Team-BHP > Team-BHP Reviews > Test-Drives & Initial Ownership Reports
Register New Topics New Posts Top Thanked Team-BHP FAQ


Reply
  Search this Thread
350,710 views
Old 25th January 2018, 13:10   #31
Team-BHP Support
 
Jaggu's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Bangalore
Posts: 20,215
Thanked: 15,906 Times
Re: Driven: Volkswagen Passat

Off topic.

Lol reminds me of my conversation with the service advisor when the Polo TSI failed. After few ups and downs they agreed to replace 'mechatron' free and with only labor to be paid. I agreed and then...

Me (jokingly): So since this is the first mechatron failure reported in Polo, you should think about taking care of labor cost and give us an achievement award

SA: No Saar, your is not the first. There were quiet a few before your car...

I was like

Great car, classy looking and am sure would be lovely to drive also. But the day you take it for the first service, all this will fall through the crack, first the premium price, then the dealership experience and finally the way things go wrong randomly. As much as I would hate a Toyota or a Honda for the boring cars, they just don't get into such random failures even in our Indian market.

@Manson I know you won't still, just get it fixed and dump her.

Last edited by Jaggu : 25th January 2018 at 13:13.
Jaggu is offline   (12) Thanks
Old 25th January 2018, 13:13   #32
BHPian
 
baskar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Chennai
Posts: 143
Thanked: 96 Times
Re: Driven: Volkswagen Passat

Superb review. Rated 5*. As owner of the Previous Passat, I find the omission of cooled seats puzzling. I use it every day in chennai heat and absolutely love it. Dynamic Chassis control is something not in earlier Passats, though I don't know how many use this in every day driving.

It is a great car to drive with good FE. Glad to know that the Vault feeling is present in the new MQB version.

Still I would pick Superb over Passat - Its proportion is now more well rounded compared to last version, has cooled seats and all other features that Passat has , I don't know if the highline comes with the same excellent Canton music system like in Superb. Plus the Superb is cheaper than Passat.
baskar is offline   (2) Thanks
Old 25th January 2018, 13:35   #33
Team-BHP Support
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Bangalore
Posts: 14,861
Thanked: 27,962 Times
Re: Driven: Volkswagen Passat

My observations which might not have made the review
  • Above the skin, it is purely evolutionary. Under the skin, it is beyond evolutionary but short of revolutionary.
  • The Passat would be my choice as a company car, the anticipated depreciation would be horrendous and I would prefer to spend my money on a plaything.
  • Why buy an Audi ? The Passat is more exclusive!
  • New Passat Vs Jetta? - Tough call, I like both - for the town, the Jetta, for highway dashes - the Passat
  • Passat Vs Superb? - The Passat has a more striking interior. I spent 2 days in a Superb around Prague, I dont remember a thing about the interiors beyond the space.
  • This is the best of the MQB's available in India - not evaluated the Kodiaq though

Quote:
Originally Posted by vishy76 View Post

- A Tiguan which has the same engine as the Jetta and more importantly or disappointingly doesn't develop any more power. In fact, the power to weight ratio takes a beating as compared to the Jetta

- The Kodiaq. One of the most all rounded products I have seen from the VAG lineup, but again that 2.0 TDI in its lower state of tune. Why VW? Don't you want repeat customers?

- The only praiseworthy launch has been the Superb. Fairly well priced, loaded to the gill with features and of course has the image of a limo although it doesn't have four rings or a propeller on the bonnet. The TDI is surprisingly available in its higher state of tune here. Why this ambiguity I ask?
From what I read the higher tune is not that suitable for load luggers due to its peaky nature and the refinement is inferior compared to the 150 PS. I read one Tiguan long term test - the reporter had a 150PS but tried the 180 PS but did not miss much.

Also note - India sales volumes do not justify additional homologation costs for each additional engine tune. VW are cutting back on image boosting cars etc. for the time being due to dieselgate costs and the need to re-invest.

Last edited by ajmat : 25th January 2018 at 14:59.
ajmat is offline   (17) Thanks
Old 25th January 2018, 15:48   #34
BHPian
 
bharatbits's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Gurgaon
Posts: 471
Thanked: 634 Times
Re: Driven: Volkswagen Passat

Excellent review. My BIL seriously considered the Passat before taking delivery of the Crysta 2 weeks back.

One thing i never understood - since when did sporting company/ website names instead of registration plates become acceptable? We all love the forum without doubt. But our love going to an extent that we violate laws isn't acceptable i feel.
bharatbits is offline  
Old 25th January 2018, 15:50   #35
BHPian
 
tilt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Canada / B'lore
Posts: 801
Thanked: 2,818 Times
Re: Driven: Volkswagen Passat

The TPMS tyre-sensors - are they internal or external?

