What you'll like:
• Well built, solid & safe construction
• Loaded with technology (Regenerative brakes, Self-Park, rear view camera and more)
• Smooth 168 BHP engine and DSG gearbox. Refined noise levels
• Balanced ride and handling package
• Interiors boast typically German detailing, great ergonomics and A+ driver visibility
• Aggressive entry-point pricing strategy for the Trendline
What you won't:
• Same platform as outgoing Passat. Interiors are nearly identical
• Superb still has more legroom for chauffeur-driven sahibs
• Electric power steering takes away tactility. Keen drivers won't like understeer bias
• Climate control just about coped with Goa heat, at the back
• Long-term ownership costs & reliability are yet unchartered territory
• Highline variant goes into BMW 320d, X1 & Mercedes C Class price range
The Passat comes in three variants, all with the same 168 BHP diesel engine. Compared to the Highline that I tested:
Trendline Variant : Sold with a manual gearbox. The features are not finalised at the time of writing this review. Expect no wood trim, regular headlights and manual adjustment on the seats. I am not sure if the stereo could be upgraded, but a Trendline with a stereo upgrade is worth a look if you want to have fun. Be prepared to stir the gears a lot as it might have very tall ratios.
Comfortline Variant : Differences vis a vis the Highline:
Beige leather upholstery, monochrome MID, 16" Perugia alloy wheels, and a steel spare wheel. Capture from VW website below:
The Highline offers in addition:
Black Nappa upholstery
Colour multifunction display
12 Way electrically adjustable front seats
Driver seat with 3 position memory
Front Climate seats - active air-conditioned front seats
Exterior mirrors have auto-dimming on driver's side, with memory
Tyre pressure monitoring system
Rear View camera
Park Assist (self parking system)
Colours : Black, Dark grey, Mocha Brown (our test car), White and Silver - not very exciting. Product manager told me that no one in this segment wants loud colours.
The bottom line is, if you are a competent driver and can get comfortable with the lesser seat permutations, the Comfortline would do fine. 2 lakhs more for the Highline to park itself and cooling your derrière is an individual decision. If you really like the black trim, one lakh of the two saved could remedy that. But consider that the extra amount still gives you a car which has features of far more expensive cars.
Running Costs : VW are attempting to keep running costs down. Service intervals are annually at 15,000 kms, though I would press for an oil change every 7,500. Remember, these engines guzzle oil when new. I would expect bills to be around Rs 15,000 per annum for the first three years. Various services packs are on offer, as also protection packages covering alloy wheel damage and rodent appetites. No indications of costs were given. Period.
The jury remains out on the long term reliability. The ability of the dealer network to handle the complexity also remains to be seen. I have had to resolve niggles in my Skoda by myself since the dealer lacked the basic diagnostic capability. They had the code readers, but not the ability to go beyond and understand possible causes. The fear is that they might merely review fault codes, replace parts and the same thing happens again. VW parts are well made and durable, but they are not cheap.
So what else could a buyer consider in this price band:
Honda Accord
Recent facelift makes the front end look like the last Honda City. It lacks presence, and high speed stability not as good as the Europeans. Rear seat is very comfortable, and air conditioning is a chiller. Oh, and it has rear audio controls! A given is that the car is reliable, fuss-free to own, and if you are located far away from a service point, it is worth a look. So consider an Accord if you are chauffeur driven in town or located in a remote area where reliability is paramount. Apart from that, Honda needs to be radical if it wants success in the next Accord.
Skoda Superb
The Petrol makes a lot of sense price wise. Although a cousin of the Passat, the interiors are more "olde world"; more wood trim compared to the wood chrome of the Passat. The Superb felt lighter, both to drive and in build quality, and the longer wheelbase slows things. As we know, the Superb's strength is in its rear - rear legroom is stupendous and it has a versatile hatch. You know about their service! Improving in parts, but deficient overall.
Audi A4
Why would I spend approximately 5 lakhs more for a smaller car, 30 PS less power, an inferior CVT transmission and less equipment? Well, it looks good, comes in red and the Audi badge. Thats it! Oh, and you don't have to rub shoulders with simple Polo men during service.
Mercedes C Class
A strong if expensive all rounder - Badge, great handling, slightly brighter interiors, but less space inside, big price, big bills and maybe big costs unless the new C Class is actually more reliable than its predecessor.
BMW 3 Series
Only if you are a focused driver and don't need the space. The ride might shake your dentures though. Again this car is due for replacement later this year. The driving dynamics are almost beyond reproach.
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