Driving dynamics are true to Volkswagen. The car is stable and sticks to the road, no matter how sinuous it is. The steering is pleasant because of its great precision. Meanwhile, braking power is just as strong as the acceleration force.

The interior is stylish in a conservative way.

Not a colorful cabin
Like the exterior, the interior of the Passat is simplistic yet understated. A black and grey scheme drapes the entire environment and everything is well laid out and put together. The instrument panel is functional and the HVAC controls are easy to manipulate.

Access to both the front and rear seats is easy. The buckets are very firm but nonetheless comfortable. However, I only found an ideal driving position upon my third try. Noise levels inside the car are extremely low, as is the case with most German automobiles. The big C-pillars create larger-than-expected blind spots but, overall, the ergonomics are commendable.

Competition
The Passat 2.0T (base MSRP of $31,140) I tested was equipped with the Luxury Package ($2,670) and carried a price tag of $33,810. With that kind of money, buyers might also want to consider the Honda Accord SE-V6 ($30,500), the Ford Fusion SEL V6 with leather and sunroof ($31,054), the Nissan Altima 3.5 SE with CVT and sunroof ($32,398) as well as the Toyota Camry SE V6 ($32,110). The Mitsubishi Galant, Mazda6, Pontiac G6, Subaru Legacy 2.5i Touring and Acura TSX are other worthy competitors. Like I said earlier, the midsize sedan market offers plenty of choice.

The Passat may rival the premium versions of its competitors, but it would be interesting if we could select a less-expensive Passat in order to battle against 4-cylinder Accords and Altimas.

An elegant profile that blends into the mass.

Conclusion
The Passat delivers good performance and comfort at a competitive price (considering the comprehensive list of features). In addition, it offers a great warranty. And compared to sportier rivals, it is certainly not a pushover.

Is it a smart choice? I would say it depends on your needs and preferences. If you don't crave the attention of others and look for a fast and efficient sedan, the Passat should definitely find itself near the top of your list. On the other hand, if you wish to get noticed by driving around in a flashy car, this Volkswagen might not be suited for you.


Excellent engine (powerful and fuel-efficient)
Good handling
Quiet interior

Restrained looks
Ideal driving position is hard to find
Large blind spots behind the C-pillars


None


Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux