With its sprightly performance, solid build quality and frugal fuel consumption, the Passat would have been the winner had this shootout been about finding the best all-rounder. But with comfort as the most important criterion in this story, the Passat’s relatively tight rear accommodation and firm ride mean it doesn’t do as well when it comes to pampering passengers.
The Camry takes the lead when it comes to lounging space, but its average powertrain and scant two airbags (versus the six in its two rivals here) cost it precious points on the scoreboard. In terms of value for money, however, the Camry claws back some of these lost points – its selling price (at press time) has a dealer margin of around $26k compared to the Latitude’s $35k and Passat’s $32k.
Taking us deepest into the comfort zone is the Latitude and its velvety ride, quiet interior and useful gadgets. The Renault is less roomy than the Camry and less enjoyable to drive than the Passat, but when it comes to helping stressed individuals zone out inside the car, the Latitude is probably the most astute.
Renault Latitude 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1998cc
Bore x stroke 84mm x 90.1mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max Power 141bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 196Nm at 3700rpm
Power to weight 94.3bhp per tonne
Gearbox CVT with 6-speed override
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 11.9 seconds
Top Speed 186km/h
Consumption 12km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Pilot Sport 3
Size 255/40 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4897mm
Width 1832mm
Height 1483mm
Wheelbase 2762mm
Kerb Weight 1495kg
Turning Circle 11.2m
BUYING IT
Price $177,888 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Greatest refinement, smoothest powertrain and softest ride of the bunch
– Dashboard controls are the least ergonomic, rear headroom is the poorest
Volkswagen Passat 1.8 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1798cc
Bore x stroke 82.5mm x 84.2mm
Compression ratio 9.8:1
Max Power 160bhp at 4500-6200rpm
Max Torque 250Nm at 1500-4200rpm
Power to weight 105.5bhp per tonne
Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 8.5 seconds
Top Speed 220km/h
Consumption 14.3km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Continental ContiSportContact 5
Size 235/45 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4769mm
Width 1820mm
Height 1470mm
Wheelbase 2712mm
Kerb Weight 1517kg
Turning Circle 11.4m
BUYING IT
Price $181,800 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Snappy and efficient performance, best of the trio in infotainment and quality
– Smaller interior than the others, least pliant suspension, highest sticker price
Toyota Camry 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves
Capacity 1998cc
Bore x stroke 86mm x 86mm
Compression ratio 9.6:1
Max Power 148bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 190Nm at 4000rpm
Power to weight 102.4bhp per tonne
Gearbox 4-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 12.5 seconds
Top Speed 187km/h
Consumption 11.5km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Primacy LC
Size 215/60 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 2
Traction Control ABS
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4825mm
Width 1825mm
Height 1470mm
Wheelbase 2775mm
Kerb Weight 1445kg
Turning Circle 11.0m
BUYING IT
Price $161,988 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Roomiest and most practical cabin, most reasonable pricing, reliable resale
– Workmanlike motor is comparatively thirsty, boot space lacks versatility
