VW Passat 2.0T: Road test

Weblog "Direct Shift" made a road test with the VW Passat 2.0T.

Performance: Under new Passat’s bonnet, its powered by one of two engines. An exceptional 200hp 2.0L turbocharged DOHC with direct fuel injection or 280hp 3.6L V6. Our tester is equipped with the former, which has to be considered as the world’s best 4-cylinder turbocharged engine available today. We have been impressed with this powerplant when we first drove Audi A3 and A4, the same goes for Passat. Not only does it has high level of refinement and smoothness, its level of NVH is able to rival to many so-called V6 engines. With 207 lb/ft of torque arrives at a lowly 1800rpm, power has never been an issue. Throttle response and tip-in are wonderfully responsive without being abrupt. The engine never seems to run out of breath at high rpm. Matched with this engine is the excellent 6-speed Tiptronic.

Handling: Passat has always been regarded as a family sedan that has sporty intentions. The new one is no exception. A solid chassis is an excellent foundation for suspension components to hang its head. Combined with the right damping by creating comfortable yet supple ride without losing the handling characteristics typical of Passat. The whole dynamic package is impressive.

Conclusion: The new Passat, just like its predecessor, once again upped the ante in the family sedan segment. It got excellent powertrain, handles relatively well and rides comfortably. Not to mention it has interior space that rivalled luxury cars costing twice as much. Here lies the rough, with the attractive pricing and torquery engine characteristics of 2.0T.