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Volkswagen’s luxurious Passat V6 sedan has gone back-to-back in collecting Australia’s Best Cars award for Best Luxury Car 2001 Under $56,000.

Australia’s Best Cars 2001 were judged by the authoritative State Motoring Organizations including the NRMA in NSW and the RACV in Victoria.

Since winning the same award in 2000, Volkswagen has introduced 2315 changes to the Passat in its latest facelifted model.

In fact all exterior panels except the roof and doors have been changed - the new Passat is distinguished at the front by a deeper, chrome-lined grille and clear headlights while the rear end is highlighted by new light clusters which complement the contemporary, sleek lines of Volkswagen’s worldwide flagship sedan model.

Passat’s sensationally smooth V6 powerplant delivers 140kW of power through a five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

Interior changes introduced with the facelift include chrome trim for the round instruments and a new folding rear centre armrest with an integrated storage compartment and cup holders.

Safety, traditionally an area where Volkswagen excels, is once again featured in the new Passat:

• Bodyshell modifications deliver enhanced rigidity for improved handling and crash test performance

• Front seat occupants (driver and passenger) each have two front airbags, front and side

• A new vehicle management system operates in the event of a crash to release the central locking mechanism and shutdown the fuel pump.

• V6 models feature an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and rain-sensing wipers.

Worldwide, Passat is one of Volkswagen’s most accomplished models with worldwide sales in 2001 set to beat 440,000 vehicles.

With the Australia’s Best Cars trophy for Best Luxury Car 2001 Under $56,000 sitting proudly on his desk, Volkswagen Group Australia’s Managing Director, Mr Peter Nochar said: “Naturally we are delighted the judges of Australia’s Best Cars have continued to place our Passat V6 ahead of its rivals in their assessments. Passat’s European technology and design, comprehensive standard equipment and a strong value-for-money position ensures it is a ‘must test drive’ for anyone considering to purchase a luxury sedan.”