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VW Passat Bluemotion

New family saloon is more comfortable and refined than ever. We drive the most efficient version.

VW Passat Bluemotion

Text: Mark Nichol / Photos: Matt Vosper

October 2010

Volkswagen has decided on evolution rather than revolution for the new Passat – blink and you might miss the changes. But believe it or not, every panel except the roof is new.

Rather than trying to redefine the Passat as a sporty saloon, VW has played to its strengths by giving it more quality, comfort and refinement. It now has executive levels of each, and is a brilliant cruiser and a lovely place to be – even if rivals are more exciting. 

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the VW Passat

 

There are no surprises in the cabin, but it’s beautifully finished, with an intuitive layout. It’s loaded with tech, too – if you’re willing to pay – including an auto-brake feature, a fatigue warning system and a boot that opens when you swing your leg underneath it. Every TDI diesel will be designated with a BlueMotion Technology badge – all get stop-start and regenerative braking – and we’re driving the most efficient, 104bhp 1.6-litre version here. An outright BlueMotion variant with the same 1.6 TDI but improved aerodynamics and altered gearing will come in late 2011; it will deliver 68.8mpg combined fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 109g/km.

Yet with 65.7mpg and 114g/km, our model all but matches those numbers, which means it avoids road tax for its first year and will cost only £30 annually thereafter. 

Despite its green credentials, it feels far from underpowered. The smooth TDI smothers clatter and the car rides with a level-bodied composure befitting a luxury saloon from the class above.
Our example came with the optional DCC adaptive chassis, which is switchable between Comfort, Standard and Sport modes. These adjust the steering and suspension settings, and Comfort adds noticeably more suppleness to the ride – which is useful on broken surfaces.

Switch to Sport and the VW corners with fair precision. Body control is good, the gearshift is slick and the driving position is excellent. Yet this car is most at home on the motorway. Its long gearing means it settles quietly in sixth at low revs, while also having enough urge to feel comfortable in the outside lane.

The popular 138bhp and 178bhp 2.0 TDI diesels will be available from January’s launch, along with a trio of TSI petrol units ranging from 120bhp to 207bhp. The twin-clutch DSG auto is available with all engines. Each motor is hushed, efficient and clean – yet this lowest-powered version is probably all you’ll need.

For an alternative review of the latest Volkswagen Passat visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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4 Comments

In First

I know everyone will be queuing up to denigrate the new Passat as being dull and boring. So let me get in first and state that I like its understated looks, and that a car that is quiet, comfortable and cruises beautifully is exactly the sort of car I want to buy. I do not require immense speed or pinsharp handling, if the trade off is engine noise and that demon that most cars seem to suffer from these days - road roar. It is fashionable to slag off VW - but for me they are doing everything right.

By pajbse on 2 November, 2010, 9:29am

Does what it does well, but...

VW, please don't try to convince us that tattooed ageing skater-bois are your target market for this car (picture 4 above). This is the steed of choice for middle-aged middle-management types who rate themselves as too important for a Mondeo, but whose company doesn't thing they're worth a premium German car.
Like all Passat's it'll be spacious, quiet and comfortable, but remain completely devoid of character and desirability.

By snappyuk on 18 November, 2010, 8:23am

well........

Pajbse,

I couldn't have said that better myself actually. I'm a fan of VW and Audi and have been for a number of years, which links me nicely in with snappyuk's comment to say that desirability is a subjective emotion and can't be applied to everyone or indeed everything. I happen to like the new Passat and while I will never be in a financial position to buy one, doesn't mean I don't want one. Call me stead and boring if you must, but the Passat will sell extremely well as it has always done and not just for fleet buyers either although I suspect that's where the vast majority of them will go.

By nick7 on 18 November, 2010, 7:41pm

Another in favour

I have a 1996 Passat. 120k on the clock so just about run in. Yes it's not as sophisticated as a new car but still does 50mpg in day-to-day motoring, has more space than most and gets me from A to B fast enough. The new Passat seems to do all of these things, i.e. the things i need, rather better and is more refined into the bargain. What's not to like

By afajpog on 19 November, 2010, 4:33pm

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FIRST OPINION

    It’s a good job VW has equipped the Passat with a fatigue warning system: the car is so relaxing to drive, there’s precious little to get excited about. In playing it safe with the newcomer, the firm has created a beautifully refined, high-quality, mid-level saloon. The Passat has superb class and comfort, and with the diesels doing 60mpg-plus, it should cost pennies to run. An anti-sports saloon – and very appealing for it. 

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £19,231
    Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl turbodiesel 
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    Power/torque: 104bhp/250Nm
    0-62mph: 12.5 seconds
    Top speed: 120mph 
    Economy/CO2: 65.7mpg/114g/km
    Equipment: Alloys, climate control, leather multifunction wheel, iPod connectivity, touchscreen display
    On sale: Now
     
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