ONE of the oldest nameplates in Australia, the Passat represents sober, quality German motoring at an affordable price. And with the recent reskin, the B7 version builds on these with improved driveability, efficiency, refinement and features, as well as a stronger focus on value. At first we were a little sceptical, but now we rest assured that the 125TDI Highline wagon tested here deserves the sort of success that the Golf has enjoyed over recent years
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Passat
Released: March 2006
Ended: May 2011
Family Tree: PassatBASED on the traverse engine/front-wheel drive Golf V platform rather than the preceding model’s Audi A4 hardware, the sixth-generation Passat heralded a move towards better packaging, improved value, greater safety and far more luxury features than any preceding version. However, despite strong sales, many observers felt that the overtly American-influenced styling was a retrograde step. Initially the only diesel on offer was VW’s long-lived 103kW/320Nm 2.0-litre PDI four-cylinder turbo unit, mated to a six-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. From 2008 a more powerful 125kW/350Nm version was also offered.
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