The tasteful design, use of colour and the fit and finish of the interior are right up there with the best in this price range. As a driver's car, the Passat really has no equal in this class. The Japanese build competent cars, but they don't go that last mile that German cars go, in the sense of rewarding driver involvement. The dashboard is simple and attractive, with all controls easily used and all gauges readily seen. Standard features abound in the Passat.
Traction control is there, as are front side airbags in addition to the normal ones in front.
There is air conditioning, of course, plus keyless entry, anti-theft alarm, trip computer, cruise control, and power locks and windows. Quite a list. Options include leather trim, CD player and sunroof. Soon, of course, there will be more choices to make when the other engines come on stream. The Passat continues a trend towards offering only one engine on its launch.