New Year Changes Mean Bigger Value For Volkswagen's Passat

For 2003, Volkswagen is enhancing still further the appeal of its Passat with a host of changes, which include even higher equipment levels and lower prices. The improvements mean that the extensive range of medium-sized saloon and estate cars – which have some of the best residual values in their class – offer even better value for money.

The specification upgrades start with the S models, which now come with a CD player and chrome window trim as standard. This is in addition to the Passat’s already generous standard equipment list, which includes ABS; climate control; ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme); and four airbags with curtain airbag system. Nearly all S prices have been reduced, with the TDI PD 100 PS saloon, for example, down by £590 to £15,250.

Move up to SE trim, and the specification now includes a dash-mounted six-disc CD autochanger; body-coloured bumper and side strips with chrome inserts; plus a leather trimmed gear knob, gaiter and handbrake grip. These options would have previously totalled £515, and yet the ‘on the road’ prices of all SE models have been reduced. For example, the TDI PD 130 PS tiptronic estate now costs £19,740 – £1,105 less than previously.

All Sport models also receive the chrome treatment to the bumpers and side strips, enhancing the Passat’s high quality appearance, while the V range gains sporty 17-inch Phoenix alloy wheels as standard. This range consists of the 170 PS V5, 150 PS V6 TDI and 193 PS V6 4MOTION. All V models enjoy a price reduction, with the V6 TDI tiptronic estate, for example, down by £710 to £23,575.

Sitting at the top of the Passat range, the luxurious 4.0-litre W8 4MOTION models now benefit from £930 worth of extra equipment, including an electric memory pack for the front seats and door mirrors, plus cruise control. As an example, the saloon version with five-speed automatic tiptronic transmission now costs £260 less than previously, at £31,120.

The Passat is one of Volkswagen’s most successful models, contributing significantly to the brand’s record breaking performance in the UK last year. The technologically advanced TDI PD diesel versions are particularly popular, accounting for over 70 per cent of Passat sales in the UK.