NOTHING exudes more machismo than a beefy-looking estate with fat wheels. But a Passat? And macho? Those two concepts are unlikely to gel in most people's minds - until they see the new Volkswagen Passat Variant V6 FSI 4Motion.

It may be a mouthful but it is an appropriate makeover for a model that was a bit dweeby looking. The old Passat sedan was the car for the guy who gets his wife to drop him off at work, rather than the guy who would take a corner with tyres screeching.

The new Passat sedan is a slightly different proposition. Thanks to increased dimensions and a distinctive nose, it looks more confident. The Variant's design language is even more strident. The Variant - Volkswagen vernacular for estate - has a bodystyle that oozes attitude. This is a car that doesn't want to be like the rest.

Two engines are available for the Passat Variant - a two-litre TFSI or turbocharged direct injection unit driving the front wheels, and a 3.2-litre V6 FSI direct injection version with 4Motion or permanent four-wheel-drive. Both have that brilliant six-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

The bigger engine is the same one found in the explosive Golf R32, which means 250 horses and 330 Newton-metres of torque. Like the R32, the all-wheel-drive Passat Variant has smoking torque and superb high-speed stability. But it is only fun if you change the DSG gearbox manually, either with the gear lever or with the paddle shifts on the steering wheel.

Leave it in D to work automatically and the transmission will go into economy mode. And if you slot the stick into S for sport mode instead, things get a little too highly strung.

The Passat's 4Motion system features an electronically controlled Haldex coupling which works quickly and quietly. The levels of grip are high but don't assume this Variant is as nimble as an R32. With its longer wheelbase and different buyer profile, this big Passat is not meant to be as sporty.

But it can be very luxurious. Standard equipment for both the 2.0 and 3.2 include the bi-xenon headlamps with dynamic cornering lights - very useful when negotiating dark streets - and a keyless locking and starting system.

Also cool if you're a parent is the integral child seat option - with pop-up seat squab and lateral head supports - as well as the luggage management package - with a telescopic bar and luggage straps to divide the cargo area laterally or diagonally.

For space and effortless performance, the Passat Variant is perfect. It feels as comfortable and reassuring as some bigger German cars. But if you prefer something sportier, then get a Golf hatchback.

Volkswagen Passat Variant 3.2 V6 4Motion

Engine: 3,168 cc V6
Gearbox: 6-speed DSG transmission
Max power: 250 hp @ 6,250 rpm
Max torque: 330 Nm @ 2,750-3,750 rpm
0-100 kmh: 7.2 secs
Top speed: 243 kmh
Price: $165,000 (with COE)
Distributor: Volkswagen Group Singapore, Tel: 6474-8288