2012 Volkswagen Passat Reviews

Volkswagen Passat is a medium-large car aimed at those looking for a solid machine that should stand the test of time. Stylish it's not, but that's the way VW does its shapes, intending them to be timeless. There's an exception in the Passat range, see the upcoming notes on the model tagged the "CC". Passat shares

Passat is a medium-large German car that appeals to those who refuse to pay big dollars for a similar car from one of the more prestigious marques from the same country. Audi won’t thank us for saying so, but there are quite a few out of sight components that are shared by Passat and upmarket Audi vehicles.The Passat in all its formats offers better than average comfort thanks to well-shaped seats and suspension which is able to soak up just about anything thrown at it. Handling is good, with virtually neutral road behaviour at normal speeds, gradually changing to safe understeer if the big car is pushed hard.In the earlier days almost all Passat imports were four-door sedans but with the introduction of the 1998 model, five-door wagons were offered. Wagons have been a popular choice ever since as their squared off rear end makes for a practical load area.An interesting style called Passat CC was introduced in February 2009. Virtually a four-door coupe in the manner of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, the sleek CC is just right for those who seldom use the back seat but want the convenience of rear doors. The back seat is reasonably comfortable and is certainly much better than that of the typical two-door coupe.Volkswagen went all cute with the marketing of the latest CC when it arrived in June 2012, dropping the Passat from its name and calling it simply the CC. Don’t forget to check out both names if you’re doing a search for the pretty coupe on used-car sites.Engine options show a fascinating variation, with four-, five-, six- and eight-cylinder layouts. The V5 and V6 use an interesting design with a narrow-angle V which enables it to run one cylinder head covering both cylinder banks.Though smaller engines aren’t always accepted by Australian buyers, even the four-cylinder Passats have enough performance for many buyers. Many of the later petrol – and all diesel – Volkswagen engines use a turbocharger to generate significantly extra torque.Volkswagen started a strong push on turbo-diesel engines in Australia in 2006 and these days the company often sells more diesel cars than petrol ones in Australia.A four-speed automatic was used in the pre-1998 model, followed by a five-speed unit with tiptronic. The forward ratios were increased to six with a DSG installation from 2006, and to seven forward ratios from early 2010.All-wheel drive isn't all that common in Australian Passats but gives better traction coming out of corners and on slippery surfaces and is worth considering if you are doing a lot of driving on unmade surfaces, or even on the snow and ice for which it was originally designed.For the revhead, Volkswagen imported the Passat R36 from June 2008. R36 has a 220 kilowatt engine, all-wheel drive and is sold in both sedan and wagon bodies.Volkswagen Group Australia has put a lot of work in recent years in getting its supply of spare parts up to international best practice. Prices are similar to those of other European imports in its class. Similarly, the dealer group has grown markedly in recent years and VW is represented in most population centres of significant size.Passat is a relatively complex machine in the modern manner, but a competent home mechanic should be able to do a fair bit of work on it. Always have a workshop manual on standby, and please leave safety items to professionals.Insurance is generally not expensive but make inquiries from a number of companies as there can be quite a difference in premiums.WHAT TO LOOK FORLook over the condition of the interior in case the Passat has had a hard life. It’s not common in a car like this, but can happen and rectification can be expensive.The engine should start within a second of the key being turned and should settle into a steady idle within seconds. If there is a flat spot in acceleration there could be fuel-injection problems.Check the insides of the front wheels for signs of severe brake dust build up, indicating hard driving. This is more likely on one of the sporting models, but Passats do seem to attract people who like to pedal along hard.Look over the body for signs of crash repairs, especially paint that doesn’t match and panels that don't fit exactly. Check the complete body, including hard to reach areas under the bonnet, in the boot and under the car.CAR BUYING TIPBefore settling on any car it makes sense to check on availability of spare parts and servicing in your home and work neighbourhoods. 

