2005 Volkswagen Passat SE 2.0 TDi review from UK and Ireland

On delivery:

A rattle from a misfitted engine cover plate.

Rattle from insecure wiring harness in front nearside door.

Both faults were immediately remedied.

Having retained my B5, I can compare the B6 on a day to day basis and find that VW have improved an excellent car. The engine noise is much reduced and improved handling promotes a very comfortable journey. The car can be driven in 6th gear at 30 mph in a built up area and my combined mpg (so far) is 46. Having added all the bells and whistles, at $41,000 (in the UK) the car is not cheap, but like its predecessor I believe depreciation will be low.

The "electro-mechanical" parking brake did take some getting used to, as do the over eager parking sensors. The extreme braking facility which activates the hazard lights will (hopefully) remain on the page in the Book of Words and never be used along with the ESP warnings.

Dual Zone Climate Control? I have to ask, "Why?" but it does keep one amused. Oh, and if anyone can think of a reason why there is a 230v socket in the rear console, let me know.