2010 Volkswagen Passat Review
Price
RM228,888
Installment
RM2,183/mth
2010 Volkswagen Passat at a glance
Classy, roomy and with the dynamics and engine to perform well, the 2010 Volkswagen Passat proves to be an excellent effort. Priced and positioned in the competitive compact luxury sedan segment, the 2010 Volkswagen Passat is up against formidable rivals.
2010 Volkswagen Passat quick specs
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Class | Compact Luxury |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Volkswagen Passat ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Similar to most Audi models, the 2010 Volkswagen Passat looks simple and restrained, but does so in a classy manner. Although the 2010 Volkswagen Passat's styling may be too conservative to turn many heads, Volkswagen has designed a sedan that is handsome enough to not look out of place among the most luxurious of cars.
Handling
The 2010 Volkswagen Passat handles very well by class standards, driving with remarkable composure whether over twisty roads or highways. High grip levels and superb body control, coupled with a weighty steering that provides sufficient feedback, mean the 2010 Volkswagen Passat can entertain when called upon.
Comfort
The 2010 Volkswagen Passat rides comfortably over rougher surfaces, while keeping noise levels reasonable at cruising speeds, though some wind noise is more audible than we would like. Drivers enjoy a supportive seat and a fine driving position, accompanied by a comprehensive range of seating and steering column adjustments. Well thought out ergonomics and logically placed controls make up the rest of the cabin.
Quality + Reliability
Like Toyota, Volkswagen stands for quality, as can be seen in junior Volkswagen models like the Golf and Jetta; the 2010 Volkswagen Passat is no different, looking and feeling classy for the most parts. Fit-and-finish are completed to a high standard, while controls work with absolute precision. Materials are mostly appealing, although some hard, subpar plastics are used on the lower dashboard. The underlying mechanicals are proven in other Volkswagen models, and so should remain reliable.
Performance
Equipped with the same in-line four-cylinder turbocharged FSI 2.0-litre engine as the Volkswagen Eos and Volkswagen Golf GTI, the 2010 Volkswagen Passat performs strongly, evident from the 7.8 seconds taken to reach 100 km/h from rest, much thanks to the 197 bhp and 280 Nm on tap. A smooth-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox with Tiptronic is standard.
Roominess
The 2010 Volkswagen Passat is up there with the best in terms of interior room and boot space. Offering generous head, leg and shoulder room at the rear, the 2010 Volkswagen Passat can take five comfortably, although the middle rear passenger will have to make do with a bulky central transmission tunnel. The boot is massive and rear seats can split-fold for even more space if required.
Running Costs
Employing direct injection technology means the turbo FSI 2.0-litre is more efficient than before, returning 11.5 km/litre. Servicing and repair costs should be lower than premium rivals'. Depreciation should be mitigated by the Volkswagen badge, although we still expect similar-priced premium rivals wearing BMW or Mercedes-Benz badges to hold their values better.
Value for Money
While the 2010 Volkswagen Passat should have been a rival to the Honda Accord, as in overseas, Volkswagen has positioned the Passat to compete in the compact luxury sedan segment, which comprises established cars like the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Positioning wise, the 2010 Volkswagen Passat is very much like the Volvo S60, straddling the mainstream and luxury segments. That aside, the Volkswagen Passat proves to be an excellent effort. It may not worry the aforementioned big three, but anyone who opts for the more exclusive Volkswagen Passat will be pleasantly surprised.
Equipment
Plenty of standard equipment are available: dual-zone air conditioning, electric parking brake with hill hold control, power windows, ParkPilot, bi-xenon headlights, fog lights, cruise control, 6-disc CD/MP3/radio player with 8 speakers, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather multi-function steering wheel, leather upholstery and electric adjustment for the front seats. Standard safety equipment includes Anti-locking Brake System (ABS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) plus a host of airbags.
Environment
Although not the “greenest” by class standards, the 2010 Volkswagen Passat is actually quite efficient for its power output. Credit to Volkswagen for employing direct injection technology as the engine now emits a lower 207 grams/km of carbon dioxide and consumes an improved 11.5 km/litre of petrol.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Simple yet classy styling
On-road manners
Interior room and boot space
Noticeable wind noise
Uncharacteristic use of hard plastics
Established rivals
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