The Alltrack represents an interesting move by the ‘do no wrong’ Volkswagen group. Essentially a Passat wagon with a lift kit, it is likely to give some stick to Subaru's Outback, not to mention Volvo's quieter achiever the XC70. All three are cast in the same mold.Alltrack is priced from a very competitive $47,790 which includes an auto. Standard features include satnav, Bluetooth, media device interface, heated front seats, a rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors, fog lights, stainless steel door sill plates with the 'Alltrack' signature, comfort seats in Vienna leather, interior accents in Titanium silver (signature on ashtray cover), pedals in brushed stainless steel and dual zone climate control.Other 'Alltrack' signatures are located at the front and rear of the vehicle and the instrument cluster greets the driver with the signature. 17 inch alloys are standard fitted with 225/50 rubber along with dual chromed tailpipes.It's powered by VW's acclaimed 2.0-litre turbodiesel, hooked up to a six-speed dual clutch tranmission with power fed to all four wheels. The diesel is good for 125kW and 350 Nm or torque, the latter from a low 1750 revs. During normal operation only 10 per cent of torque is channelled to the rear wheels to save on fuel. It can tow an 1800kg load and has a full-sized steel spare. Fuel consumption from the 70-litre tank is rated at 6.3 litres/100km.Alltrack comes with eight airbags, daytime running lights and electronic stability control as standard. Fatigue detection is also standard and detects waning driver concentration and warns the driver with an acoustic signal lasting five seconds; a visual message also appears in the instrument cluster recommending that the driver take a break from driving.We clocked up more than 500km of country kilometres behind the wheel. It's an easy car to live with and easy to drive, with comfortable seats that is suitable to long distance travel. The optional lane departure warning system comes into its own on country roads, but seems a bit haphazard in its reaction (sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't). During our tenure the car returned 8.1 litres/100km, a far cry from the 6.3 quoted (or 5.7 for extra-urban) but with 1500km on the clock it is still a long way from returning its best figures.The car stands 60mm higher and ground clearance is 165mm, more than the road going version but not nearly enough for anything serious. The engine however is protected by a solid engine underbody guard made of a steel plate. This protects the engine, gearbox, oil sump, exhaust system (front section) and various hoses from damage.An 'off road' button accommodates the demands of dirt or other slippery surfaces, automatically activating hill descent control, raising gear shift points and deactivating the engine Stop/Start system. It also introduces a higher threshold for the anti-lock brakes and the electronic differential locks (EDS) react quicker to prevent wheel spin, in parallel with with the engine's torque control (ASR) which is also modified.Likeable car. Looks great and attracts plenty of comment. Well priced and extremely well equipped, it includes a lot of technology for the ask and is likely to appeal to those who tow a boat and/or those who like to tread the path less beaten.

So you want to negotiate terrain more challenging than the driveway but can't cop being seen in an SUV? Despair not.Volkswagen has toughened up its Passat wagon so that it goes nose-to-nose with the Subaru Outback as well as its siblings from Skoda and Audi. It's called, with only slight hubris, the Alltrack.At $47,790 the all-wheel-drive Alltrack is $1800 price hike over the front-drive Passat 125TDI. That's $1000 over the diesel Outback Premium, but the VW brings a standard six speed DSG auto to Subaru's manual sole transmission choiceOther standard kit includes chrome roof rails, leather trim, dual-zone climate control with rear-seat vents, a reach and rake adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel with sound system and phone controls, Bluetooth phone and audio link, a hard-drive equipped satnav and sound system with USB input and a powered tailgate. It rides on 17-inch alloys with self-sealing tyres and a space-saver spare.Options include pearl-effect paint ($700), sunroof ($2000) and parking assistance system ($900). The two option packs look decent value. The $3300 driver assistance and visibility Package adds intelligent bi-xenon lights, lane departure warning and blind spot warning.For $2800, the Sport package gets 18s a multi-function leather steering wheel with gearshifter paddles, Nappa full-grain leather trim and heavier rear window tint. The adaptive cruise control, that includes the auto-braking accident warning and avoidance system, is a $2000 option and the adaptive damper suspension option (with either 17in or 18in alloy wheels) is $1650.The Alltrack uses the 2.0-litre common-rail direct-injection turbodiesel four. It's a proven unit with 125kW/350Nm and a thirst of 6.3l/100km  barely more than the 150kg lighter standard Passat.  