Vehicle: 2007 VW Passat 3.6 V6 4Motion with Sport Leather Pkg, rear side airbags and Bi-Xenon headlights w/adpative front light system
Price as tested: CDN$51550

Performance: In order to satisfy North America’s “bigger is better” mania, VW has to specifically engineered a larger V6 engine for Stateside. Unlike the European Passat V6, which uses 3.2L 250hp as in Golf R32. The North American version uses a 3.6L FSI DOHC 24-valve V6. With 280hp and 265 lb/ft of torque at driver’s disposal, power has never been an issue. The overall refinement and smoothness are amazing in this V6. Its also surprisingly flexible right from bottom end to the top-end, however, its not as energetic as some of its rivals when pushed into redline. The throttle response is linear without being too jerky. Mated to this engine is the smooth but somewhat sluggish 6-speed Tiptronic gearbox. While it has high gear ratios for comfortable highway cruising and low enough for peppy acceleration, its upshifts feel sluggish. While its more than enough consider Passat’s status of life as a luxury car, Tiptronic seems to be lacking when compares to nifty transmissions like DSG.

Handling: The current iteration of Passat uses lengthened Golf platform, while the back end shares some components with the B7 A4. This excellent fundamental explains Passat’s superior handling dynamics. Since it uses Golf’s chassis, current Passat has to use Haldex instead of outgoing car’s Torsen AWD system. The result is a swifter and more nimble handling car than its predecessor. The Haldex AWD works wonderfully well with this chassis. Instead of feeling like an AWD added on top of the chassis for the sake of an AWD car, Passat feels like the AWD builds when developing the chassis. There are slight body rolls and understeer as expected from a sporting family sedan. Passat’s electric-power steering feels precise with proper weight and feedback. Unlike some other EPS, this system feels swift and precise. The most pleasant surprise is the instrusiveness of ESP. It only steps in whenever the car rears its ugly head. In terms of ride quality, Passat’s optional sports suspension rides as good as anything else in its class.

Brakes: Passat’s braking performance follows this lead. The stopping distance is short while ABS kicks in at appropriate time.

Interior: VW has always been regarded as the leading interior builder, the same story applies to the Passat. There are lots of awesome luxurious detailings with those lovely soft plastic. The leather sports seats are comfortable, which covered in high-quality leather hides that are soft and supple.

There are plenty of head and legrooms at the back of the Passat. The space is abundant for 3 adults.

Conclusion: The Passat V6 is indeed a truly well-engineered car. From the refined powertrain to its agile dynamics and anything in between, it worths every pennies. If consumers are willing to overlook its humble VW badge while looking at its price tag….

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 VW PASSAT V6 4MOTION
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5