I had the chance to take the new VW Passat 2016 for a spin a few weeks ago — and I count the experience as one of the most fun drives I have ever had on a sedan built for an executive who has arrived.
The new Passat — which is the 8th generation of Volkswagen’s oldest active product brand where 22 million units have been sold worldwide since the first rollout in 1973 — is produced from Volkswagen Germany straight to Volkswagen Philippines’ showrooms. It is engineered and designed as the ideal executive car, complete with luxury appointments such as LED premium headlights and taillights with light scenes, 18-inch alloy wheels, 12-way electric front ergoComfort seats, rear view camera, park distance control, and “Keyless-Go” Entry.
With all these luxury features of this sedan, it is no wonder that the VW Passat is considered the ride of successful executive. And, when I sat behind the wheel of this sedan I sort of felt like an executive — I guess. I am a writer and not executive, but being behind the wheel of the Passat was such a comfortable and luxurious experience that I could only imagine what being “the boss” felt like.
It is no wonder that the VW Passat was named 2015 European Car of the Year. After all, it has all everything that one could want in a great ride: roomy passenger and cargo space, refined and quiet ride, powerful engine, as well as top safety features.
Luxury and Beyond
I had set my drive with the Passat for a trip to a place where the roads were great and where I could get a good meal at the end of the drive. I chose Subic as my destination — I knew that a drive down the NLEX and SCTEX would be just perfect for this sedan.
As I started my drive to Subic I was impressed with just how smooth the ride in the Passat was. So smooth that I thought I might as well drive to Subic and back without getting off the Passat.
I was driving alone and as always I welcomed the quiet time in the cockpit.
The power and German-tuned responsiveness of the Passat Business Edition’s 2.0-liter TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) engine mated to the six-speed DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) was most evident in these rolling sections of the route.
I loved how the this stable, German-built VW Passat kept me feeling safe and secure in the cockpit — no matter the type of road conditions I encountered. The Passat’s maximum power output of 220 PS in the 4,500-6,200 RPM range, and maximum torque of 350 Nm in the 1,500-4,400 RPM range was more than adequate to keep me happy behind the wheel.
I have to add that the Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) with Drive Profile Selection, which makes it possible to adjust the running gear to a normal, sporty or comfortable, while the Drive Profile Selection allows the driver to choose different driving modes: Sport, Comfort and Normal.
I also made sure to give the Electronic Differential Lock (XDS), an extension of the EDL function, which responds to the unloading of the front wheel on the inside of the corner when cornering fast, thereby giving me more control during tight turns, a try. Of course, I was not to be disappointed.
If there is one thing that a driver like me truly appreciates, it is feeling totally secure behind the wheel of a vehicle — no matter what test I take it through.
I also enjoyed the most peaceful and quiet ride because of the reduced noise characteristics of the three-Zone Climatronic Air Conditioning System, which features improved acoustic properties of the air conditioning unit, the configuration of the air distribution and blower control according to the driving profile, broad air nozzles, and a special mix of materials.
Pure joy for me is being behind the wheel of a wonderful sedan, like the Passat with no noise inside and none either coming from the outside to disturb my quiet time.
Although I opted not to use the sound system of the Passat, let me share with you that this beauty is equipped with an eight-speaker audio system connected to the Discover Pro premium infotainment system, Passat’s latest in radio and navigation systems highlighted by a larger screen size, expanded connectivity, expanded range of functions, and significantly operated computation performance.
As I drove I also got a good look at the controls and the dashboard. The Discover Pro combined with the Active Info Display central digital instrument cluster features configurable graphic panels (e.g. for displaying navigation and driving assistance functions, consumption and range) gave me an even more extensive sense of control in all aspects of the ride and drive experience.
Oh, a small driver like me loves being able to get a good view of the road ahead. But I also enjoy getting some sun through the sunroof. And the Passat offers a panoramic sunroof, which gives a dome-like view of a sky that turned out to be just perfect.
Have Arrived
I made it to Subic in a little over three hours. I drove around a bit and loved just how drivers still follow all the road signs out there.
I found a small panaderia (I love these little bread shops). I loaded up on pan de sal and the small ensaymada. Got a bottle of water. And I was ready for my drive back home.
Yeah, I was ready to drive back home after a 10-minute break. I know, I know, you’re thinking why can’t I stop and smell the roses?
Let me share with you my secret: for me to stop and smell the roses means to be behind the wheel of one cool drive.
And for that day, the VW Passat was just that.