VW Passat Is One Big German-Sized Paradox

With crossovers taking an ever-increasing bite out of the mid-size sedan segment, challenging even Honda to sell its stellar new Accord, Volkswagen offers a sedan that was launched nearly six years ago – an eternity in a cut-throat market.  Since then, virtually all of the Passat’s competitors have been redesigned.  And yet, there’s something to the Passat that remains timeless.  It isn’t flashy, but it is a car I always look forward to driving.

Large German Style

That’s probably because I have an affinity for large German cars like the W126 Mercedes S-Class and all vintages of the Audi A8.  The discontinued Volkswagen Phaeton remains one of my favorites.  Like the Phaeton, the Passat is a heck of a paradox.  Your brain says its small, and yet it is large.  You think it will be very basic, but it’s luxurious.  After driving it, you’ll think it’s expensive, but it’s not.  It’s also quite fuel efficient.  It’s one big German-sized Paradox.

Look at the body.  At first glance, it appears very conservative and boxy, but closer examination reveals the smooth lines of a very aerodynamic shape.  Large edgy headlamps, deft body sculpting, and a high deck give the Passat large-in-charge presence.  It looks important at the airport drop-off lane, at upscale restaurants, and in suburban driveways.  LED headlamps, 18-inch wheels, and tailored chrome add elegance.

Interiors are also essays in contrasts – appearing both simple and luxurious.  Sitting behind the wheel, you get the feeling of piloting an old S-Class.  The wide flat dash is broken by a tall flat center stack with the touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate controls, and heated seats switches.  Gray woodgrain and aluminum-look trim break up acres of black soft-touch vinyl.  Our car’s brown and black leather seats welcome guests and holds them firmly in place.

The luxury barrage comes from a power moonroof, ambient footwell lighting, navigation, and swipescreen function for infotainment.  Proper audio and tuning knobs simplify adjustments.  I would not buy a Passat without the Fender audio system which crisply delivers everybody from Pentatonix to Loretta Lynn, enveloping you in a womb of sound.  Connect iThings with Bluetooth and USB ports.  Rear passengers enjoy heated seats and legroom on par with large luxury cars.

Efficient Turbo Power

I’ve driven the Passat with the 280 horsepower V6, and it’s enjoyable to flog, but our car came with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 174 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque.  It connects to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission that can almost be shifted with your right foot.  Some may find it underpowered, but I did not in city driving or even high-speed highway cruising.  Key advantages of the smaller engine are frugal fuel economy ratings of 25/36-MPG city/highway.

Given its accumulating years, the VW Passat should feel wholly outdated, but it has one of the most refined driving experiences in its class – a car you want to take for long drives just to feel it slip down the fast lane or dice up country backroads.  The four-wheel independent suspension system virtually erases bumps and the light steering encourages slips through switchback.  It’s still a front-drive family sedan, but feels more willing to play than many competitors.

Safety is top-of class.  Forward Collison Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking are standard.  Our car also had Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control that automatically keeps a safe distance, rearview camera, and semi-autonomous parallel parking system.  Rain-sensing wipers clear the windshield.

The Passat is full of paradoxes.  It’s aging, but feels young.  It’s an affordable family sedan, but leaves the impression of greater expense.  One would think it would be slow and guzzle gas, yet it’s smooth and efficient.  It’s quite a deal with a $22,995 base price or $32,500 as-tested.

Storm Forward!

Send comments and questions to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com.

2018 VW Passat 2.0T SEL

• Five-passenger, FWD Sedan
• Powertrain: 174hp 2.0-liter Turbo-4, 6-spd auto trans
• Suspension f/r: Ind/Ind
• Wheels f/r: 18”/18” alloy
• Brakes f/r: disc/disc
• Must-have features: Interior, Performance
• Fuel economy: 25/36 mpg city/hwy
• Assembly: Chattanooga, TN
• Base/as-tested price: $22,995/$32,500