OKAY, SO IT’S not a five-star limo, but with its new design and the host of benefits the new Passat offers, perhaps it should be classed as one. Often thought to be the kings of the mid-range segment, VW have in recent times attempted to think big. Experimenting with the Phaeton and the CC, endeavours into the luxury market it would be fair to say have been met with some murmurs, but on the whole have been accepted as relative success stories. Arguably the ultimate reward for those whose budget does not extend that far into Phaeton territory, however, is the valuable expertise the company has gathered whilst dabbling in the high-end stratum and subsequently paid it forward into designing the cars they are traditionally used to providing.

Take a look at this Passat for example. Just look at it. It’s beautiful. Expertly crafted in its Chatanooga, Tennessee plant, the strong and functional, yet elegant lines are stunning. It obviously bears European influence, but possesses an American functionality that appeals to the discerning car-buyers from across the pond. And that is no mean feat. So just what magic does the Passat have up its sleeve that manages to persuade Billy-Joe Clarence III and Chuck Mahoney Esq. to part with their US marques?

Re-designed from the ground up the new Passat is available in four different trim levels for the Middle East: S, SE, SEL and Sport. Even the S, which has been developed especially for fleet customers, comes with a generous amount of standard equipment including tyre pressure sensors, insulating glass, Bluetooth hands-free voice-activated phone integration and an MP3 enabled audio system.

Standard features in other trim levels also include a powerful Panasonic or Fender audio system, a multimedia entertainment system including touchscreen radio and navigation, and iPod connectivity. The largest Passat ever built, the 2012 model has refreshed exterior styling displaying clear, minimal forms and balanced proportions, while the interior boasts extensive legroom, luxurious styling and a class-leading volume of boot space.

The use of Volkswagen’s 2.5-litre MPI five-cylinder engine in the Passat is a first for the company. Developing 170hp the vehicle is capable of reaching 100km/hr from rest in less than nine seconds, striking a balance between power and efficiency.

And it drives as smooth as it looks. Getting up to speed, as the statistics prove, is quick and painless and when you’re up there, you won’t want to come back down. Easing round even tight corners at a high velocity is no trouble as the car hunkers down on the road, which is surprising considering its lightweight frame. Light steering, as found in the Passat, can occasionally be disconcerting and feel a little too flimsy in some models, but with the more than satisfactory power coming from the engine and the sturdiness of the design, any mild fears are instantly quelled.

With this car you get what you see and more. A good looking set of wheels it is, but it also delivers a superlative drive for you and all the your passengers for just under Dhs92,000 (recommended, retail price).

AUTO STAR

Although shying away from publicity The Namesake actress Tabu is one of the finest performers around. It is for this reason that we jumped at the chance to feature her when she was recently spotted being chauffeured around in a BMW 7 series.

• HOT WHEELS

The first Chevrolet Corvette, the XP-122 Motorama concept car, and the latest model, the 2013 Corvette 427 Collector Edition convertible, are separated by 60 years of automotive development and advancement. They do not share a single common component, yet the visual connection between the first and sixth generations is obvious.

While the design cues have changed through six generations, it’s their elemental composition that makes a Corvette look like a Corvette.

The first corvette rolled off an assembly line in Flint, Michigan on June 30, 1953. Initial plans called for about 150 Corvettes, primarily to help draw potential customers into Chevrolet dealerships scattered across the U.S.’s then-48 states. Overwhelming demand doubled the first-year production to 300 units. The following year, the Corvette moved to a GM assembly facility in St. Louis, Mo., where 3,640 Corvettes were built for the 1954 model year. Those first Corvettes sparked Americans’ 60-year love affair with the Corvette.

Since 1953, more than 1.5 million Corvettes have been built. Those cars have become synonymous with American performance – from cruising down Americana on Route 66 to taking the checkered flag at the world’s most prestigious road race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Abu Dhabi Motors has announced an attractive Ramadan offer, enabling customers to enjoy worry-free ownership when purchasing all BMW and MINI vehicles.

The exclusive BMW Group importer in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain is offering customers the chance to buy a new BMW or MINI vehicle throughout the month of Ramadan at a profit rate starting from 0 per cent over up to five years and only pay the first instalment after six months of the purchase.

All BMW vehicles come standard with the BMW Service Inclusive Ultimate package which covers all major servicing, repairs and maintenance for the first five years or 100,000kms (whichever comes first). Customers purchasing a MINI will also enjoy the MINI Service XXL package which covers all major servicing, repairs and maintenance for the first five years or 75,000kms (whichever comes first). In addition, all registration costs will be paid by Abu Dhabi Motors, giving customers a convenient and hassle-free start to their BMW and MINI ownership.

The offer is valid from now until the end of Ramadan at Abu Dhabi Motors’ showrooms (terms and conditions apply).   

david@khaleejtimes.com