://www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au (good for a diesel).
In terms of output, 103 kW is acceptable and 320 Nm good. The engine displays little of the traditional diesel clatter, sounding more like a sporty petrol engine. However it doesn't have the high-revving abilities of the latter though, dying off above 4000 rpm as so many diesels do. But the strong punch at low revs makes it very competitive in the cut and thrust of commuter traffic and great for highway overtaking.
The one weakness is standing starts, where turbocharged engine lag isn't managed well by the DSG dual-clutch transmission. This is a brainy gearbox that preselects gears, eschews a clutch pedal and allows both full manual or auto shifting, as well as an auto sports mode. The benefits are manual economy figures with the ease of an auto.
But DSG can be a bit tardy in initial acceleration, not responding to the throttle with enthusiasm. Extra pedal pressure often brings a chirp of wheelspin and a less than smooth getaway. It takes a while to adjust to and that mars an otherwise excellent drivetrain.
It's little more than a detail annoyance. But unfortunately it's not the only one. On our constantly variable bitumen the Passat's ride never feels quite settled. Small bumps constantly seem to patter their way back into the cabin, something exacerbated by flat and unsupportive seats. Mind you, these were the optional leather seats, the standard cloth items could be better.
Another issue was the amount of road rumble transmitted by the noisy Bridgestone tyres. In this, the Passat is hardly alone, as many European cars now seem to have ride and noise, vibration and harshness issues on Australian roads.
None of this is enough to make the car undesirable. It just detracts a little from what is otherwise a very convincing package. The dynamic balance, for instance, is strikingly good. The steering is perhaps a little light and without feel for someone with sporty tendencies, but the car's fundamentally good nature makes it a friendly experience in town or on country roads.
Then there's the look. Quite elegant, but a little understated inside and out, the Passat carries a bit more presence about it than the average suburban load hauler. There's some bling and some leather and a feeling of quiet prestige.
The latest Passat is an impressive effort. Not quite finished off for local conditions perhaps, but still a thoroughly convincing offering that will deservedly add that little more strength to VW's model line-up.
What's it got?
Front and rear fog lights, remote central locking, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, roof rails, alloy wheels, six-CD audio, trip computer, front and rear parking sensors, powered driver's seat, power windows, rain-sensing wipers.
What's missing?
Leather seat upholstery, powered front-passenger seat
Orignal Article http://drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=32679&vf=2
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2007/02/21Passat_m_m-1.jpg
This turbo-diesel wagon is refined, economical and well priced, writes BRUCE NEWTON.
The Good
Thrifty
Responsive engine
Quality interior design
Good looks
The Bad
Leather seat upholstery
Powered front-passenger seat
Nuts & Bolts
Price
$44,990, plus options and costs.
Warranty
Three years/100,000 km.
Engine Size/Type
2.0-litre, turbocharged diesel, DOHC, 16-valve, 4-cylinder.
Power
103 kW at 4000 rpm.
Torque
320 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm.
Transmission/Driven Wheels
Six-speed DSG auto.
Turning Circle
11.4 m.
Kerb Weight
1587 kg.
Fuel Consumption
6.7 L/100 km, diesel.
Fuel Tank Size
70-litre tank.
Insurance
$706.75 (RACV, 40-year-old rating-one male, medium-risk suburb, $500 excess).
Steering
Rack and pinion power steering, 2.8 turns lock to lock.
Brakes
Ventilated front and solid rear discs, ABS with EBD and BAS.
Suspension
Front: Independent by MacPherson strut, lower A-arms, coil springs, stabiliser bar. Rear: Independent by multi-link, coil springs, stabiliser bar.
Wheels/Tyres
17 x 7.5 alloy wheels, tyres 235/45ZR17. Full-sized spare includes alloy wheel.
Emissions rating
3.5 stars. (www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au)
Safety Equipment
Dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags; ABS with EBD and BAS; stability and traction control; five lap-sash seatbelts, front seatbelts height adjustable with pre-tensioners and belt force limiters; three height-adjustable rear head restraints; tyre pressure monitoring.
Crash Rating
5 stars. Euro NCAP (Test conducted on 2005 left-hand drive Passat sedan.)
Passat's quiet prestige
Passat is an important badge for Volkswagen in Australia. When the first generation arrived in 1974, it signalled the company's belated move into the modern era after many years of relying on the iconic but ageing Beetle.
Generation six of Passat rolled into local showrooms in 2006. This time its job wasn't to lead a brand revitalisation but continue a cycle of product rejuvenation that started a couple of years earlier with Golf V.
