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Volkswagen Passat 2011 road test report

2011

The new, seventh generation VW Passat range is designed to build on the model’s reputation for delivering a reliable and enjoyable drive. Throughout the model’s history, thousands of happy company car and family drivers have appreciated the Passat’s performance and the new model only builds on this heritage.

Road Test Reports Says 4.5 star rating
A front-facing image of the Volkswagen Passat 2011
Thanks to Swansway Motor Group who provided the Volkswagen Passat for the Road Test Report.
Contact David Aspinall at Swansway Motor Group on 01270 848980 or email d.aspinall@crewevw.co.uk

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ANDY HEYWOOD SAYS

Performance Performance - 4 stars

The most successful variants have always been the diesel variants as they offered a blend of performance, driveability and heart-warming savings at the pump. Once again, we can expect that the diesel models will be the biggest sellers in the new range and these could well be the frugal, new Bluemotion models. We found that the 1.6 TDi, 105bhp engine, tested here, offered plenty of torque on tap, allowing for easy acceleration, settling into smooth cruising on the motorway; somewhere a Passat model is likely to spend a large portion of its working life. On paper, the stats don’t look particularly exciting, (12.2 secs to 60mph and a top speed of 121mph) but as is so often the case with diesel powered cars, these cold, hard stats do not tell the full story of the driving experience. The torque figures for the 1.6 TDi Bluemotion stand at 185 lb ft and 250Nm at 1500rpm, which gives you some idea of the low-down shove you can expect when you are pulling away from a sedentary position. Volkswagen has managed, it seems, to engineer a car that offers something for the heart and the mind.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 4 stars

As is typical for German manufacturers, Volkswagen has a habit of erring towards a firm ride for its vehicles and the new Passat is no different in this regard. The reason for this is to provide a sporty driving experience in a family car and while the new Passat feels firm to drive, it is well cosseted from the road, and remains refined and comfortable. The steering is direct and well-weighted to give the driver feedback from the tyres and thanks to this, any driver should feel confident when turning into corners and overtaking fellow drivers.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 5 stars

Legendary build quality is a Volkswagen benchmark and the new Passat shows no signs of departing from this. The interior is smart and full of quality, soft-touch materials, while the dash is fairly minimalist compared to some manufacturers, we feel this adds a touch of class rather than being a negative point. There are more than a couple of dashes of Audi about the cockpit, with the driver information system and general layout being reminiscent of certain vehicles in the premium Audi range.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 5 stars

We drove the SE specification of the new Passat and this comes with plenty of safety kit as standard. Airbags are provided for driver and front passenger as well as curtain airbags and further protection for driver and front seat passenger, at the side. A new and impressive driver fatigue detection system is standard on the SE and Sport models and the alarm system includes an interior protection system which operates with the remote central locking. Assistance systems are available for both parking and lane changing, with the former priced at £900 with a rear view camera and the latter priced at £410.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 4 stars

The new Passat is aimed at company car and family car drivers and offers plenty of room, both in terms of passenger and load-carrying space. The Estate version will obviously be the model of choice for those company car drivers wishing to carry demonstration materials or work tools and for those family men who like to take their car on holiday. As it is, the saloon car will provide you with 565 litres of luggage capacity with the rear seats upright and more storage compartments than you could reasonably ever need.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 4 stars

The SE spec 1.6 Tdi Bluemotion tested here, starts at £20,920 rising with any added extras. The Passat has traditionally offered impressive residual values for its class and this has resulted in contract hire and leasing prices that actually out-perform vehicles that are often perceived as less desirable. The ownership costs are kept reasonable by the impressive reliability of VW-engineered vehicles. Plus the new Passat comes with an impressive list of standard specification so customers will save on paying for extra options just to get their car reasonably kitted, as they might have to with some of the Passat’s rivals. DAB digital radio receiver, standard on the SE spec and Bluetooth phone prep should make those long hours on the motorway seem a lot less tedious!

Submitted: 17/03/2011 14:09:59

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