VOLKSWAGEN doesn’t want to be known as the ‘Golf Car Company’ any more, and the latest Passat should go a long way in rectifying this. But while you might expect the TDI turbo-diesel and turbocharged petrol four-cylinder models to hog the limelight as well as sales, it might just be the range-topping 3.2-litre V6 4Motion wagon, with its relative efficiency and undeniably outstanding performance, that earns the most respect. Sub luxury-tax threshold buyers would be foolish to ignore it.

VW Passat V6 wagon
Released: May 2001
Ended: March 2006
Family Tree: PassatVolkswagen's last-generation Passat was a seminal design, influencing a generation of rival models with its slick geometric lines and outstanding cabin presentation. Using Audi A4 underpinnings also brought high refinement levels, although the VW’s handling and ride qualities weren’t up to the donor car’s. Nor was value for money such a priority, as the 140kW/260Nm 2.8-litre V6 engined wagon model, mated to a five-speed automatic, topped $60,000, while offering much less than today’s Passat. It was still lovely to behold, though.
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