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 With only 1.8T
manual and Tiptronic and 2.8 V6 4Motion Tiptronic variants of the Passat
to lure buyers in the medium segment of the market (and a near-R80 000
price gap between them), VWSA has introduced a 2.3-litre V5 version to
neatly fill the void.
The Passat 2.3 V5 Tiptronic, as the addition to the range will be known,
further extends VW's offerings in the medium luxury segment of the market,
while offering a good measure of performance.
The V5 is the same 2.3-litre, five-cylinder engine as found in the Jetta
V5, and has an output of 125 kW and a maximum torque figure of 220 Nm at 3
200 r/min.
According to Volkswagen, this is a four-valve engine characterized by
particularly complex technology. Both of its cylinder banks are at an
angle of 15 degrees to each other, while variable intake and exhaust valve
timing, variable intake manifold and roller-rocker fingers are the
high-tech ingredients. The engine, which has a typical five-cylinder
sound, enables the Passat to reach a speed of 217 km/h, while VW claimed
consumption figures are 9.1 litres/100 km.
Buyers have a choice of one model only, namely a Tiptronic. Options
include a sunroof and metallic paint.
Safety items include two front and two side airbags as standard (the
latter integrated in the seat backrests), as is a fuel cut-off switch,
automatic central unlocking system, ABS, electronic differential lock (EDL)
and electronic brake pressure distribution (EBD).
Standard luggage space is 475 litres, while luxury and convenience items
include two practical cup holders located in the central tunnel console, a
stowage space located between the two front seats below the central arm
rest, leather seats, air-conditioning, electrically adjusted and heated
exterior mirrors, electric windows, remote opening of the luggage
compartment and tank flap, split/foldable rear seat bench, loading sill
protection made from stainless steel, fully-adjustable steering column,
power assisted steering, heat-reflective glass and a frontloading CD
shuttle.
The Passat V5 is covered by a
three-year mechanical warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion guarantee.
Service intervals are every 15 000 kilometers. |
