Volkswagen Passat SE 1.9 TDi 105ps

Make: Volkswagen
Model: Passat Saloon
Year: 2006
Mileage: 79'000
Engine size: 1.9 TDi 105ps
Colour: Blue
Specification: SE

The 'eco' diesel in the Passat family is actually not a bad choice as you get all the niceties of the bigger more powerful versions but with the fuel economy of a hybrid Toyota Prius. This particular model came with an electric sunroof, electric drivers seat and front&rear parking sensors. All this came in at an interesting £4500 at a local garage in South Devon.

I was a bit unsure about the lack of power when I first got into this measly 105ps diesel, and I'm sorry to say that my preconceptions were right. Taking the best part of 12s to get to 62mph, it will always feel sluggish without the normal diesel ability to overtake. Having only a 5speed manual gearbox, motorway cruising can become tiresome over long distances as the engine feels pushed when going over 65mph, although the benefit of this is amazing fuel economy. I have achieved in the region of 55+mpg on a run up the M5. I really feel that this car is not a drivers car as it lacks the performance to go with the surprising handling and ride. Therefore, I would choose the 2.0 TDi 140ps over this engine as there is a better balance between fuel economy and power.

As for the exterior, it is the usual Germanic styling with a slight twist. The saloon is actually a very good looking car and I love the rear light clusters with their LED lights. The chrome trims on this SE really set the car off further. As will all VW's of this period, the Passat has the iconic chrome front grill that looks very pretty.

Going on to the interior, the dashboard is a wash with high quality plastics and metals. This SE comes with an electric drivers seat, cruise control and a good sounding stereo. I think this is the pick of the bunch in terms of spec. as it gives you all the gadgets you need to impress down the pub, but is more affordable than the pricey Sport. In the rear, it becomes more crampt than the larger estate due to the sloping roof line. However, there is still room to seat 3 slightly slender adults or 2 more comfortably. With respect for the boot, its massive again. You can actually fit 2 grown men in there... Yes, I have tried!!! The aperture to get things in and out is smaller than you would expect, so can be a bit of a hassle to get bulky items in and out of the boot.

Overall, this Passat should be considered if fuel economy is of great importance to you. If not, opt for the more rapid 2.0 TDi 140ps, a far more refined engine. I am actually looking at a saloon Passat for my next car as I love them so much, so if you find any nice ones, let me know!!!

Volkswagen Passat Highline 2.0 TDi 140ps DSG

Make: Volkswagen
Model: Passat Estate
Year: 2009
Mileage: 80'000
Engine size: 2.0 140ps TDi DSG
Colour: Metallic Black
Specification: Highline

Seeing as though this car had driven a large number of miles in such a short space of time, I was pleasantly surprised to see that all the beige leather was in perfect condition, the gearbox was still as tight as a nut and felt like it had just rolled out of the factory!

I'm a big fan of this Passat, especially being in the highline spec. and with the beautiful DSG 'box. The 2.0 TDi 140ps engine is definitely the right choice for this estate model as it is no slouch, getting to 62mph in around 10s, and has the fuel economy to please all long-distance drivers. Although the 6spd manual is a better bet for motorway driving, the DSG has to be considered as a real alternative to the standard manual as it is ever so smooth and actually makes the car quicker. The electric handbrake had been upgraded to include auto-hold on this particular car which makes crawling up hills much easier. Being a large car, the Passat will not woo you in the corners but will not run away and hide every time you show it a country B-Road! I prefer the ride and handling in this in comparison to rivals such as the Honda Accord and Ford Mondeo as it has more of a luxury feel and makes you feel that little bit 'posher'.

As for the interior, this Highline model came with full beige leather and heated front seats. As with the SE, the drivers seat has a 4-way electric lumber support and is partially electric itself. There is masses of space in every seat so can easily cater for five fully grown adults. The boot is cavernous, being 1641 litres, so you will find it hard to fill it on regular usage! This car is well 'speced' too having cruise control, front&rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, on-board computer and handsfree. In comparison to competitors however, you will get more for your money if you opt for Japanese cars. Having said this, one cannot complain that it is baron of gadgets!

I particularly like the styling of this Mk6 Passat as it looks contemporary and more upmarket than others. The larger 17" Highline alloy wheels set the black metallic paint off and wouldn't look out of place parked in-front of a stately home.

On the contrary, I'm not a big fan of the upmarket price tag that follows all second hand VW's. Also, the interior space isn't quite that of rivals.

Overall, I love this model of Passat and will be personally considering one when I come to change my current Bora. The 'posh' feel you get from this car is immense and you will never be disappointed with your purchase.

PS: Look around for the best deal, even if it means travelling half-way across the country as you can save yourself a heap of money!!

Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDi 170 SE

Make: Volkswagen
Model: Tiguan
Year: 2012
Mileage: 16'000
Engine size: 2.0 170ps TDi
Colour: Titanium Beige
Specification: SE



Having had a minor facelift, of which the lights and front bumper changed, it is still the same car underneath with the same original engines as released in 2008. As with all current and previous VW's, build quality and interior materials are of a very high standard and really set it apart from rivals such as the Ford Kuga and Nissan Qashqai. Of late, the standard specification on Volkswagen's have been improving and this SE spec. comes with the new Park Assist System, auto-hold with the electric handbrake and 2-zone Climate Control. Despite much criticism over the electric handbrakes on cars nowadays, I actually like them in every day use and really help with the dreaded hill-start! I went for the 170ps 2.0 Turbo-Diesel as it offers a bit more torque, 258lbft, over the standard 140ps, 236lbft. This really comes in handy when overtaking and powering up steep inclines. Having said that, even the more powerful feels sluggish at times and could do with just that little extra. Then again, the Tiguan isn't meant to be a sports car! Being 6ft 5", I find there is loads of room in every seat, and it is a proper 5 seater as there are 3 three-point seatbelts in the rear. The dash-board is well laid out and the on-board computer, as seen on nearly all higher 'speced.' VW's now, is clear and has all the information you need. As for fuel economy, Volkswagen say that this engine should achieve close to 50mpg on a combined drive, but the reality is generally 38-40.

The Tiguan is aimed at families craving the new SUV experience and it delivers in every aspect. There is enough space to fit 3 children happily in the back, heaps of room to get all the essentials for holiday's and trips to the beach in the boot and wipe-down plastics after those nasty spills of drinks and food! However, one could say that the boot lip is quite high making it difficult to get heavier items or pets in and out of the boot.

All in all, the Volkswagen Tiguan is the pick of the SUV's of the moment and is very affordable on VW's contract hire schemes. Despite the negatives of the boot and the occasional lack of power, every person wanting this type of car should seriously consider the Tiguan and test drive it too. A Volkswagen will never let you down!