In Tune
Stories and Songs on today's free French CD, with The Times
Navigation - link to other main sections from here
Volkswagen Passat
In a congested segment of the marketplace the VW Passat is neither the
prettiest, fastest nor most advanced car. But it scores on reliability,
solidity, and an absence of “Cinderella syndrome” — where a car is all the
rage one day, a fashion faux-pas the next.
Now in its sixth generation, the latest VW Passat was introduced in December
2000. Similar in appearance to its predecessor it nonetheless boasted 2,315
changes.
Under the bonnet VW continues to offer a bewildering range of engines from 1.8
to 4 litres, and of these the diesels are the most impressive thanks to
Pumpe Düse, a diesel injection system that improves performance and economy.
The base model diesel is powered by a 1.9 litre 100bhp unit which gives fuel
economy of around 50mpg — superb for a car of this size, but 0-62mph takes
12.4sec, making it feel every gram of its 1,566kg kerb weight.
A better bet is the 130bhp diesel. The extra power transforms the performance
with 62mph being reached in under 10sec, and thanks to a remarkably low drag
coefficient it also has a respectable top speed of 129mph. Topping the
diesel range is the 2.5 litre V6 with 163bhp. Despite the extra power it’s
only a fraction quicker than the 130, heavier on fuel and £2,000 more
second-hand.
German cars may have had a reputation for frugal standard equipment but the VW
Passat lays that idea to rest. All Passats come with digital
air-conditioning, six airbags and a pair of clever integrated child seats in
the rear. Only the base S model misses out on the six-disc CD changer and
alloy wheels but it shares the traction control system.
It may carry a VW badge but the Passat has the hallmark build quality of its
Audi stablemate so shut lines (the gaps between panels) should be tight. If
not the car has been pranged. All this attention to details makes it a very
quiet car at speed with an almost total absence of wind noise.
In the past VW brakes have been criticised as lacking feel and stopping power,
but neither is true of the Passat, which has discs all round. And unlike
many front-wheel-drive cars the advanced four-link front suspension of the
Passat almost entirely eliminates torque steer (when the wheel fights as you
accelerate) and vibration, making it feel like an executive saloon.
VW also offers higher specification models with the 4Motion four-wheel drive
system. While this offers better grip in a muddy field, when you’re on the
road its extra weight dents performance and economy.
Passat owners can opt for one of two servicing plans. The LongLife regime uses
engine sensors to monitor oil quality and notifies the driver when a service
is due, which can be as much as 30,000 miles or two years on the 1.9 litre
diesel. Alternatively the car can be subject to a traditional time/distance
interval. Owners can switch service regimes, but with such big gaps in the
car’s life history you need to check a used car’s credentials carefully.
But VW build quality and the relative newness of the current Passat makes
buying used a pretty safe bet. If you don’t want to be a fashion victim it
may just be the car to buy.
VITAL STATISTICS
Model: VW Passat 1.9TDI 130 SE
Engine: Four-cylinder, 1896cc
Power: 130bhp
Transmission: Five-speed, manual
Fuel: 48.7mpg (combined)
Acceleration: 0 to 62mph: 9.9sec
Top speed: 129mph
CD: Six-disc dash-mounted multichanger on all but base S model
Digital climate control: Standard on all models Ð also chills the
glovebox.
Galvanised body: Covered by a 12-year warranty so rust should not be a
problem.
Headlamps: Can be adjusted for height electrically from inside the car.
Warranty: Three-year/60,000-mile warranty on all new cars may still be
valid on your used purchase.
Servicing: Variable service interval gives potential for very long
service gaps Ð check history carefully.
Wheels: Alloys on all but base S model.
Integrated rear child seats: These fold up from bottom squab of rear
seat.
Detailing: Twin illuminated vanity mirrors and alloy opening struts on
the boot convey high quality.
Boot: Massive 475-litre capacity.
Safety: Front, side and curtain airbags are standard. Car achieved four
stars in Euro NCAP testing.
Traction control system: Includes Electronic Stabilisation Programme
and electronic differential lock.
Transmission: Five-speed tiptronic auto is a popular option, but manual
gives best economy.
THE ONE TO BUY
VW Passat 1.9TDI 130 SE saloon with manual gearbox. 2000 X-reg with 30,000
miles. Pay £10,595 at a dealer with a 12-month warranty, or £9,750
privately.
OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...
2001 51-reg Ford Mondeo 2.0TDCi 130
2001 Y-reg Rover 75 2.0 CDT Club
1999 V-reg Volvo S80 2.5D SE
1998 S-reg Mercedes-Benz C250 TD
1997 R-reg BMW 525tds SE
VALUES: VW Passat 1.9TDI 130 SE
Sport model worth £500 more than equivalent SE, tiptronic auto worth £350
more than equivalent manual.
Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. 'Trade' is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; 'retail' is what you would pay a dealer