Volkswagen Passat 2.8 litre V6, 5-speed
automatic sedan Price: $52,950
This category generated some of the lengthiest discussions
amongst the judges.
The three finalists were very close, which was surprising
as, in concept, design and engineering, they varied
considerably – the big, rugged and extremely powerful
Australian Holden Statesman V8 was up against the smaller,
German engineered VW Passat and the well-packaged and priced
Nissan Maxima.
Critical to the success of any winner in this category is
its ability to deliver the goods when it comes to comfort,
equipment and a high standard of build and finish. Equally,
financially astute buyers in this category also look for a
higher retained value at the end of a lease or ownership
period.
All three finalists did well in most of these areas,
however the winner – Volkswagen’s Passat – won because it had
the best combination of on-road performance, user friendly
design and function and value for money appeal.
Although the Passat is a luxury car, its punchy 2.8 litre
V6/Tiptronic automatic transmission drivetrain can transform
its character to that of a sports sedan at the flick of a
lever. Excellent brakes and secure, athletic handling also saw
the Passat beat its rivals when it came to driving enjoyment.
Holden’s Statesman V8 gives you maximum metal – and 220 kW
of power – but in quality, engineering sophistication and
refinement, it trails the Japanese and German contenders
Nissan’s Maxima scored well on price, equipment and
quality, but rating only average against more criteria than
its rivals.
Score
Tables
Score
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