2018 Volkswagen Passat Highline: Sleek and Sophisticated Sedan

By Autoreviewman

For the 2018 model year, the Volkswagen Passat continues on as one of the best sedans in its class. It is smart, beautifully made and extremely good value for money. The Passat is a smart, sleek looking car. LED headlights and taillights add sophistication, and class to this pretty four –door sedan. For 2018, the 1.8-litre TSI engine has been replaced by a 2.0-litre   producing 174 hp and 184 lb-ft. There is also a 3.6-litre V6 option with 280 hp and 258 lb-ft.  We tested a  smart looking 2018 Passat Highline model, which is the top tier version equipped with 19 inch “Salvador” alloy wheels, with a Corn silk beige Vienna leather interior with heated front seats.    Base priced at $35,795 (plus freight and Excise AC Tax) and came with the Driver Assistance package option package and the smart looking R-Line option for a final tally of $39,375 plus freight, PDI and AC tax. The R Line package adds such niceties as a wonderful grey Vanadium interior décor theme, paddle shifters, R-Line aluminum door sills  exterior badging, special front bumper and side skirts and an R-Line rear diffuser. The optional Driver Assistance Package for an additional $1,365, is highly recommended. It includes adaptive cruise control, which keeps a pre-set distance from the vehicle in front; lane assist that warns  and assists you back if you cross the line; park distance control that sound a an audio alert if you are too close proximity to other objects or vehicles. Seats are firm, yet comfortable and offer good lumbar support. There is plenty of interior space while the rear has a roomy 60/40 folding rear seat with a folding armrest and a pass through. The trunk has an Easy open feature and provided an impressive amount of cargo space.

On the road, the Passat’s  2.0 liter engine proves to be a smooth unit with ample torque in the mid-range, where it’s needed  I like the predictable and non- dramatic way the Passat handles – solid, and stable feeling on the highways and around town with a decent amount of grip. It has a typically European flavour to the way it drives, firm, yet supple, with well weighted steering. The electric power steering is precise, and very good highway stability makes it an excellent long-distance machine. In short, nothing to really complain about with Passat. Highly recommended for families everywhere.

2018 Volkswagen Passat Highline Price as tested; $39,095 Plus freight, PDI and AC Tax. 

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