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Volkswagen

Wednesday, 8th of October 2008

The VW engineers have tweaked the familiar diesel particulate filter-equipped 105bhp 1.9-litre four-cylinder TDI so that it will be more eco-friendly. It will do zero from 62mph in 12.1 seconds and the aerodynamic changes to lessen the drag and to increase fuel economy have increased the top speed by 3mph to 120mph. But you can hardly tell the difference when you’re on the road. The Passat Bluemotion has lengthened gear ratios but it still has 250NM of torque, which provides enough shove for overtaking. The long fifth gear makes motorway cruising a breeze as the taller ratios have made the engine more refined.

If you are a business driver and your travels take in a lot of motorway miles then the VW Passat Bluemotion is the car for you. The car eats up the miles and is feel super-capable over long distances. Take it on the twisty roads and the Passat steers and rides comfortably on uneven road surfaces but it just doesn’t excite and the fun factor is lacking from this car. It is a serious business tool. Tweaks to improve the fuel economy and lower C02 emissions have seen the Passat lowered by 15mm at the front and 8mm at the rear, allowing it to cut through the air more cleanly. To reduce drag even more the brake discs and rear suspension components have been covered.

The Passat is now in its sixth generation and the inside is clinically efficient. The majority of makers look up to VW when it comes to the interior and the marque has given the Passat an interior to be proud of. The airy cabin has excellent fit and finish, with the textured plastics and silver centre console giving a quality feel. While the two-tone finish keeps the upmarket feel going and the leather leading onto the door gives the cabin a smart look. VW have a three-year warranty or 60,000 miles (whatever comes first) while the paintwork has three years of protection, the body is protected for 12 years and when you buy the car you’ll get one year of VW Assistance (UK and Europe) for free.

The car is one of the safest and most secure in its class. To stop you quicker and in a controlled fashion the car has been fitted with ABS, BAS, EBD, ESP, electronic differential lock and traction control. To keep you safe in the event of an accident the car has front, curtain, and front seat side airbags. The car has also got door side impact protection and active head restraints for the driver and front passenger. To keep your car secure from potential thieves, it comes equipped with remote central locking, alarm with interior protection.

Stowage is excellent in the Passat the door pockets are huge while the cup holders are situated in a variety of useful places. There is a mass of head and legroom with two adults in the rear and the huge boot will carry numerous sets of golf clubs. This can be expanded if needed by folding the 60/40 split back seats. The driver will be happy too, as the driving position is excellent and there’s plenty of rake and reach from the steering wheel and the seat is well bolstered especially useful on long journeys.

The VW Passat Bluemotion starts at a price from £17,270 and emits 151g/km, which means the VW Passat Bluemotion is in a road tax band of C and costs £55 per annum. The maker claims it will return 49.6 on the combined cycle – we got 41.2mpg – that’s not far off the claimed mpg. The car has a modified the transmission, which means third, fourth and fifth gears are lengthened and the boffins have installed a new light on the dashboard which tells the driver when is the most economical point to shift. Variable service intervals mean that although the Passat is expensive to service, drivers can potentially travel for 30,000 miles or two years between check-ups.