Volkswagen has launched its seventh generation Passat with higher standard equipment levels at unchanged prices with a new, high-tech – but affordable – options list that forges new ground in the densely populated and highly competitive midsize sector. A major engine upgrade in the top-spec V6 model sees substantial performance improvements, with fuel efficiency improvements of 5-12 per cent across the lineup.
The new Passat comes in three spec levels at prices ranging from $38,990 for the 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol 118TSI sedan to $57,990 for the top-shelf V6 FSI Highline wagon. Wagon variants attract a $2000 premium across the range.
The base 118TSI starts at $38,990 for the sedan. Its turbocharged petrol four-cylinder puts out 118kW at 4500rpm and 250Nm peak torque across a generous 1500-4500rpm. It's good for a claimed 0-100km/h dash in a claimed 8.5 seconds. Fuel consumption of 7.2L/100km combined is down from 7.7 L/100km. CO2 emissions are a claimed 168g/km.
Thanks to the introduction of elements of Volkswagen's BlueMotion technology suite – namely brake energy regeneration and auto stop-start – the volume-selling 125TDI diesel model's fuel consumption drops 12 per cent from 6.5 to 5.7L/100km, with CO2 emissions a Euro 6-ready 151g/km. Good for 125kW at 4200rpm, it serves up its peak 350Nm between 1750-2500rpm, helping it from 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds (wagon variants are about 0.2 slower). The 125TDI starts at $43,990 plus on-roads for the sedan and $45,990 for the wagon.
The top shelf V6 FSI Highline starts at $55,990 for the sedan and $57,990 for the wagon. It gets a substantial upgrade under the bonnet. Gone is the 184kW 3.2-litre mill; in its place is the 220kW 3.6-litre engine from the now defunct R36 sports model. Hitched up to a six-speed DSG, it takes the sedan to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds. Despite the extra power, combined cycle fuel consumption is slightly better at 9.7L/100km, down from 10.0.
Transmission options are simple: everyone gets Volkswagen's DSG dual-clutch. The 118TSI gets seven speeds, the torquier upspec models get six. The V6 gets adaptive chassis control standard; it's a $1650 option in other models.
Equipment levels are up on the outgoing models, starting with the 'new' interior brought across with little changed from the more style-oriented Passat CC. Heated front seats and leather upholstery are standard across the range, with different grades of hide at different specs.
All models now get Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, operated through a 6.5-inch touch-screen based, MP3-ready audio system with auxiliary and USB ports.
Standard safety gear includes eight airbags and a driver fatigue detection system that monitors steering and other equipment – pedals and phone use, for example – for signs of flagging concentration. A car optioned with lane assist as well is capable of redirecting small amounts of torque into correcting steering, and vibrating the wheel to alert drivers in extreme situations.
Attractive pricing will see many a buyer tempted to dip into the options list – a 10-15 per cent premium can add a suite of technologies unique in its sector. A $2000 adaptive cruise package maintains set speeds downhill and set distances from the car in front, while the integrated radar-driven emergency braking function first warns the drivers of a potential front-ender, then primes the brakes for an imminent hard stop.
The driver assistance and visibility package ($2900 on the 118TSI; $2600 on the Highline models) incorporates bi-xenons, LED daytime runners and tail-light clusters, front foglamps and static cornering lights (they're separate, outward-facing lights activated by the steering wheel on turn-in).
Satnav options range from $3000-3600, the latter including a substantially updated park assist package that now includes a rear-view camera. It's now able to negotiate parking lot bays as well as parallel spots, squeeze into tighter places using multiple-point turning if necessary. All these options are available at all spec levels.
Visit the Carsales Network again soon for more on the all-new Volkswagen Passat.
2011 Volkswagen Passat pricing:
- Passat 118TSI sedan $38,990
- Passat 118 TSI wagon $40,990
- Passat 125TDI Highline sedan $43,990
- Passat 125TDI Highline wagon $45,990
- Passat V6 FSI Highline sedan $55,990
- Passat V6 FSI Highline wagon $57,990
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