Cheers
tilt is offline  
Old 25th January 2018, 16:39   #36
Distinguished - BHPian
 
itwasntme's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: BANGALORE
Posts: 6,977
Thanked: 12,532 Times
Re: Driven: Volkswagen Passat

Quote:
Originally Posted by bharatbits View Post
One thing i never understood - since when did sporting company/ website names instead of registration plates become acceptable? We all love the forum without doubt. But our love going to an extent that we violate laws isn't acceptable i feel.
TBHP plates only for the pictures usually I think. Road testing is always on the manufacturer provided plates.
itwasntme is offline  
Old 25th January 2018, 16:47   #37
Team-BHP Support
 
Vid6639's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Bangalore
Posts: 17,729
Thanked: 43,464 Times
Re: Driven: Volkswagen Passat

Quote:
Originally Posted by bharatbits View Post
Excellent review. My BIL seriously considered the Passat before taking delivery of the Crysta 2 weeks back.

One thing i never understood - since when did sporting company/ website names instead of registration plates become acceptable? We all love the forum without doubt. But our love going to an extent that we violate laws isn't acceptable i feel.
The T-BHP plates are done on Photoshop and not on the car.
Vid6639 is offline   (13) Thanks
Old 26th January 2018, 02:47   #38
BHPian
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: McKinney, TX
Posts: 247
Thanked: 451 Times
Re: Driven: Volkswagen Passat

Now that is one classy looking car by Volkswagen and as usual very good review from our folks. The problem is they introduced it very late in our market and also the absence of Petrol variant . With this pricing, the car would not even sell 100 units a month. Superb is the clear winner in this segment. Sales numbers are also proving it.

But people who wants to keep low profile can definitely takes this car over the Superb because this car looks understated. A normal person will not be able to identify this car immediately and might think this is another Jetta or Vento.
hema4saran is offline  
Old 26th January 2018, 15:49   #39
BHPian
 
Brigadier's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pune
Posts: 99
Thanked: 79 Times
Re: Driven: Volkswagen Passat

Although I like the classic and timeless designs of VW, this car looks too plain and bland atleast to me. Skoda Superb looks far better and classy than this, especially the Superb’s tail lights and headlights look just fabulous along with overall stance.
I always admire the design of Superb every time it passes me on road. I literally take a moment to appreciate the beauty.
Brigadier is offline   (2) Thanks
Old 26th January 2018, 19:53   #40
BHPian
 
The Brutailer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: -
Posts: 566
Thanked: 1,434 Times
Re: Driven: Volkswagen Passat

What’s with manufacturers merging the grille and headlights together? Looks very weird even though the design itself is classy. As said by others, this car is a sheer class act and makes the entry level of the big german trio redundant.

I hope this car is a success. I for one would definitely prefer this over the A3, A-Class and the 1 series.
The Brutailer is offline   (1) Thanks
Old 26th January 2018, 23:55   #41
Senior - BHPian
 
giri1.8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Chennai
Posts: 1,762
Thanked: 4,719 Times
Re: Driven: Volkswagen Passat

Clear design, with elegance, loaded with features BUT wants to look humble!

This car will find it hard to attract buyers, much like the nice guy who never finds true love.
giri1.8 is offline   (4) Thanks
Old 27th January 2018, 07:58   #42
Distinguished - BHPian
 
itwasntme's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: BANGALORE
Posts: 6,977
Thanked: 12,532 Times
Re: Driven: Volkswagen Passat

I'll be looking for an upgrade from my Octavia Style+ TSI DSG in an year's time. Toss up between the Passat and the Superb.

In my opinion, VW lately is displaying a very aloof attitude to luxury offerings like the Tiguan and Passat. Skoda, on the other hand is much more eager for Superb numbers, plus trying to improve Service, and is also genuinely innovating within the constraints of their SKD production line.

VW behaves like the elderly arrogant moneyed uncle that no really looks forward to meeting at the Christmas get-together :-)

Last edited by itwasntme : 27th January 2018 at 08:05. Reason: Clarifying
itwasntme is offline   (3) Thanks
Old 27th January 2018, 10:09   #43
BHPian
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Gurgaon
Posts: 189
Thanked: 183 Times
Re: Driven: Volkswagen Passat

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaggu View Post
After few ups and downs they agreed to replace 'mechatron' free and with only labor to be paid. I agreed
Was the mechatron replaced out of warranty? Asking because you mentioned labor being separately charged to you.
bosporus is offline  
Old 29th January 2018, 11:04   #44
Team-BHP Support
 
Jaggu's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Bangalore
Posts: 20,215
Thanked: 15,906 Times
Re: Driven: Volkswagen Passat

Quote:
Originally Posted by bosporus View Post
Was the mechatron replaced out of warranty? Asking because you mentioned labor being separately charged to you.
Yes had to put a firm foot and finally they obliged to change it at no cost. The extended warranty of 4 years got over just 2-3 months before this.
Jaggu is offline   (1) Thanks
Old 30th January 2018, 13:40   #45
Distinguished - BHPian
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: HR51/HR29/HR26
Posts: 2,752
Thanked: 21,230 Times
Re: Driven: Volkswagen Passat

I find it surprising that VW has persevered with the DQ250 in the Passat, and has not opted for the new and higher rated DQ500 it offers on the Tiguan. Both cars have the same engine and are built on the same base platform. 350Nm torque on a temperamental gearbox rated for upto 350Nm does not exude confidence to prospective buyers.
Shreyans_Jain is online now   (1) Thanks
Reply

Most Viewed


Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Team-BHP.com
Proudly powered by E2E Networks