The Volkswagen Passat is one of Volkswagen Group’s automotive products that have taken their name from prominent winds that characterized Germany, decades ago. Other family brand names that have also been tagged from these prominent winds include the Bora, Jetta and Polo. The Passat is a large family car provided to the South African market by Volkswagen South Africa and is placed between the Golf and Jetta. It is a global brand marketed under various names, such names as Volkswagen Dasher, Volkswagen Quantum, Volkswagen Santana, Volkswagen Corsar, Volkswagen Magotan and Volkswagen Carat. The Volkswagen Passat has been in production since the year 1973.

For most consumers, the Volkswagen Passat to them is the intermediary product that fits in between normal family cars and the financially out-of-reach luxury brands. The most recent, third-generation Passat was produced from 2006 to 10 in sedan and wagon body styles. The standard engine the third-generation Passat is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 200 horsepower and uses a six-speed manual transmission coming standard and a six-speed automatic being optional. Previous models of the Volkswagen Passat included four trim levels, namely the Value Edition, 2.0T, 3.6 and 3.6 4Motion. Even though the lower trims had steel wheels, other desirable features like a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auxiliary audio jack and high-quality leatherette vinyl upholstery were standard. The upper trims could be had with luxury features like adaptive xenon headlights, automatic dual-zone climate control and 12-way power front seats.

Volkswagen South Africa offers the local market four model options that include the 1.8 TSI Comfortline, which does 118kW of power, generated between 5000 and 6200 rpm. It records a carbon emission of 160g/km, and uses a 6-speed manual gearbox, with the added advantage of the turbo engine. Fuel consumption is quite favorable on the Passat, recording a 6.9 L per 100km. Other models offered by Volkswagen South Africa are the 1.8 TSI Comfortline DSG, 2.0 TDI Comfortline and the 2.0 TDI Comfortline DSG. Common features found across all models include passive and active safety and security features, such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Anti-Spin Regulation (ASR), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Fatigue detector “Rest Assist”, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with Brake Assist and Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), High beam control “Light assist”, driver and passenger front and side airbags and curtain airbags front and rear.

The 2.0 TDI Comfortline DSG model does 103kW power at 4200 rpm, while carbon emission is 168g/km. Fuel consumption on the 2.0 TDI Comfortline DSG model is much to the advantage of those drivers who would like to watch their budget on fuel. A 5.2 L per 100km will definitely be quite beneficial and exciting news to such drivers. The 1.8 TSI Comfortline produces 15kW more power than the 2.0 TDI Comfortline DSG model, and also does better when it comes to carbon emission, taking on a record of 160g/km, using a 6-speed manual transmission orientation. The 1.8 TSI Comfortline DSG model does 118kW of power, and uses a seven-speed DSG transmission and fuel consumption is 7.0 L per 100km.

Found across all models are features that include the multi-function onboard computer, the 3–spoke leather multi-function steering wheel and a cruise control function to ease the strain of long distance driving. For added safety, the Passat provides the electronic park brake with Auto Hold, combined with the hill hold control; making the Passat one of the safest sedan on the market today and in the foreseeable future.