Passat gets stronger, longer - and new range of engines

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

The Volkswagen Passat is a mass-market model in Europe, challenging popular fleet cars like the Ford Mondeo and Peugeot 406.

But in New Zealand its price and overall reputation for quality puts it comfortably in the entry-level prestige segment.

It will remain there, too - the new-look Passat will see to that. The car, unveiled 24 hours ago in Auckland, is largely similar to the model it replaces, despite more than 2000 minor changes.

Most of the obvious work is to the body, where the only panels that remain unchanged are the doors and roof.

VW has restyled the nose and rear-end and added chrome trim. The result is a slightly longer, stronger car with a more in-your-face stance.

Inside, chrome rings surround the new instrument dials and the fit and finish meets VW's usual above-average standards.

The console between the front seats has been reworked for a wider, adjustable armrest. The handbrake lever has been moved slightly to the side to help room for two drink holders.

Two integrated childs seats which fold out of the rear seats are an optional extra. There will no doubt be calls for these seats to become standard.

The most significant other change is to the line-up of engines. The top-line 143kW 2.8-litre V6 petrol unit remains, but the turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder - the entry-level engine in the previous Passat - has been dropped in favour of a 2.3-litre five-cylinder V5.

There is also a new diesel engine, the turbocharged 2.5-litre V6. It and the V5 will power front-drive Passats. The petrol V6, mated to a five-speed Tiptronic transmission, will be used in the premium all-wheel-drive 4Motion sedan and Variant station wagon.

VW is looking at another engine/model option. Buyers who favour all-wheel-drive but don't want petrol power might be able to order from the factory a 4Motion sedan or wagon with the V6 diesel engine.

The 2.3-litre V5 is priced at $53,990. The 2.8-litre petrol V6 and the 2.5-litre diesel V6 are both $68,990. The Variant wagons are $3000 more expensive at $71,990. The special-order 4Motion diesel will be dearer again.

Dean Sheed, division manager for VW importers European Motor Distributors, said the improved Passat will help fuel VW's rapid growth here.

"The currrent model proved to be aspirational in the New Zealand market," he said. "We are confident that the improvements we and Volkswagen have made to the range will only enhance that position."

The Passat's more elegant appearance underlines VW's aim to strike at the heart of the mid-luxury class.

Volkswagen eyes image

Volkswagen is rolling out some tantalising products as it seeks to become a major player in the Asia-Pacific and build an image far removed from the Beetle and Kombi.

The facelifted Passat isn't the only VW vehicle destined to get a new range of transmissions and four-, five-, six- and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The next-generation Golf will get V6 and W8 engines. The next Polo will come with 4Motion all-wheel-drive.