Volkswagen’s new Passat Variant 2.0 TSI DSG R-Line joins the ranks of European wagons in Singapore and goes up against the
Volvo V60 T5 Drive-E in this month’s comparison.
 |
Stationwagons or estates haven’t gained much popularity in Singapore despite being incredibly practical for families. In the past, one reason why many dodged wagons for sport utility vehicles is the former’s lack of style and sporty proposition.
Another reason is the stigma that a wagon resembles a hearse, as many traditional folks claim.
It’s a tough fight between these two 2.0-litre turbocharged European wagons
Today, wagons are no longer just an old fart’s grocery hauler or boring mum’s ride of choice. Take the Audi’s RS6 Avant, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Shooting Brake and the Mazda’s 6 Wagon for example – the aforesaid cars have proven that a car in estate guise can be more seductive than its sedan counterpart.
One of the sexiest wagons in recent times is undoubtedly the new Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.0 TSI DSG R-Line, and this month, we pit it against the Volvo V60 T5 Drive-E to find out whether the swanky German or punchy Swede is a smarter buy.
 |
ExteriorOn the Variant, you get a standard R-Line exterior styling package, striking shoulder lines, wider frontispiece, elongated headlamps and large 19-inch rims, which help deliver a stronger visual presence that its Swedish rival.
Though it’s obvious that the Variant is the smarter-looking one of the two, that’s not to say that the V60 doesn’t have its charms.
Unlike the sharper design of the Wolfsburgian wagon, the V60 runs on 17-inch rims and sports a pudgier, older fashioned image, which should rub Volvo loyalists the right way.
The Variant’s handsome construction wins the beauty contest
Leave a Reply