What's the news?
Volkswagen has given its Passat model range a New Year shake-up; adding more equipment and comfort with fewer, better value trim-level options. To do this, Volkswagen has introduced the Executive and Executive Style versions to replace the Highline, Sport and R-Line models in the Passat line-up.
Exterior
Visually, the Executive and Executive Style are very different. As the name suggests, the Executive Style comes with a healthy dose of external goodies over and above the 17-inch alloy wheels and chrome detailing found on the new Executive specification. These include upgraded 18-inch 'Kansas' alloys, bi-Xenon headlights, front fog lamps and tinted rear glass. The top-spec model also sits 15mm lower than the rest of the range due to its sports suspension.
Interior
The Passat Executive and Executive Style both share the same interior. In addition to the DAB radio and the host of connectivity options found in the entry-level S and BlueMotion versions, the higher grade cars also feature Volkswagen's touchscreen satellite navigation system. Dual-zone climate control, automatic lights and wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, cruise control and parking sensors are all included, while the full-leather upholstery, heated seats and electrically operated driver's seat make sure the car's occupants are comfortable.
Mechanicals
A choice of one petrol and three diesel engines are up for grabs with the new trim levels, as are both manual and DSG automatic gearboxes. The petrol unit is Volkswagen's 1.4-litre TSI engine that develops 160hp while returning a respectable 46.3mpg. Fleet users will no doubt head for the frugal 1.6-litre TDI option, however, with its 65.7mpg fuel economy and 114g/km emissions figure. The other power units are 2.0-litre TDI engines, tuned to either 140- or 177hp.
Anything else?
The new Passat line-up is already on sale with the Executive model starting from £22,900 for a petrol-powered saloon, or £24,310 for the estate version. In comparison to the Highline model this guise replaces, the Passat is fitted with more than £1,700 worth of equipment for just a £200 premium. Similar savings are to be had with the Executive Style models that enter the market at £23,895 and £25,305 for the saloon and estate respectively - the £2,000 of exterior flourishes only add £995 to the Executive's list price.
James Giddings - 6 Jan 2014