Similar to most Audi models, Passat looks simple and restrained, but does so in a classy manner. Although 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. 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 Passat can entertain when called upon. 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. Like Toyota, Volkswagen stands for quality, as could be seen in junior Volkswagen models like Golf and Jetta; 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. Equipped with the same in-line four-cylinder turbocharged FSI 2.0-litre engine as Volkswagen Eos and Golf GTI, 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. 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, 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. 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 premium rivals to hold their values better. While Passat should have been a rival to Honda Accord, as in overseas, Volkswagen has positioned Passat to compete in the compact luxury sedan segment, which comprises established cars like Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Positioning wise, Passat is very much like Volvo S60, straddling the mainstream and luxury segments. That aside, Passat proves to be an excellent effort. It may not worry the aforementioned big three, but anyone who opts for the more exclusive Passat will be pleasantly surprised. Plenty of standard equipments 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 equipments include Anti-locking Brake System (ABS), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) plus a host of airbags. Although not the “greenest” by class standards, Passat is actually quite efficient for its power output. Credit to Volkswagen for using the 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.