Ok, cool, thanks for the info Yannis I'm doubtful of their brochure figures because the UK brochures available from the internet have different figures for weights. Sure, they have unladen weight vs. kerb weight, but even the differences between variants are inconsistent.

Giannis and James - I was skeptical about the Passat at first, I guess. The design isn't something that's "safe" or instantly attractive. It's something that has to grow on you, and some people might never come around. The proportions can be odd, at times. Then again, IMO the proportions are much better than the Jetta's. Despite their best efforts, there's something about a Golf-with-a-boot that isn't quite as cohesive as a purpose built sedan.

According to the UK brochure, there's a 1.6FSI Passat - how's that for underwhelming? 85kW, 155Nm, 0-62mph in 12.7s in 6-speed auto transmission. I can imagine that 2.0FSI could also be a little sluggish if loaded; without the extra power and torque of the 2.0TFSI, nor the grunt of the diesel. The 2.0TDI is fine, really - there were three of us on board (dad, me, salesman), empty otherwise. Acceleration wasn't spectacular, but nothing to be ashamed of in a car for normal people, and perfectly useable.

Here's a sample of prices, all RRP, in Australian dollars:
Honda Accord Euro $33,500 / Accord Euro Luxury $40,500 (add $2000 for 5-speed auto)
Honda Civic VTi $20,990 / Civic VTi-L $24,490 / Civic Sport $29,990 ($2000 for 5-sp auto)
VW Passat 2.0TDI $42,990 / 2.0TFSI $44,990 / 3.2FSI 4Motion $54,990 (TFSI comes with 6-sp auto standard, others with 6-sp DSG, no manual available; add $2000 for wagon)
VW Jetta 2.0FSI $32,990 / 2.0TDI $35,490 / 2.0TFSI $39,990 ($2300 for 6-sp auto/DSG, standard DSG on TFSI)
VW Golf Sportline 2.0FSI / 2.0TDI - same as for Jetta, which shares most Sportline cabin specs

That's all the Passat engines. In a way, the Jetta's 2.0TFSI engine is good value, but extra insurance costs for the turbo petrol engine can make it unattractive.

We need to get an auto car because mum can't drive manual, and dad wants everyone to be able to drive it if necessary. Also, he's got something against hatchbacks - otherwise, I'd rather get a Golf than a Jetta, too, I prefer sedans, but the Jetta is a little ungainly-looking, and it's made in Mexico. On the other hand, it has underseat drawers (optional for Euro Golfs, not available here) and strangely, the red courtesy reflectors in the doors are actually lights on the Jetta, but only reflectors on both the Golf and the Passat. The Jetta also gets a full size spare tyre, whereas the Golf gets a space saver. Passats get full size, too. One more thing - Jetta's made in Mexico, which isn't quite my preference, but neither is it so bad, either.

As for the light-gold colour, it certainly is amazing. There were so many dark grey and silver VWs that I wouldn't want to just have one more of the same. Still, some people do - having a common colour can help resales values, too. I've seen the Volvo colour, as well - it's quite nice

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Well, Mirage, glad to see you in this thread. I'm pleasantly surprised by the Phaeton - maybe it was just because of its rarity in Australia (I've seen more Rolls Phantoms here than Phaetons, if you want to put it that way ). The interior looks well detailed, and well appointed. The overall car looks quite sleek. You've got yourself a very nice car, then. Still, I guess that VW out to be more realistic about what people are willing to pay for a VW, at least for the near future.

James - well, I still stand by the impression that the Civic's materials weren't as good. More hard plastics away from the immediate driver's area, less comfortable upholstery, and although not bad, the Passat's "touchable area" plastics were even better. I'm not doubting its reliability, but the material quality isn't quite the same. The one that I sat in was a Hybrid, too - made in Japan. The other ones we get are from Thailand - they're cheap thanks to the Free Trade Agreement Australia has with them.

Giannis - looking forward to your test drives! The S80 seems like a reasonable car, and come the Sydney Motor Show in October, I hope to have a sit, if it's there. It seems to be a nice size between large (5er/E/A6) and luxobarge (7er/S/A8). I'm also keen on the Honda Legend, which seems offhand to be the same size. However, I'm half expecting my reaction to be similar to what my impressions of comparing the Civic and a similarly priced/sized VW were - not quite the same.