Electric stability aids are disabled by a button's push while the off-road system also quickens the reaction time of the electronic differential locks to prevent wheel spin, automatically activates hill descent control to a higher engine speed and if the manual shift mode is employed, the gear will be held and not over-ridden by the gearbox computer. The 4Motion drivetrain feeds only 10 per cent of power to the rear axle until the electro-hydraulic system sees a need for more.The staid squared-off conservative look of the Passat wagon has been beefed up with wheelarch trim and added bits on the front and rear bumpers. More importantly, the Alltrack's ground clearance has risen to 165mm. That's down on the Outback's 213mm, the VW's bootspace is at 588 litre  almost 100 litres greaters than the Soobs. It's a clever and flexible space too, with luggage net and remote release for the seat backs.The Passat scores five stars under the NCAP. A notable feature in this edition is an "extended" electronic diff lock and four-wheel drive. The driver gets an auto-dimming rearvision centre and driver's side mirror, tyre pressure monitoring and some underbody protection.First impressions of the Alltrack are not surprisingly Passat with hiking boots and a bit more swagger. The six-speed auto plays well with the turbo diesel, humming swiftly along at freeway speeds and providing more than enough punch for overtaking. The ride is on the firm side and a little jittery in the Sport package; I'd be inclined to stick with the standard wheel/tyre package.Winding back roads are not going to trip the Alltrack that height increase is not significant enough to make it lean drastically. The downside to that is 165mm of ground clearance is going to mean you'll test the model-specific underbody protection a little more than you would in a Subaru Outback once you're off the bitumen.The loose-surface dirt road is easily traversed as well, with the all-wheel drive system and driver aids working together to prevent too much wandering. The front-drive biased all-wheel drive system is not my personal preference - the more even split engaged by Subaru or the VW's cousins at Audi are better balanced. The Off Road mode brings in a clever hill descent control system that has its speed set by the driver's right foot, but given the low clearance you won't be stepping over big rocks and ruts.If you value a German badge over a Japanese one, the Alltrack is a family wagon that can complete a broad range of modern SUV tasks from fire trails to the school run.

While the boom in SUV sales in Australia has knocked station wagon sales for six, some brands, including Volkswagen and its Audi and Skoda cousins, are persisting with keeping both SUVs and wagons in their model line-ups. The latest offering from the people at VW is the Passat Alltrack a car designed to bridge the gap between the traditional wagon. One that can take on a bit of the rough stuff for adventurous families.VALUEThe Alltrack comes with a value-for-money $47,790 price tag and generous standard-kit inventory. As well as its leather trim and heated front seats, buyers can look forward to 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, automatic lights and wipers, a clever electrically operated tailgate, an electric parking brake, front-and-rear parking sensors and a rear-vision camera, dual-zone climate-control “air,” a 6.5-inch touch screen with satellite navigation and a 30GB hard drive, one-touch up-and-down electric windows and Bluetooth mobile-phone and music streaming.Also standard are a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel, fog lights, cruise control and an automatic-dimming electro-chromatic rear-vision mirror. Options include metallic/pearl-effect paint ($700), a panoramic electric glass sunroof ($2000), park-assist 2 ($900), a driver-assistance and visibility package ($3300), adaptive cruise control and front-assist with city emergency braking ($2000) and the sport package ($2800).If you want more-sporty, more-bolstered seats it will cost you $2800 as part of the Sport option that includes other goodies such as steering-wheel-mounted gear-shift paddles. The Alltrack’s competitors include the new $69,900 Audi A4 Allroad and the much-cheaper $43,990 Skoda Octavia Scout. Then there’s the $46,990 Subaru Outback Premium that also comes with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine but cannot at this stage be specified with an automatic transmission.TECHNOLOGYThe new VW is a slightly beefed-up version of the standard Passat wagon and uses the same 125 kW turbo-diesel engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. What sets the Alltrack apart from the Passat wagon is the addition of the Touareg and Tiguan SUVs’ off-road driving program, a less-intrusive electronic stability program and unique front, side and rear body-kit features.On surfaces such as unstable gravel, the off-road driving program automatically remaps the ABS, shift