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There are reasons why some of us would pick a station wagon. You most probably need a workhorse with a certain level of practicality especially in the load-lugging department.
Yet you may still want the vehicle to drive like a sedan and also not physically looking too van-like, which is in the case of most MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles).
The new Volkswagen Passat Variant has been designed to provide all these basics, but plus a little more particularly for the top-of-the-line V6 4MOTION model.
It has a perfectly shaped loading area (up to 1731 litres with the rear seats collapsed) that's on par with some mid-sized MPVs in terms of capacity, plus you can opt for the luggage management package to secure and better manage the cavernous cargo space.
Stowing the rear seat is a breeze (via two levers by the top of the backrest) and once it folds flat completely, we manage to put in two mountain bikes without having to dismantle any of the bikes' wheels, and there was still plenty of space to spare. Impressive.
Our test car has the integral child seat option too. It's designed for children weighing between 15 to 36 kilograms, providing them with extra lateral support for the head and body.
And the Passat Variant isn't just a workhorse. It's a very well made load lugger but won't be out of place if pitched against high-end station wagons like the Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3 Series Touring and Volvo V70.
The example we drove was the range-topping Passat Variant Highline. Apart from the superb build quality, the interior was luxuriously equipped with Alcantara/leather sports seats, leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth interface for mobile phone compatibility, dual-zone air conditioner, multi-function display, steering mounted controls, engine start/stop switch and brushed aluminium-effect dashboard panels.
On the outside, the body has wafer-thin shut-lines and you will find 17-inch alloy wheels, silver-coloured anodised roof rails, chrome trims and a roof spoiler.
Under the bonnet lurks a 250bhp 3.2-litre V6 that drives all four wheels. The powerplant produces a nice sporty note and it's especially punchy in the mid-range. Above 4000rpm, however, it seems to run out of steam and off-the-line acceleration is a little sluggish.
But those are just minor niggles. The Variant V6 is one of the fastest wagons in its segment, sweetened by a smooth, lightning-quick shifting six-speed semi-automatic gearbox dubbed the DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox).
Along winding roads, the Variant V6 provides plenty of grip and there's little body-roll. As a matter of fact, it doesn't mind being driven fast around the corners, although the steering could use with more feedback. The 4MOTION four-wheel drive system is partly responsible for its handling forte, but more importantly it helps minimize traction-loss under tricky driving conditions.
The Passat Variant V6 is by far one of the most functional and stylish vehicles in its category. It has a usefully sized loading space and drives like a well-sorted sedan. Add those to the first-class build quality plus a cabin stuffed with high-tech gadgetry, and you not only get a very capable workhorse, but a luxurious one too.
Yet you may still want the vehicle to drive like a sedan and also not physically looking too van-like, which is in the case of most MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles).
The new Volkswagen Passat Variant has been designed to provide all these basics, but plus a little more particularly for the top-of-the-line V6 4MOTION model.
It has a perfectly shaped loading area (up to 1731 litres with the rear seats collapsed) that's on par with some mid-sized MPVs in terms of capacity, plus you can opt for the luggage management package to secure and better manage the cavernous cargo space.
Stowing the rear seat is a breeze (via two levers by the top of the backrest) and once it folds flat completely, we manage to put in two mountain bikes without having to dismantle any of the bikes' wheels, and there was still plenty of space to spare. Impressive.
Our test car has the integral child seat option too. It's designed for children weighing between 15 to 36 kilograms, providing them with extra lateral support for the head and body.
And the Passat Variant isn't just a workhorse. It's a very well made load lugger but won't be out of place if pitched against high-end station wagons like the Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3 Series Touring and Volvo V70.
The example we drove was the range-topping Passat Variant Highline. Apart from the superb build quality, the interior was luxuriously equipped with Alcantara/leather sports seats, leather wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth interface for mobile phone compatibility, dual-zone air conditioner, multi-function display, steering mounted controls, engine start/stop switch and brushed aluminium-effect dashboard panels.
On the outside, the body has wafer-thin shut-lines and you will find 17-inch alloy wheels, silver-coloured anodised roof rails, chrome trims and a roof spoiler.
Under the bonnet lurks a 250bhp 3.2-litre V6 that drives all four wheels. The powerplant produces a nice sporty note and it's especially punchy in the mid-range. Above 4000rpm, however, it seems to run out of steam and off-the-line acceleration is a little sluggish.
But those are just minor niggles. The Variant V6 is one of the fastest wagons in its segment, sweetened by a smooth, lightning-quick shifting six-speed semi-automatic gearbox dubbed the DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox).
Along winding roads, the Variant V6 provides plenty of grip and there's little body-roll. As a matter of fact, it doesn't mind being driven fast around the corners, although the steering could use with more feedback. The 4MOTION four-wheel drive system is partly responsible for its handling forte, but more importantly it helps minimize traction-loss under tricky driving conditions.
The Passat Variant V6 is by far one of the most functional and stylish vehicles in its category. It has a usefully sized loading space and drives like a well-sorted sedan. Add those to the first-class build quality plus a cabin stuffed with high-tech gadgetry, and you not only get a very capable workhorse, but a luxurious one too.
VOLVO V70 T5 (A), $165,500 with COE
Boasts similar practicality and price as the VW Passat Variant V6. The V70 T5 is faster on straight line, but doesn?t handle as well and not as fun to drive. Also, it?s aesthetically dated compared to the German, although an all-new model is coming soon.
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT VARIANT V6 FSI 4MOTION (A)
ENGINE TYPE 3168cc, 24V V6
MAX POWER 250bhp at 6250rpm
MAX TORQUE 330Nm at 2750-3750rpm
GEARBOX 6-speed semi-automatic
TOP SPEED 243km/h
0 - 100 KM/H 7.2 seconds
PRICE $168,800 with COE
WARRANTY 2 years
CONTACT Volkswagen Centre Singapore
TELEPHONE 6474-8288
Boasts similar practicality and price as the VW Passat Variant V6. The V70 T5 is faster on straight line, but doesn?t handle as well and not as fun to drive. Also, it?s aesthetically dated compared to the German, although an all-new model is coming soon.
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT VARIANT V6 FSI 4MOTION (A)
ENGINE TYPE 3168cc, 24V V6
MAX POWER 250bhp at 6250rpm
MAX TORQUE 330Nm at 2750-3750rpm
GEARBOX 6-speed semi-automatic
TOP SPEED 243km/h
0 - 100 KM/H 7.2 seconds
PRICE $168,800 with COE
WARRANTY 2 years
CONTACT Volkswagen Centre Singapore
TELEPHONE 6474-8288
PLUSES
Fast, good handling, first-class build quality, practical cabin and has lots of cool featuresMINUSES
Dull steering feel and slow off-the-line accelerationVERDICT
A capable load-lugger in a designer suit |
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