2006 Volkswagen Passat Sport DSG 2.0 TDI from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Charisma without being overstated, just right with the DSG and in Sport trim.

Faults:

So far so good, nothing has gone wrong with the car yet.

General Comments:

When I first picked the car up from the dealer I was immediately impressed. I initially intended to get the SE, but I am so pleased I ended up with a deal on the sport. I am also pleased I went for reflex and not the blue tint silver.

The DSG is designed for use with the steering wheel toggle switches to control the gears as it was first developed by Audi for use in motor sport. Having said this I have found the steering wheel gear controls of little use for every day driving. The transmission has worked well so far and the sport mode ads urgency and holds the gears for longer if you need the extra pace.

Extra pace, especially in town comes at a price. The 140bhp car has plenty of pace, I am glad I chose it. I coveted the 170bhp, but feared losing my licence. Now that I have experienced the 140 I feel vindicated. I reserve that kind of fun for my BMW R1200GS, which is a heap of fun at legal speeds.

I am not sure I would have been satisfied with the drive of the SE. The Sport seems to balance comfort with god grip well and keep one safely away from the title ‘boat’. I am extremely pleased with the drive of this car.

The cabin is spacious front and back, the seats could have been a tad softer. The dual zone air con is easy to use and in combination with the steering wheel controls and DSG stick just give the car all the class necessary, alternative, more expensive marques (that I have previously owned) become a style choice.

My over all impression of the car is so far, so very good. I only hope I do not need to post in the future that in the long run it did not last. It does feel as if it should.

Oh, and by the way, there is a reassess in the boot lid that helps one to close it without greasing up ones recently washed car which I only stumbled across (saw the valet guy use it). There are many thoughtful things like this around the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2006

14th Nov 2006, 14:32

Recesses inside the bootlid for dirt/smear free closing have been standard on a lot of non-VW cars for the last decade or more.

13th Aug 2007, 09:42

Yes, the Ford Mondeo had them in 1993.

3rd Sep 2008, 20:08

Who wants a ford though?

12th Oct 2008, 04:44

I do, what have you got?

28th Nov 2008, 14:43

Hold on a minute, is this turning into a VW and Ford ladder fight. OK lads, away you go, I will hold the coats (Skoda owner ha ha)

2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T 2.0 turbo from North America

Summary:

The Passat is an awesome car!

Faults:

Rock chip on hood.

General Comments:

This is a fun, fabulous automobile!

The Passat drives beautifully, has plenty of power, and is head and shoulders above anything else out there.

Responsive handling, roomy interior. The Passat's push button parking brake and fob key are definite conversation starters.

The Passat has stylish good looks and is a definite head turner.

An overall great car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th July, 2006

26th Jul 2006, 11:34

Please give us periodic updates (say at 1, 2 and 5 years). Thanks.

7th Sep 2006, 18:24

My 2006 Passat has just turned one year old. And yes,it has got a birthday present. It has 15,000 miles, all of which have been refined, luxurious, and mostly trouble free. These cars aren't just for anyone who wants a car, they are for people who love cars and love to drive a sporty car. Some people have had trouble with VW's, but most of those problems are due to owner neglect. You have to spoil these cars and spend time at the dealer. At 14,000 mile it spent a week at the dealer to be fully serviced and inspected, but it runs the best it ever has. If you haven't driven one, go and drive one, they are super smooth with plenty of power.