points, throttle response and electronic differential lock to deliver even more traction than when the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is in normal mode. An automatic hill-descent-control system adds to the Alltrack’s surefootedness.DESIGNVolkswagen Alltrack’s interior is a stylish, classy affair with leather trim as standard, soft plastics and brushed-chrome dashboard/centre-stack highlights. There are black-faced speedo and tacho dials with red needles, clear white numbers and an analogue clock that adds to the overall ambience.With 588 litres of cargo space with the rear seats occupied and a cavernous 1716 litres when the rear-seats are folded flat, there’s no shortage of storage capacity. Other storage cubby holes include a sunglasses holder, front-and-rear door pockets, a reasonably sized glove box, front-and-rear drinkholders and a bin beneath the centre front-seat armrest.Alltrack’s ride height has been raised 30 mm above that of the standard Passat wagon, resulting in increased approach, departure and ramp-over angles. A limited amount of front-seat bolstering doesn’t exactly hug you into position during enthusiastic cornering on winding roads.VW’s engineers have fitted a tough, steel under-body protection shield to look after the engine and gearbox during off-road excursions. One niggle however for this 185 cm tall reviewer is that with the seat right back, there is insufficient outward adjustment for the exterior mirrors.SAFETYThe Alltrack has a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating and standard safety kit that includes eight airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, electronic stability and traction control, a driver fatigue-detection system, hill-descent assist and a tyre-pressure monitor. In addition, the tyres come with an internal polymer layer that automatically seals holes made by nails, bolts or spikes up to 5mm in thickness.DRIVINGHeight-and-reach-adjustable steering and plenty of seat adjustment means getting a suitable driving position is easy. Out on the road and irrespective of the road surfaces the Alltrack handles itself with aplomb. Armed with 350 Nm of torque, hills and overtaking are dispatched with ease and even during enthusiastic tight cornering, the car sits nice and flat.With its 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and new SUV-derived off-road driving program, gravel surfaces were no problem to this surefooted new Volkswagen. Out on the road and irrespective of the road surfaces the Alltrack handles itself with aplomb.VERDICTVolkswagen’s new Allroad keeps alive the tradition of the family wagon but it does it with a tad more aggression, an adventurous spirit and greater all-track ability.Volkswagen Passat AlltrackPrice: from $47,790Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: 50 per cent (Source: Glass's Guide)Service interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: five starSpare: space saverEngine: two-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder, 125kW/350NmTransmission: 6-speed twin-clutch automated manual; 4WDBody: 4.9m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.6m (h)Weight: 1704kgThirst: 6.31/100km, tank 70 litres; 166g/km CO2

Aggressive pricing by Volkswagen will slice into Australia’s all-wheel drive heartlands when it debuts its new wagon later this year.The Passat Alltrack is expected here at less than $50,000 - a $15,000 discount to similarly-equipped European off-road wagons and lobbing right into Subaru’s hunting ground.The Alltrack - driven for the first time here - was expected to cost about $58,000 when it goes on sale in Australia in November.But Volkswagen spokesman Karl Gehling later says his company wants a sub-$50,000 tag for its 125kW turbo-diesel automatic - a move that will shake the established all-wheel drive market and rattle a lot of similarly-priced SUVs.Would you buy one? Do you need one? If you desire the off-road capabilities of an all-wheel drive SUV wagon but don’t need that vehicle’s height, fuel consumption and bulk, then the answer may be “yes’’.Volkswagen already has a Passat all-wheel drive (in VW speak, it’s called 4Motion) wagon. But the new Alltrack, here in November priced from under $50,000 which is about $4000 more than Passat front-drive wagon - is different.It gets the same off-road package - electronic drive traction and braking aids, a steel underbody and an extra 30mm ride height - as its Touareg and Tiguan SUVs.That makes it as capable - except for the Passat’s extended front and rear overhang - as the pair. Yet the new Alltrack is more luxury-oriented, more comfortable and handles with far more confidence on bitumen. It also smacks the face of its sister, the Audi Allroad, which - when it returns to the market late this year - costs about $50,000 more. Is Alltrack a worthy rival to SUVs? Absolutely.VALUEVolkswagen Australia says it comes as a one-spec version for less than $50,000. In perspective, the current 125kW/350Nm Passat front-drive wagon sells for $45,990.The Alltrack adds all-wheel drive, extra electronic aids, an underbody protection plate, different ride height and a new set of front and rear bumpers, wheel arches and an upspec cabin that includes pleated leather upholstery.For that it trounces its European rivals - Volvo, BMW and the new Range Rover Evoque - but the fact that it’s more comfortable and handles like a sporty passenger car gives it an even bigger edge.DESIGNThe Passat wears pretty bland clothing and the Alltrack merely adds a bit more interest with its bolder bumpers, macho wheel arches and high ride height.Conservative it may be, but the Passat is actually beautifully crafted with quality that matches Audi. The size offers excellent cabin room, a huge boot and the expected high level of versatility in an SUV.The dashboard escapes much of the all-black plastic of some VW models with contrasting colours and soft-feel plastics.TECHNOLOGYThe 4Motion system has been around for a few years, now upgraded for the Tiguan and Touareg and this spills over into the Alltrack.  It delivers about 10 per cent power to the rear wheels on bitumen but seeks out traction and is flexible enough to put up to 100 per cent to the rear wheels. An electronic off-road program can, at the push of a dash button, modify the ABS brakes to react less aggressively on soft road surfaces, dampen accelerator pedal delivery, deactivate some aids and automatically switch on a hill descent program to control downhill manouevres.SAFETYThe Alltrack has the added all-wheel drive system as its main safety point, enhanced by a five-star crash rating, six airbags and a raft of electronic aids. It is likely to get a space-saver temporary spare but this is yet to be decided.The wheel well may be able to accept a full-size spare. There’s also a standard reverse camera.DRIVINGIt is perhaps expected but the Alltrack drives like any other 2012 Passat. That it’s predictable, comfortable and feels so confident on the road is a good thing. It’s not especially inspiring around the city and it’s not until it’s shown poor-grade roads and winding routes that it comes into its own.The test cars (in Austria during snow season) had Pirelli Sottozero winter tyres that were absolutely superb grippers. Nice choice for Australian ski bunnies but for the rest of us, the all-season tyre is yet to be chosen.That final decision aside, the Alltrack rides and steers as good as a standard front-drive Passat. The sole engine - at the launch - will be the 125kW/350Nm 2-litre turbo-diesel with excellent mid-range punch but a bit weak off the mark. It retains the diesel growl at idle but is nicely muted at speed. The box is a six-speed DSG with paddle shifts for manual operation. Tested in snow, the all-wheel drive system constantly sends power to the wheels with traction.It works very well but enthusiastic off-road owners will find the car’s flaws are its 165mm ground clearance and its comparatively long 941mm/1120mm front/rear overhangs.The Alltrack will tow up to 2000kg and - with the standard anti-sway program within the car’s brake package - is appealing to people towing boats, horse floats and caravans.VERDICTThis could be a high-quality, affordable alternative to the increasingly ubiquitous SUV. The fact it drives like a standard car and yet has good off-road ability makes a lot of sense.VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT ALLTRACKPrice: est. $49,500Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: n/aService interval: 15,000km or 12 monthsSafety: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC.Crash rating: 5 starsEngine: 125kW/350Nm 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselBody: 5-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 4771mm (L);1820mm (W); 1513mm (H); 2710mm (WB)Weight: 1725kgTransmission: 6-spd dual-clutch automatic; all-wheel driveEconomy: 5.9 l/100km; 155g/km CO2OTHERS TO CONSIDERBMW X3 20dStar rating: 3.5 out of five starsPrice: $62,200Enigine: 2.0-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 135kW/380NmTransmission: 8-spd automatic, all-wheel driveBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 5.6L/100km, CO2 147g/km"Top-notch drive but down on VW’s value for money''RANGE ROVER EVOQUE TD4 DYNAMICStar rating: 4 out of five starsPrice: $69,375Engine: 2.2-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 110kW/400NmTransmission: 6-spd automatic, all-wheel driveBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 6.5L/100km, CO2 174g/km"Fantastic looker that has good off-road ability but watch the options list''VOLVO XC70 D5Star: 3.5 out of five starsPrice: $63,450Enigne: 2.4-litre, 5-cyl turbo-diesel, 158kW/440NmTransmission: 6-spd auto, all-wheel driveBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 6.9L/100km, CO2 188g/km"Seriously under rated wagon that is Alltrack’s main rival''

Mid-sized cars are not too small and not too big; they're just right. A perfect balance of power and efficiency, comfort and agility, and performance and environmental consciousness.