Photo: BBC Top Gear
The fifth largest automotive segment in Europe has an 8.6 market share. It’s no wonder every automaker tries to break the ice with their D-segment sedans, but one brand and model always stood up there near the top of consumer preference - the Volkswagen Passat. Jeremy Clarkson tested the Vee-Dub recently, offering tasty Clarksonian insights on the model.
When we tested the 2015 Volkswagen Passat B8, we’ve opted for the most common engine option: a 2.0-liter TDI with 150 horsepower, the same powerplant VW UK gave Clarkson to review. Jeremy makes a point with this mid-ranger oil burner and the SE Business trim level in his review for Driving.co.uk.
While many press officers opt for giving motoring journalists the biggest engine and the poshest trim available, a new car is best understood in middle-of-the-range format for all the obvious reasons.
Let me explain: a fully-equipped Volkswagen Passat B8 with the bi-turbo 2.0 TDI costs a mind-bending €65,000 or so, which is BMW 5 Series territory with some options for good measure. Clarkson’s SE Business Passat costs £25,240, which translates to a more realistic €34,620 at current exchange rates.
Put simply, less than 1 percent of Passat buyers are likely to shelve over €60k on their Vee-Dubs, as the majority will have to settle for the €30 to €40k range. Here’s what Jeremy Clarkson says you’re getting for the money: “Business spec in Volks-speak means it’s designed for the rental market and Tommy the taxi driver. It means you get four wheels and a seat.”
He may be exaggerating a little bit, but trust us: the mid-range Passat doesn’t feel spartan inside, nor does the 150 horsepower oil burner feel underpowered. Funnily enough, the soon-to-be former Top Gear presenter is smitten with the “very, very, very lovely” bluey metallic color.
“It’s a very handsome car that handles nicely, uses little fuel and is extremely quiet and comfortable. Inside, everything is screwed together beautifully and everything is where you expect it to be. If ever I’m at an airport and the rental company gives me the keys to a car like this, I shall be very pleased.” We agree.
A detail that made us chuckle is the PROS section of the review: “Handsome; Handles nicely; Etc.” Maybe Jezza couldn’t be bothered to write anything relevant for the third pro point, but still, etcetera suggests “it’s the small things took together that make the Passat B8 a fair and nice family sedan.”
As for CONS, Jeremy pins the tail on the donkey by highlight the lack of petrol-fed engines for the UK-bound 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The other two bad points of the B8? “Umm...” and “Err...,” will have to suffice.
While many press officers opt for giving motoring journalists the biggest engine and the poshest trim available, a new car is best understood in middle-of-the-range format for all the obvious reasons.
Let me explain: a fully-equipped Volkswagen Passat B8 with the bi-turbo 2.0 TDI costs a mind-bending €65,000 or so, which is BMW 5 Series territory with some options for good measure. Clarkson’s SE Business Passat costs £25,240, which translates to a more realistic €34,620 at current exchange rates.
Put simply, less than 1 percent of Passat buyers are likely to shelve over €60k on their Vee-Dubs, as the majority will have to settle for the €30 to €40k range. Here’s what Jeremy Clarkson says you’re getting for the money: “Business spec in Volks-speak means it’s designed for the rental market and Tommy the taxi driver. It means you get four wheels and a seat.”
He may be exaggerating a little bit, but trust us: the mid-range Passat doesn’t feel spartan inside, nor does the 150 horsepower oil burner feel underpowered. Funnily enough, the soon-to-be former Top Gear presenter is smitten with the “very, very, very lovely” bluey metallic color.
“It’s a very handsome car that handles nicely, uses little fuel and is extremely quiet and comfortable. Inside, everything is screwed together beautifully and everything is where you expect it to be. If ever I’m at an airport and the rental company gives me the keys to a car like this, I shall be very pleased.” We agree.
A detail that made us chuckle is the PROS section of the review: “Handsome; Handles nicely; Etc.” Maybe Jezza couldn’t be bothered to write anything relevant for the third pro point, but still, etcetera suggests “it’s the small things took together that make the Passat B8 a fair and nice family sedan.”
As for CONS, Jeremy pins the tail on the donkey by highlight the lack of petrol-fed engines for the UK-bound 2015 Volkswagen Passat. The other two bad points of the B8? “Umm...” and “Err...,” will have to suffice.
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