THE diesel emissions cheating scandal currently plaguing Volkswagen Group has created some apprehension about buying a VW vehicle.

This concern is completely justified, and that's what makes the whole saga all the more disappointing, because VW builds high-quality, appealing cars that are enjoyable to drive and increasingly, offer great value.

The launch timing of the all-new eighth-generation Passat could be better, but there is a lot to like about VW's cheaper, more spacious, more powerful and efficient new mid-sizer.

Will the scandal overshadow the launch of the Passat, or is the sleek Mazda6 rival good enough to maintain loyalty to the Volkswagen brand?

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