Volkswagen Passat
• Well built, solid & safe construction
• Loaded with technology (Regenerative brakes, Self-Park, rear view camera and more)
• Smooth 168 BHP engine and DSG gearbox. Refined noise levels
• Balanced ride and handling package
• Interiors boast typically German detailing, great ergonomics and A+ driver visibility
• Aggressive entry-point pricing strategy for the Trendline
• Same platform as outgoing Passat. Interiors are nearly identical
• Superb still has more legroom for chauffeur-driven
sahibs
• Electric power steering takes away tactility. Keen drivers won't like understeer bias
• Climate control just about coped with Goa heat, at the back
• Long-term ownership costs & reliability are yet unchartered territory
• Highline variant goes into BMW 320d, X1 & Mercedes C Class price range
Market Response: Mediocre
Renault Koleos
• Competent diesel engine
• Balanced ride & handling package
• OEM audio system is the best in the business
• Quirky styling might not be to your taste
• Ordinary interior part quality. Doesn't feel premium enough
• Automatic transmission has a slow response time
Market Response: Mediocre
Volvo S60
• T6 engine makes it a F-A-S-T European
muscle car
• AWD variant has astonishing grip, stability and braking
• Premium build quality, inside out
• Light and easy to drive in the city. Flies low on the highway
• Loaded with kit, including
turn with steering headlamps, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control etc.
• 5 star safety tech. Laser assisted braking, driver alert control, lane departure warning and more
• Lacks the badge value of chief German competitors
• No spare wheel. No runflat tyres. Ridiculous for Indian driving conditions!
• Cramped back seat. Also, rear bench placed too low
• Small 380 liter boot
• Poor ground clearance (130 mm) on rough roads. Scrapes away to glory
• Volvo's wafer-thin dealer / service network
Market Response: Poor
Audi A6
• Classy, timeless styling
• Stunning diesel engine
• Loaded to the gills with equipment
• Blow-you-away interior quality
• Mature ride & handling set-up
• Imperfect rear seat isn't as comfortable as that of the E-Class
• Dull steering wheel (typical of many Audis)