The Volkswagen Passat 2.0 S has been truly appreciated for long distance driving by AutoCar (Oct. 2008).
Declares Hormazd Sorabjee “This executive saloon’s ability to cruise at high speeds all day long, its tank-like build quality and its rock-steady high-speed manners are a revelation after spending time in lesser cars.”
At triple digit speeds, comfortably ensconced in a beautifully built cabin, you feel everything is right in your world.
Marvels Sorabjee “On high-speed roads, use the paddleshifts to keep yourself in the engine’s strong mid-range, rev it to the redline to squeeze every horse for all its worth and you’ll soon forget that this is only a 2.0-litre diesel”
While new Passats leave the showroom with a more down-to-earth 33 psi all around as opposed to the earlier insanely high 42 psi for the rear tyres, the other two drawbacks are the Auto-hold location (which is on the wrong side of the gearlever) and the oil levels which need topping well before the scheduled service.
But the finer points that make up for it are the red ambient cabin lights that lend a warm atmosphere and the memory seats that adjust themselves and the mirrors to your setting at the touch of a button.
So as AutoCar (Oct. 2008) rightly sums up, “It’s mostly upsides, very few and negligible downsides and we’re guessing, a whole lot more appreciation in the future. What more can you ask of a car?”
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