Volkswagen Passat

Price Paid:  $28000.00 from Dubai, UAE (Al-Naboo

Year / Model Reviewed:
2008 Volkswagen Passat FSI 2.0

Summary:
I know it's too soon to write a review on a 3-week old car, but there are some time-independent matters regarding the car I can discuss.

The 2008 Passat is overall a good vehicle. It's comfortable, stable at high speeds (140 to 200 Km/h). The facelift from older models is significant and the car looks great now. Some argue that is too expensive compared to other good cars in its class, like Camry and Accord. But VW more than compensates you for the price difference of about $3,000. A sunroof is a standard feature (unlike in the Camry and Accord), the Passat is equipped with an MFD (Multi-Function Display) menu, which is operable from the steering wheel and from which you can control the "Convenience Features" of the car (unlike the Camry and the Accord). The headlights of the Passat are adaptable, which means they rotate left and right when you turn and there are also extra fog lights that light up when you turn left and right (unlike the Camry and the Accord). The Passat has a turbo engine (unlike the Camry and the Accord) and an "S" (sport) gear to get more out of your engine. I find the Passat to be a much sweeter ride than the Accord amd the Camry. Besides, don't you get sick of seeing zillions of Toyota's and Honda's everyday? Isn't it good sometimes to get a car just because you want to have something special and not a car that has been turned into taxis?!!

Strengths:
1) Smooth and confortable ride
2) Obscenely great handling
3) Standard features normally available on the full-option versions of other cars
4) Ample trunk space relative to the size of the car
5) Adaptable headlights, wide-angle bumper lights (for better view when turning during night driving)

Weaknesses:
1) Suspension a bit stiff (your spine takes a little part of the shock!)
2) Wood-pattern trimmings on the dashboard, steerin wheel and the shift knob does not match very well with the more sporty grey/black/chrom trimming of the rest of the interior.

Similar Products Used:
Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima