Faults:

Fuel pump started to rumble at 32000 miles : Manufacturer call back saw this replaced under warranty.

Cable cover loom inside the driver door sill broke off : Dealer replaced this for free.

Electronic Park Brake failed just before its last service at 35000 miles : Fault code checked and new switch fitted under warranty by same dealer.

General Comments:

The VW Passat SE is a very competent and versatile car.

The space inside the car is amazing, it can accommodate 3 in the rear fairly comfortably, 2 rear passengers will find it spacious and the cup holders inside the arm rest are ideal for those long trips.

Strong is an understatement, got hit in rear by 7.5 ton van. No damage at all bar minute scratches and a little bend on the bumper!

The driver seat and controls layout are very good; better than my previous Passat. The boot is an ample size and will swallow all types of luggage, it's no removal truck though... if you are in that business, take the estate version.

The 1.9 TDI unit (rated at 105 PS) pulls well, but lacks the grunt of its sister 2 litre unit (rated at 138 ps). Marvellous on fuel, a trip to Paris saw the average MPG hit 50 +!!

The 2006 Passat is a little tricky to park in a tight spot, and I have a PCV license!!! I would advise to splash out on park sensors. But on the whole it's easy to live with.

My dealer in South Wales was brilliant. Much better than previous experiences I've had with VW. Any work carried out was done quickly, and my Passat always returned cleaned and checked over.

Verdict; apart from a few little flaws, a great all rounder. Wouldn't look out of place on Saville Row either!

Faults:

So far so good, nothing has gone wrong with the car yet.

General Comments:

When I first picked the car up from the dealer I was immediately impressed. I initially intended to get the SE, but I am so pleased I ended up with a deal on the sport. I am also pleased I went for reflex and not the blue tint silver.

The DSG is designed for use with the steering wheel toggle switches to control the gears as it was first developed by Audi for use in motor sport. Having said this I have found the steering wheel gear controls of little use for every day driving. The transmission has worked well so far and the sport mode ads urgency and holds the gears for longer if you need the extra pace.

Extra pace, especially in town comes at a price. The 140bhp car has plenty of pace, I am glad I chose it. I coveted the 170bhp, but feared losing my licence. Now that I have experienced the 140 I feel vindicated. I reserve that kind of fun for my BMW R1200GS, which is a heap of fun at legal speeds.

I am not sure I would have been satisfied with the drive of the SE. The Sport seems to balance comfort with god grip well and keep one safely away from the title ‘boat’. I am extremely pleased with the drive of this car.

The cabin is spacious front and back, the seats could have been a tad softer. The dual zone air con is easy to use and in combination with the steering wheel controls and DSG stick just give the car all the class necessary, alternative, more expensive marques (that I have previously owned) become a style choice.

My over all impression of the car is so far, so very good. I only hope I do not need to post in the future that in the long run it did not last. It does feel as if it should.

Oh, and by the way, there is a reassess in the boot lid that helps one to close it without greasing up ones recently washed car which I only stumbled across (saw the valet guy use it). There are many thoughtful things like this around the car.