I feel I don’t need to extol the virtues of VW cars. It is generally accepted that they offer solid, reliable if somewhat conservatively styled cars - Beetle excluded. When the current generation VW Passat was launched just 4 years ago it became an instant sales success. It was roomy, well equipped and had the usual bullet-proof VW build quality. Indeed, it proved so good that car giant Ford tempted two of the Passat’s original designers to join the Ford team on the new Mondeo project. A quick glance inside and out reveals that the new Mondeo bears more than a passing resemblance to a Passat. The ultimate compliment?
Time moves on rapidly in the car world. Rivals leapfrog one another into Zone One with such regular abandon it’s sometimes hard to keep tabs on what’s tops this week. Passat was. Avensis was. Primera was. Mondeo IS. Hence Passat’s latest upgrade for the 2001 model year.
Essentially, Passat’s overall body structure remains the same, but the styling has been slightly revised and there are many worthy technical changes not least of which is a range of new high tech engines, including 1.6, 2.0 and 1.8 litre turbo petrol units and two diesels, a 1.9 100bhp and 1.9 130bhp Tdi – the subject of this review.
Though the styling changes are small, the overall effect is to create a more up-market look to the car. New front and rear light clusters, a new front chrome grill and some additional chrome trim combine to freshen up the car’s appearance.
The cabin has been upgraded too, with better quality interior trim and new style instruments with chrome surrounds. The overall effect is good although I preferred the soft red illumination of the dials at night to the current purple/blue effect.
Standard specification on all models, includes, ABS brakes, twin airbags, side airbags, electric mirrors, electric front windows, remote locking and radio/cassette. The 130bhp TDi is not available in base versions but comes with the “comfortline” pack as standard – this adds, walnut dash, luxury seats with lumbar support, rear electric windows and a driver’s centre armrest to the specification above. Two other higher spec options exist in the form of Trendline or Highline packs for additional cost.
The 130bhp TDi is a real jewel. It is amazingly quick by diesel standards, on paper 0-60mph takes 9.9 seconds while top speed is 129mph, but the mid-range punch is quite stunning. Even in fifth, floor the throttle and this turbo-charged oil burner surges forward. Refinement is very high, it’s a silent smooth diesel. In short, I was very impressed. This is the best diesel I have driven in ages. Believe it or not driven with vigour it still returned 37.8mpg. However, with some restraint, which was more than I could manage, you will see mpg returns in the mid forties – superb!
I and indeed many others criticised the previous Passat for a suspension set up that was too soft, leading to bottoming-out even unladen and over mild undulations. I am glad to report that the new car goes some way to resolving this – but not completely, it still can crash out over sudden bumps and when carrying a few adults the problem is exaggerated. For driving dynamics the new Mondeo’s got a much better chassis/suspension set up. (Which is why Tit for tat, VW has head-hunted one of Ford’s top chassis designers) . Grip in the Passat is tenacious and the ride is excellent – it just still needs to be yet a little firmer again.
The new Passat improves on what was already a very good car. Aside from my misgivings over the suspension set-up this car deserves to be highly recommended. It is super smooth, a wonderful performer (in 130bhp TDi format) economical, refined and well built.
Prices start at £18,966 for the 1.6 102bhp base model petrol. The 1.9 TDi 100bhp costs £20,852 while the 130bhp ‘Comfortline’ TDi as tested here will set you back £23,733, ex works.
June 2001
by Hugh Maguire