Volkswagen Passat 3.2 V6 FSI wagon 2006 Review

7-day Test

The secret is VW's unique V6 engine which has such a narrow V-angle that it looks more like a straight six with staggered cylinders. Because it isn't as wide as a normal V6 or Subaru's flat six, it can be squeezed between the front wheels with a shorter bonnet than ever.

Its narrow design also allows a longer stroke than usual hence a healthy 330Nm from 2750-3750rpm. This is even torquier than the Passat diesel. Combine it with 184kW@6250rpm and VW's magic six-speed DSG system (compared to the normal six-speed auto in the four cylinder) and you get a sense of the pleasure waiting for the driver.

The Passat V6's 4Motion system with its advanced Haldex clutch is one of the few of its type that will enhance handling on grippy surfaces as well as deliver extra control and grip on loose surfaces. With this package comes exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels with its superb fine-spoke design, heated front seats, perforated leather trim, anti-theft alarm system and tilt monitor, front fog lights, tyre pressure monitor and front and rear carpet mats. This in addition to the five-star eight-airbag Euro NCAP safety, parking sensors, power driver's seat adjustment, dual-zone climate control and electric parking brake of other Passats.

Of the $10,000 premium over the four-cylinder wagon, the leather trim alone accounts for $2990. This leaves $7000 to cover the V6 and DSG that transform the Passat into a sporting drive with a claimed 0-100km/h split of 7.2sec (6.9 for the sedan) and a top speed over 240km/h. On paper, it appears to be the perfect weekend snowfield getaway which is exactly what we did with it.

The Passat is a  margin smaller in all dimensions than the Mitsubishi 380 we had on test at the same time -- that said it's a good compromise between adequate cabin/luggage space and tight inner city manoeuvring. On damp narrow rural roads, this compact size and all-paw grip also makes it more wieldy and arguably safer than bigger and more powerful local models.

The engine has a satisfying, feral growl, loud enough to telegraph how little momentum is lost in each DSG gear change. The powertrain is the standout feature when it can deliver exactly what you want, when you want it, despite the missing Golf GTI steering wheel paddles. 

The car's not perfect though. The powerful brakes are a little too eager to self-assist when you first touch the pedal but you soon adjust. The suspension allows too much initial crash-through and impact harshness into the cabin at low to medium speeds. Yet the handling and turn-in are not as crisp and tight as this ride harshness would suggest. It creates the impression that it won't cope with choppy surfaces or dirt but that doesn't prove to be the case. The Passat V6 can absorb large bumps with consummate control and compliance.

It's almost as if the structure and occupants have to absorb the initial shock before the suspension wakes up and does its job. The optional 18-inch wheels will make this worse.

In reality, it is yet another import where the suspension has not been tuned to isolate initial road shock that defines virtually all Australian surfaces away from our newest highways. If you can put up with it around town, the rewards are there at high speeds over loose and sealed surfaces.

The handling is in another league from the plough-on understeer of most cheap front-drive-based AWD systems. As you enter a long sweeper or tight corner under power, there is always an initial tendency to run wide which is typical of most all-wheel drive and front-drive vehicles. Where you would normally have to back off to correct this, the Passat's 4Motion will allow the rear end to tighten up the line if you maintain the power. It is incredibly confidence inspiring and in some ways delivers the best of both front and rear drive for the average driver.

At no time does the chassis feel challenged by what is a big power output for this size.

That is the joy of the Passat wagon -- there are so many dimensions and clever features.

The intricate dash design shows how quickly the Germans have moved on from earlier, more austere designs. Although small, there are proper fuel and temperature gauges where they should be.  The cupholders have a sliding door and the centre console cover can be ratcheted-up to provide a centre armrest.

Nothing gets in your way when the door, window and other remote controls are moved to the driver's door for right-hand drive, not left in the centre. Full adjustment for steering column and driver's seat can deliver an optimum position for most drivers.

Even the square ignition key is clever. After you dock it into a slot, you push it to start, push it to stop. Simple. The electric parking brake is also handy once you get used to it.

The packaging and use of cargo space behind the back seat is outstanding considering there is a full size spare alloy under the floor. VW's clever styling disguises an almost vertical rear aperture for maximum height and easy access.  

With this much grunt, fuel economy was the big concern especially when the 12.0:1 compression ratio dictates an exclusive diet of 98 RON premium unleaded. However, the efficiency of the DSG and the high torque characteristics of the engine delivered an outstanding 10.2lt/100km over a fast and demanding 264km mountain section. This suggests that the factory's 10.1lt/100km combined figure for the wagon is the starting point for a gentle driver.

If it wasn't for the loss of ride quality, reverting to the Golf platform for the latest Passat makes plenty of sense when the transverse layout frees up more room for occupants and luggage.

If Holden can transform the European Astra wagon into one of the best ride and handling packages at almost half the price, then why can't Volkswagen? Until VW does, local buyers need to carefully weigh up whether they can live with an otherwise brilliant vehicle.  
   

Also read CarPoint's VW Passat 2.0 FSI 7-day Test and VW Passat Launch Review