Volkswagen Passat Saloon (05-10) - Review

Basic S models have all the important features such as alloy wheels, six airbags, ESP, air conditioning, electronic parking brake, alarm, LED rear lights and door-mirror indicators, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, electric front windows, umbrella compartment and a CD stereo. SE models add cruise control, electrically-adjustable driver's seat, electric rear windows, eight-speaker audio system, a front centre arm rest and two rear vents. In early 2008 the SE was replaced by the Highline which comes with more kit including full Vienna leather upholstery to replace the cloth trim, heated front seats, 17-inch alloys (instead of 16-inch) a multifunction steering wheel and a set of carpet mats. Sport models get electronic two-zone climate control, automatic headlights, front foglights, front sports seats, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rearview mirror and lowered suspension, while doing without cruise control. In May 2009 a new R Line trim was added and the trim levels were revised to S, R Line and Highline. The new grade is based in the entry-level S but adds 17-inch alloys and an 'R' styling pack including front and rear skirts. Inside there's cruise control, height adjustment and lumbar support on both front seats, a front centre armrest, a tyre pressure monitoring system and a leather multifunction steering wheel. At the end of 2009 a Highline Plus trim was added to the range. Based on the Highline it adds Bluetooth, touchscreen sat nav (CD-based), an auxiliary input and chrome grille surround.