THIS segment must be one of the most competitive in the motor industry. Here in the family, or business user chooser market there are so many good cars to opt for that choosing one over another is indeed a difficult task.
Road Tested by Hugh Maguire
For example just consider some of what is available in this segment. Now into this veritable lions den add the Volkswagen Passat.
The Passat has proven very popular with Irish motorists over the years. Since the launch of the current Passat range VW have evolved the car both cosmetically and technically and now they have launched a model which through technical modifications puts the emphasis on fuel economy and low emissions.
These cars are known across the VW range as Bluemotion and I have been road testing the Passat Blumotion in Highline specification this week to see if it delivers in these key areas.
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First Impressions
We all know the Passat by now so its styling needs little comment. That said I like the deep chrome front grille and long tail section which give the car a real presence on the road. The clean lines are distinctive and give the car a classy understated look
Behind The Wheel
The cabin is huge. There is bags of room both front and rear and the boot is simply massive. The dashboard is very well laid out and in true VW fashion is ergonomically excellent with every switch and lever perfectly positioned. Equally important it looks and feels very high quality with good quality materials throughout. All cars get ABS, EBD, ESP, ASR (traction control) Active head restraints, multiple airbags, air conditioning, auto boot opening, electronic park brake, CD player with 8 speakers, electric windows, remote locking and an immobiliser. In addition all Passat models get a full 2 year unlimited mileage warranty and 3 year paint work warranty. Overall it's quite an impressive list.
Performance
The 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine produces 110 bhp and has masses of low speed torque producing 250Nm at just 1,750 rpm. This excellent engine is mated to a very slick 5-speed gearbox. In addition this engine is both quiet and refined making this Passat a very appealing car in which to travel. Equally impressive is its frugal use of fuel burning on average only 5.8 litre of diesel per 100km with C02 emissions of just 129g per km. No doubt these impressive figures are achieved with the help of the Bluemotion "Auto Stop Start". Quite simply the engine stops automatically when you select neutral and automatically restars when you press the clutch saving fuel and reducing emissions particularly in heavy traffic.
Road Behaviour
The Passat Bluemotion will satisfy almost all buyers in this segment who like a combination of good ride comfort while enjoying a car that has reasonably sharp handling. The suspension is well suited to our sometimes choppy road surfaces and the car proves surefooted in all road conditions.
Verdict
So does the Passat Bluemotion deliver on its promise of low emissions and reduced fuel consumption? The answer after my week behind the wheel has to be yes!
The Passat delivers on its promise of solid, safe dependable motoring, with a roomy cabin, and in Bluemotion guise great fuel efficiency.
The Passat Bluemotion in the top level Highline spec costs €31,897. Prices start at €27,390.
