The Passat is the consummate estate. When Volkswagen signed off the seventh-generation car in 2011, we were happy to give it a worthy four stars and second billing to the Mondeo. The reason the Ford takes top honours for us is that it offers more of a driving experience than the smooth-riding Volkswagen.
Little has happened since, apart from VW introducing this Highline spec (for both estates and saloons) in place of SE, which bows out as the Passat’s best-selling trim option.
However, VW believes that it can entice more patrons to the range with the new Highline since it will be more generously equipped than the SE. Included as standard is a touchscreen sat-nav, 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control and DAB plus Bluetooth connectivity. VW says that the extras work out to be worth £1680, but the new Highline commands just £500 over the SE.
For a car of its size and weight, the diesel BlueMotion Technology offers pretty remarkable economy. However, the new Mazda 6, with its SkyActiv tech, could well equal or better the VW’s impressive ecological credentials when it’s road tested in the UK early this year. The Japanese car also promises to be dynamically more entertaining than the Passat.
Clearly, VW knows how to build sporty cars, but the priority with its practical estate is to ensure that it’s a refined and comfortable cruiser. The welcome extra kit in the new Highline model just makes it an even more comfortable place in which to cocoon yourself on Britain’s broken roads.
Volkswagen Passat Highline 2.0 TDI 140 DSG estate
Price £26,045; Top speed 131mph; 0-62mph 9.8sec; Economy 54.3mpg (combined); CO2 135g/km; Kerb weight 1601kg; Engine 4 cyls, 1968cc, turbodiesel; Power 138bhp at 4200rpm; Torque 236lb ft at 1750rpm; Gearbox 6-spd dual-clutch auto
Counts for a lot, maybe a reason these sell despite being so boring to look at. What Car did a long term comparison between and SE and the Hyundai I40 tourer. What struck me was the Passat using target prices and like for like spec was about 4k more than the i40. I suppose VW also noticed something and hence the highline! Me I'd take a Superb estate.
A Touran in 5 (or 2) seat mode makes as good an estate compared to the smaller engined Passats.
Why's the car being tested a 60-reg?
I've always been quite impressed with the pre-facelift version whenver I've been inside one and this looks to move the game forward. The 2.0 TDI 140 is at its best with the DSG transmission IMO, very nice match. Shame VW are no longer including Leather though as that used to be the main feauture of the Highline but now appears to be a pricey option.
The Passat is a great car, well put together and the Diesel models offer amazing fuel consumption...
-----------------------------------------------------------------
http://jomomag.blogspot.co.uk/
My Blog site for motoring stuff, please take a look....
A Touran in 5 (or 2) seat mode makes as good an estate compared to the smaller engined Passats.
Agreed, my wife drives a 2012 Touran, better value for money as well.
It annoys me that VW tried to fob this off as Passat 7, when all it is is a facelift, not much really changed.
Volkswagen have always come up with unqiue easy drive cars and amazing features that always impress me regarding their astehtic sense about manufacturing new cars. However, i would still not been be able to buy this becuase its beyond my pocket. However, once it will be launched and prices will go down, i will surely think about buying it but when it comes to Volkswagen vehicles, prices decrease seldom!!
Christina A. John is an automotive and transportation expert who is familiar for writing best articles about auto carriers. She works with AutoTransportDepot.com
I like it and I will buy one for sure. wedding speeches
unlike some of the polos and lupos which have not lived up to expectations the passat with car mats should definitely hit the mark. Its interior will be clean as with all volkswagens i would expect.
All the great maid of honor speeches have something in common and this is the template and the structure they all follow. In this article I’ll describe you 4 of the most important tips
The Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid is the world's most advanced luxury petrol-electric hybrid, but can it live up to its 91mpg billing?
The new Maserati Ghibli is a premium saloon, based on the same root architecture as the Quattroporte, that's designed to rival the BMW 5-series
It's the world's most appealing electric car – but does that make it an appealing car?
The Aston Martin DB9 matches the emotion of a Ferrari but it adds practicality and offers an experience unmatched for versatility and all-round appeal
Nissan 370Z Nismo adds some harder-core appeal, but it feels like too little too late for Nissan’s street-fighting Z
