Thanks for the info, JM. I couldn't make heads or tails of that German link, not to mention it's only a summary (I think). I'm surprised they said it has better steering feel than the MB. Reviews here say the Passat is pretty good, but not quite as much steering feel as they'd like. I guess MB must be worse than I thought, then, even facelifted.
Yeah, you do get a lot for your money. I hope VW's 170PS TDI engine will soon make it to Australia. I'd be keen to get that in a Passat. The 2.0TFSI is also a good choice, though coupled with a conventional 6-speed auto and not the DSG. Smoother, but less efficient.
As for plastics, I still think they're a bit better than the Golf's. The seat upholstery was also nicer, though we don't get fabric options. There's the standard fabric, and then there's the optional leather. It's passable, for the money.