Car Showroom was at Volkswagen’s Head Office in Wolfsburg, Germany when the current Volkswagen Passat lineup made it’s world debut; while the sedan was impressive, it was the magnificently styled wagon that caused gasps of admiration.
Locally, those good looks, great features and handy pricing have translated into immediate sales success, with the new Volkswagen Passat Wagon instantly dispatching the previous, somewhat dowdy model into Volkswagen history.
Now, freshly updated, the wagon’s credentials remain impressive.
2010 Volkswagen Passat Overview
The revised Volkswagen Passat lineup debuted in early 2010 and Volkswagen Group Australia very cleverly included a new entry-level model, the 118TSI. Car Showroom has just tested the 118TSI Volkswagen Passat Wagon and with its $40,990 sticker price, it represents good value.
As well as the stylish exterior, Volkswagen’s reputation for excellent interiors is enhanced with the Volkswagen Passat Wagon – our test car was fitted with the optional leather upholstery package ($3,000), which added to its luxury look and feel.
The Volkswagen Passat 4,774mm overall length and 2,709mm wheelbase places it alongside Ford’s Mondeo wagon in the larger end of the mid-size European wagon category.
And with a 1.96-metre/1,731 litres cargo capacity, the Volkswagen Passat proves it’s more than just good looks – its versatility will meet the needs of most families and other wagon buyers.
2010 Volkswagen Passat Engine
Sure the Volkswagen Passat’s good looks tick the ‘show’ box but with a range of petrol and diesel engines, it comprehensively ticks the ‘go’ box as well – whatever your preference.
The turbocharged 1.8-litre TSI model we tested was added earlier this year and is now the entry-level engine for both wagon and sedan models. With maximum power of 118kW at 4500 rpm and peak torque of 250Nm between 1500 and 4500 rpm, it’s good enough to propel the Volkswagen Passat Wagon from zero to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
Fuel consumption is rated at 7.8l/100kms and the exhaust C02 emissions are 182 g/km.
Drive is to the front wheels via Volkswagen’s technologically stunning seven-speed DSG (Direct Shift gearbox) automatic.
By way of comparison, Volkswagen Passat’s most direct competitor, Ford’s Mondeo Wagon (also sourced from Germany) has just received a new Duratorq 2.0-litre diesel with 120kW/340Nm.
2010 Volkswagen Passat Interior
Volkswagen employs two levels of trim for the Volkswagen Passat Wagon – the up-market version is called ‘Highline’. While the 118TSI model (as tested) is only available as a standard model, our test car’s optional Vienna leather trim was a significant inclusion.
Regardless, the Volkswagen Passat Wagon presents one of the best interiors currently available. Typically Volkswagen, it’s subtle, stylish and contemporary, with just the right balance of extra trim accents (such as the brushed alloy ‘Matte Chrome’ for the center console).
Safety features are top shelf including standard fitment of eight airbags, including front and rear curtain airbags and outer rear seat passenger side airbags – a big plus for families.
Instruments are the conventional two dials, separated by Volkswagen’s excellent ‘Multi-Function Display’ screen with handy extra information such as ‘Distance To Empty’ and a speed warning function. The Optical Parking System (shows where you’re in danger of hitting something) displays on the radio screen and front and rear parking sensors are standard.
An eight-speaker audio system is standard, but for iPod connectivity you’ll need to upgrade to the optional system or even better, the RNS510 system with satellite navigation.
Front seats are nicely supportive and while the slide function and height adjustment are manual, there is six-way electronic adjustment both for the backrest and lumbar support. The nice three-spoke steering wheel (with remote control audio buttons) adjusts for height and reach to provide a comfortable driving position.
Rear seat legroom (typical for this segment) isn’t massive but the sculptured rear seats are supportive.
The luggage compartment is particularly impressive – 1956mm long with the 70/30 split-fold rear seat folded (1132mm with the seat in place); 1428mm wide (1,000mm between the rear wheel arches) and 463mm high. Volume capacity (rear seat folded) is 1731l and a luggage net, restraining hooks and 12V socket are standard.
To assist loading, the tailgate opens wide (2.06 metres) and the loading edge is low (62cms).
2010 Volkswagen Passat Exterior & Styling
Volkswagen’s stylists certainly sharpened their crayons when they drew the new Volkswagen Passat – the wagon is one of the best contemporary designs from Germany.
The front is particularly impressive - the large, chrome ‘Volkswagen Styling DNA’ grille combines with the complex headlight design to deliver a purposeful, modern look.
From the side, the Volkswagen Passat Wagon presents as athletic and sophisticated while the rear - with bold, LED lights featuring integrated indicators - looks superb.
Standard wheels on the 118TSI model are 17-inch ‘Le Mans’ alloys.
2010 Volkswagen Passat On The Road
While the 1.8-litre TSI engine is the smallest in the Volkswagen Passat lineup and the Wagon tips the scales at 1529kgs, smart calibration of the turbocharger and the technology of the seven-speed DSG ensure performance is plentiful. From standing starts there is a slight hint of turbo lag, but across the entire speed range, our test car was responsive, quiet and refined.
Ride and handling is typically Volkswagen – the front McPherson strut/rear multi-link suspension sportily firm to provide good feedback. Turn-in is precise and mid-corner balance is generally good although a couple of mid-corner bumps in our high-speed mountain road route did test the rear suspension of the wagon.
The wet conditions during our test enabled the Electronic Stabilization Program to show its performance – cut-in is relatively smooth.
Like all Volkswagens, braking performance is amongst the best you’ll find – ABS anti-lock with Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) is standard.
Back in the CBD, good all-round visibility meant the Volkswagen Passat wagon was no more difficult to reverse park than a sedan, although the 11.4 metre turning circle did test maneuvering skills in our tight high-rise car park.
2010 Volkswagen Passat Challenges
It was raining heavily during our run over the mountains and we would have liked a bit more feedback from the Volkswagen Passat’s power steering.
2010 Volkswagen Passat Verdict
A standout European mid-size wagon that is one of the stars of the Volkswagen lineup, the Volkswagen Passat Wagon is practical, generously equipped and its competitive pricing will appeal to family buyers.
2010 Volkswagen Passat Competition
The updated Ford Mondeo Wagon is another German beauty and now priced from $30,540 it deserves to sell in much bigger numbers. The Volkswagen Passat’s interior probably presents a little better.
The Renault Laguna Wagon is similarly priced and delivers comparable European style.
Volvo’s V50 looks good, is priced competitively and is nicely equipped, but doesn’t quite match the Volkswagen Passat for interior space.
Likes:
Beautiful style; well-built; spacious cargo area; superb drivetrain
Dislikes:
Over-assisted power steering
