I used to work part time for a VW Fleet dept. As well as doing office work, I spent a year delivering the cars too.
The new Passat came out in March 05. It's s a nice car, although it perhaps doesn't feel as solid as the previous model. The 2.0TDI engine is great but I think in a higher tax band than the 1.9TDI. After a few thousand miles, you can barely tell the difference between the two anyway. DSG gearbox also good if you are thinking of an auto. S models a little dull. SE models gives you better wheels and seats. Sport models give you different alloys again, front sports seats and three spoke steering wheel etc. SEL models better again, with leather, heated front and rear seats. This trim though only available on 2.0 and 3.2 models.