Volkswagen is stepping up its assault on the South African luxury market. The Passat 2,3 V5 Tiptronic will be available from April – and, at a price of around R235 000, it will slot in between the 1,8-litre turbo and top-end 2,8-litre V6 models. Just how will it shape up against its respective rivals? You tell us.
Volkswagen is stepping up its assault on the luxury market, not least in South Africa. The Passat 2,3 V5 Tiptronic will be available from April –at a price of around R235 000.
From a marketing point of view, the V5 Passat will cater for those who want a bit more power and prestige than the 1,8-litre derivatives offer, but who cannot afford the R280 000 price tag of the flagship V6.
At the time of this report, its price was not yet finalised, but Volkswagen SA believes it will sell for around R235 000. This would place the V5 in direct competition with Audi’s 2,4 A4, BMW’s 325i and Mercedes’ C270 CDI Tippshift, but importantly, also with the Toyota Camry 220 GX automatic and Volvo 2,4 S60.
The 2,3 V5 tiptronic Passat can be regarded amongst the largest vehicles in its class. It is 4,7 metres long, with a long wheelbase of 2,7 metres. “The layout of the engine and axle housing means that the interior of the Passat is considerably more spacious than most of its competitors. The length, width and height result in comfortable spacing for all five seats,” a company spokesman said.
Apart from the diesel-powered Mercedes C270 CDI, the V5 looks like being more affordable than the automatic shift versions of its German competitors, and its interior specification is about on par.
However, it will be more interesting to see how the V5 fares against the Toyota Camry 220 GX (R230 215) and the Volvo S60 auto (R245 000) – two vehicles that compete directly in terms of price and interior space. And, how would the new Passat compare against the roomy two-litre engined Nissan Maxima QX (R227 370)?
"The Passat V5 represents a further addition to the luxury passenger segment for Volkswagen. Its power delivery is immediate, consistent and smooth, gearchanges precise, and its handling is reassuringly sure-footed. All this – combined with Volkswagen build quality – is sure to make the Passat V5 a popular choice as it represents a superb balance between luxury and performance," said Jolyon Nash, Volkswagen South Africa’s Sales and Marketing Director.
The 2,3-litre five-cylinder engine, similar to the unit fitted to the range-topping Jetta, has an output of 125 kW. Its maximum torque of 220 N.m is available at just 3 200 r/min.
The four-valves-per-cylinder engine’s cylinder banks are at an angle of 15 degrees to each other, and the unit features variable intake and exhaust valve timing, variable-intake manifold and roller-rocker fingers. The engine, which has a typical five-cylinder sound, can take the saloon up to a speed of 217 km/h, the company claims.
Claimed average consumption is 9,1 litres per 100 km.
In terms of safety equipment, the Passat V5 is factory-fitted with two front and two side airbags (the latter are integrated in the seat backrests). The seatbelts with active tensioners, work in conjunction with the airbags. The on-board control system automatically switches off the fuel supply following a serious accident and opens the central locking system.
The V5 Passat is equipped with ABS, electronic differential lock (EDL) and electronic brake pressure distribution system (EBD).
Standard features include: 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, stainless sreel load sill protection, fully-adjustable steering column, power assisted steering, heat-reflective glass and remote control central locking. Among the car’s other features are an adjustable centre arm rest, a stowage area in the rear centre arm rest and frontloading CD Shuttle.
The Passat V5 is covered by a three-year mechanical warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion guarantee. Service intervals are 15 000 km.
