Volkswagen Passat 2010-2014 Diesel Highline 2.0 TDI

Volkswagen Passat is a luxury sedan, which comes in three trim levels. Among which Volkswagen Passat Diesel Highline 2.0 TDI is the top end variant. This trim is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo charged diesel engine that is capable pumping out 167.7bhp along with 350Nm. This variant is bestowed with several innovative features like a Climatronic automatic AC unit, RCD 510 touchscreen music system and a park distance control with display on central infotainment screen. The external appearance is quite captivating as it is decorated with trendy cosmetics like a smoked headlight cluster, LED taillights and a set of 16-inch “Barcelona” alloy wheels. The insides are quite spacious and looks elegant as it is done up with premium quality scratch resistant materials. It comes with a total wheelbase of 2711mm along with a width of 1820mm, which determines the leg and shoulder space inside. At present, it is competing with the likes of Toyota Corolla Altis, Nissan Teanna and others in its segment.

Exteriors:

This Volkswagen Passat Diesel Highline 2.0 TDI trim has a magnificent body structure. The rear profile has a LED taillight cluster, which gives it a dominating look . It surrounds a large tailgate, which is embossed with a chrome appliqué along with company badge and variant lettering. The rear bumper is large and is equipped with a license plate console and decorated with chrome molding. It further comes with a large windscreen, which is accompanied with a defroster and a third brake light. Its side profile is sleek and elegant owing to its character lines all over. Its wheel arches have been fitted with a set of 16-inch alloy wheels, which are further covered with 215/55 R16 sized tubeless radial tyres. The door handles and external wing mirrors are in body color while the window sills comes with chrome treatment. At the front, it has smoked style headlight cluster featuring bi-xenon lamps with cornering lights that dazzles the facet. It surrounds a chrome plated radiator grille, which is embossed with the company's insignia. At present, this sedan comes with five exterior paint options including Candy White, Oak Brown, Deep Black, Reflex Silver and Light Brown.

Interiors:

The internal cabin is quite spacious, especially in terms of leg and shoulder room. It comes with a black color scheme, which is complimented by 'Burr Walnut' decorative inserts on the dashboard and door panels. Its cockpit is fitted with several sophisticated features like a Climatronic AC unit, an instrument panel, infotainment system and numerous utility aspects. All the seats including the rear center seat have been bestowed with headrest, which enhances its comforts. The front seats are ergonomically designed and are covered with 'nappa' leather upholstery. Its rear seats have 60:40 split folding facility along with a center armrest featuring a tray and two cup holders. The door handles along with instrument cluster rings and the central console gets a chrome treatment, which further emphasizes the luxury of interiors. The manufacturer has installed several utility based features like cup holders, magazine pockets, bottle holders, accessory power sockets and a large glove box unit. On the other hand, this sedan comes with a huge boot space of 565-litres along with a fuel storage capacity of 70-litres, which is remarkable.

Engine and Performance:

This sedan is equipped with a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine that is based on a DOHC valve configuration. It comprises of four cylinders featuring 4-valves per each cylinders, which displaces 1968cc . This power plant is further incorporated with common rail direct injection system, which enables it to unleash 167.7bhp at 4200rpm and develops a peak torque output of 350Nm between 1700 to 2500rpm. This mill is skillfully paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox that allows the front wheels to draw torque output. The company claims that the vehicle can produce a mileage in the range of 15.16 to 18.33 Kmpl, which is somewhat satisfying.

Braking and Handling:

Its front axle is fitted with McPherson strut system along with lower triangular links and the rear axle is paired with multi link type of suspension in combination with torsion stabilizer. This sedan's front and rear wheels are coupled with a set of 16-inch disc brakes, which are further incorporated with electronic stability program including anti lock braking system and brake assist. In addition to these, it has programs like anti slip regulation and traction control system, which reinforces its stability. This sedan also comes with a speed related power assisted steering featuring a turning radius of 5.35 meters, which makes handling simpler.

Comfort Features:

The Volkswagen Passat Diesel Highline 2.0 TDI is the top end variant, which is equipped with innovative comfort features. This trim has 12-way electrically adjustable front seats with nappa leather upholstery. It also features a Climatronic automatic air conditioning system including rear AC vents, which cools the temperature inside. The list of other features include tyre pressure monitoring system, rough road package, park assist including self parking system, front and rear park distance control with acoustic warning and display on central infotainment system. Apart from these, it has keyless access system featuring start/stop button, electric parking brake with auto hold and hill hold function and driver seat with 3 position memory. In addition to these, the car maker is also offering RCD 510 touchscreen music system featuring 6-CD changer including MP3 playback, SD card slot and AUX-In connectivity. It also features a Bluetooth telephone preparation with access to phone-book and messages.

Safety Features:

This luxury sedan has been equipped with several sophisticated comfort features, which protects the vehicle and its passengers. It is incorporated with an electronic engine immobilization device along with wheel locks featuring extended anti-theft protection, which safeguards the vehicle from unauthorized access. The list of other features include attention assist system, engine and transmission guard, ISOFIX mounting points on rear seat and six airbags featuring passenger airbag deactivation. It also features programs like ESP including ABS, ASR, EDL, TCS and brake assist function .


Pros:
1. Trendy body style and appearance is a big plus.
2. Engine performance is quite good.

Cons:
1. Ground clearance is too less.
2. Cost of ownership and maintenance is high.