Updated: Thursday, August 31, 2006

Engine/hp 2.0/150 2.0/138 2.0/150

Length mm. 4550 4675 4765

Width 1780 1811 1820

Height 1460 1447 1472

Headroom FIR915/865962/916962/940

Legroom (F) 1100 1050 1090

Boot litres 527/527407/407 5651683

Weight 1380 14980 1583

As you can see from this Table, the Jetta and Passat have same 1984 cc. engine and 150 horsepower. In essence, what differs is in dimensions where Jetta scores lowest among the trio. It did the same in terms of head room but manages higher figures for frontal leg room. It is of course the lightest having lower dimensions justify it. The picture of the Jetta gives it a profile of larger car with a well smoothened body. The matt black and U-shaped grille is a family identification insignia. In terms of boot space, it is the New Passat that is more versatile with two options of 565 and 683. No such opportunity is given in the others. As we have always said, power extraction is an important variable when considering buying and for use in Nigeria cars. The Peugeot 407 obviously has the lowest power extraction at 138 horsepower against 150 for the two others. We have been insisting on this because of the various and complicated engine management systems in modern cars such as these ones where Electronic Control Unit in unison with inboard computers regulates all aspects of engine performance. Therefore, where the quality of fuel (petrol or diesel) cannot be guaranteed, the ECU is tasked and works under duress if the quality is falling. The penalty could be identified sooner rather than later in failures of the dividers, pumps and filters before it migrates to the injectors and nozzles. Weight is a burden that has now become standard with new introductions being more portly than the ones it is replacing even though same engines and mechanicals are in use. The New Passat has a penalty here and comparatively, its 150 horses will be pushing and pulling heavier loads permanently than the Jetta and far so if it is the 407. In terms of finishing and estate management, there are no differences between the trios. They all have ABS, Air Bags, power doors and steering, daylight and rain sensitive headlamps and wipers and state of the arts entertainment facilities. Finishing is of the highest standard and further includes adjustable steering and steering controlled activations.

We are evidently fascinated by the looks of the New Passat. (New Value). It is evidently well ­finished and with very high outlook for reliability having served as taxi and its engine in the Golf that is the reigning single model taxi - just the Peugeot 505 Station Wagon is. We understand the New Jetta and Passat are tropical zed, or, that their ECU is programmed to take our fuels and ambient temperatures and even hardness of water that must be used. If that is so, we would like it well publicised so that Nigerians can appreciate the efforts of its importers. What we can assure our readers for now, is that the Peugeot 407 will remain the best buy in this category - and conforms to the need for us all to be patriotic in consuming what we produce.