In today's world, it's often hard to figure out the true potential and value of certain things. Take the 2008 Volkswagen Passat for example. Incredibly subtle, it blends in with the entire fleet of passenger cars to the extent that, when looking at it from up close, one becomes totally amazed by its well-executed design and attention to detail reminiscent of more expensive German sedans.

Fit and finish live up to the Germans' exemplary standards.

The main styling feature of the Passat is obviously the chrome grille which flows into the front bumper. It really gives presence to the car, not to mention a tastefully understated look. The rest of the body is neither bland nor particularly inspiring -- a perfect evolution from the previous model. Fit and finish live up to the Germans' exemplary standards.

The interior proves user-friendly thanks to a highly ergonomic dashboard. As is expected of a German car, the design is not quite distinctive, let alone innovative, but it's pleasant to look at nevertheless. Material selection is top-notch, while build quality is beyond reproach.

The vivid blue instrument backlighting, now a classic feature in VW cars, still adds a nice touch to the interior. The controls are easy to reach and use. Meanwhile, the stereo delivers truly impressive sound quality. You can easily see -- and feel -- that the Passat has been designed with great care.

Elaborate sedan
This Volkswagen is a dedicated and competent tourer. The entire cabin works to create a relaxing, comfortable driving experience, even over long distances. There's plenty of legroom and headroom up front with slightly above-average room in the back. The seats are wonderful; they not only provide great comfort but also good support for the knees and thighs. The trunk is very accommodating and the 60/40 split-folding rear seats increase the available cargo room to remarkable levels.

The interior proves user-friendly thanks to a highly ergonomic dashboard.