That it does it so convincingly is good news, for the Passat sits in the burgeoning middle ground that mixes enough room for a family, a dash of technology, a smidgen of Euro prestige and an affordable price.
And among the six-model Passat range the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel wagon tested here is perhaps the best. It is impressive value and a fine car.
At $44,990 the TDI is the cheapest Passat wagon, $2000 less than the turbo-petrol TFSI. It is also $12,000 less than the 3.2-litre V6 petrol version that drives the rear as well as front wheels and packs in plenty of luxury gear.
The TDI significantly undercuts most turbo-diesel station wagon opposition, including the likes of the Peugeot 407 HDi Touring ($48,190), Alfa Romeo 159 JTD Sportwagon ($54,990) and the Chrysler 300C CRD Touring ($60,990).
Despite the big price advantage, the 2.0 TDI wagon is no pauper. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels (full-sized spare), dual-zone climate control, eight airbags, ABS with EBD and BAS, stability and traction control, six-CD audio and cruise control.
Push-button stop-start and an electric handbrake add panache, although some might argue for a powered front-passenger seat, leather trim, satellite navigation or a sunroof, all available as options. The dollars also pay for a thoroughly up-to-date technology. This is a completely new car based on the architecture of the Golf V. That means independent rear suspension for Passat for the first time.
The engine also now sits crossways (transverse) in the engine bay rather than longitudinally. Combined with a longer body, this has the immediate benefit of making the cabin very spacious.
Rear-seat passengers will find themselves with plenty of head, knee and foot room. Behind them is 603 litres of luggage space. Split-fold the bench seat and that expands to 1731 litres. It's enough to fit a mountain bike without removing the front wheel. The only issue you will have is with width, as the Passat is a little narrower than typical Australian wagons or Japanese 4WDs.
At 1587 kilograms it is also a fair bit lighter. Combined with the common-rail pump-injection 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine it's also a fair bit thriftier. The official average is 6.7 L/100 km and we managed a still excellent 7.4 L/100 km. The engine also gains Euro IV emissions accreditation and 312 stars from http://www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au (good for a diesel).
In terms of output, 103 kW is acceptable and 320 Nm good. The engine displays little of the traditional diesel clatter, sounding more like a sporty petrol engine. However it doesn't have the high-revving abilities of the latter though, dying off above 4000 rpm as so many diesels do. But the strong punch at low revs makes it very competitive in the cut and thrust of commuter traffic and great for highway overtaking.
The one weakness is standing starts, where turbocharged engine lag isn't managed well by the DSG dual-clutch transmission. This is a brainy gearbox that preselects gears, eschews a clutch pedal and allows both full manual or auto shifting, as well as an auto sports mode. The benefits are manual economy figures with the ease of an auto.
But DSG can be a bit tardy in initial acceleration, not responding to the throttle with enthusiasm. Extra pedal pressure often brings a chirp of wheelspin and a less than smooth getaway. It takes a while to adjust to and that mars an otherwise excellent drivetrain.
It's little more than a detail annoyance. But unfortunately it's not the only one. On our constantly variable bitumen the Passat's ride never feels quite settled. Small bumps constantly seem to patter their way back into the cabin, something exacerbated by flat and unsupportive seats. Mind you, these were the optional leather seats, the standard cloth items could be better.
Another issue was the amount of road rumble transmitted by the noisy Bridgestone tyres. In this, the Passat is hardly alone, as many European cars now seem to have ride and noise, vibration and harshness issues on Australian roads.
None of this is enough to make the car undesirable. It just detracts a little from what is otherwise a very convincing package. The dynamic balance, for instance, is strikingly good. The steering is perhaps a little light and without feel for someone with sporty tendencies, but the car's fundamentally good nature makes it a friendly experience in town or on country roads.
Then there's the look. Quite elegant, but a little understated inside and out, the Passat carries a bit more presence about it than the average suburban load hauler. There's some bling and some leather and a feeling of quiet prestige.
The latest Passat is an impressive effort. Not quite finished off for local conditions perhaps, but still a thoroughly convincing offering that will deservedly add that little more strength to VW's model line-up.
What's it got?
Front and rear fog lights, remote central locking, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, roof rails, alloy wheels, six-CD audio, trip computer, front and rear parking sensors, powered driver's seat, power windows, rain-sensing wipers.
What's missing?
Leather seat upholstery, powered front-passenger seat
Orignal Article http://drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=32679&vf=2