Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI (DSG) Review: Larger than life

What we like:

All-rounded package that is hard to fault

What we dislike:

Lacks charisma and soul

interior is largely similar as before

a CC still looks better

Like the exterior, the interior will look largely familiar to owners of the outgoing model. Only subtle revisions have been made in here on what is a fundamentally sound and well-executed interior. Visually, the most noticeable features to mark out the new car's cabin from the old are the new instrument cluster, the new analogue clock taking centre stage on the dashboard, the repositioned hazard lights switch and the redesigned console between the front seats with the new Audi style engine start/stop button and new gear lever.

The electrically adjustable driver's seat, wrapped in two tone leather trim in the test car, not only looks good but also superb comfort and support, even on long drives. Volkswagen's RNS510 radio navigation system is a standard fit on the Passat. The rest of the cabin is very much similar as before which means there is ample space for three average sized adults at the rear. The boot features useful additional hooks to hang shopping bags on while the load area is as vast as before.

Besides the cosmetic changes and improvement in refinement on the new Passat, it also features several new technological innovations including the standard fit Fatigue Detection. Whilst it is a common feature in higher end models like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, this is the first time such a system is used in a Volkswagen model as well as the first in the Passat class. The system detects waning driver concentration and warns the driver with an acoustic signal while a visual message appears in the instrument cluster recommending the driver take a break from driving. So how does Fatigue Detection sense if the driver's concentration is waning? The answer; by analyzing the driver's characteristic steering behaviour each trip and if the monitored parameters indicate a deviation from the usual steering behaviour, the system will output its warnings. Other tech innovations like Dynamic Light Assist and Easy Open system for the boot lid are optional.

The new Passat is an evolutionary step forward over the old car rather than a revolutionary one. The improvements made in the area of refinement though are highly noteworthy nonetheless and makes the Passat an even more convincing package than before.

Credits: Story and photos by Raymond Lai