Hi, nice discussion!
I'm also looking at the passat, 508, and mondeo rite now..have tested the passat and mondeo ecoboost.. All are good cars, better than the japs. However, I can only choose one..sigh
In my observation, these are the major goods and bads about each car, which could be the decisive factors:

1. Passat
Good: it's a Volkswagen, 7 speed dsg, interior similar to passat cc (which costs at least 70k more), 5 year unlimited mileage warranty, service interval 15k
Bad: most expensive rm190k (including insurance, not 192k as stated in this thread),
No keyless, no navi, no DVD, no bluetooth

2. 508
Good: most exciting exterior, newest brand new model, most interior features, amazing sound system! (need to hear it, simply superb), true keyless, cheapest.
Bad: auto gearbox (not dual clutch), 3 year/100k km warranty, 10k service interval

3. Mondeo
Good: best ride and handling (try it, as good as BMW or nearly there), most powerful, fastest, dual clutch gearbox, largest (but boot space a bit shallow if I remember correctly), keyless, Bluetooth, voice control
Bad: not so new model (just a recent facelift), no paddle shifters, most thirsty, 3 years warranty, 10k service interval, no navi

There.. To me, based on the above, I would go for the passat.. The dsg is simply superb, interior quality as good as passat cc, and most importantly 5 years unlimited mileage warranty. You can drive all you want without worrying about the engine or gearbox breaking down, then you can sell after 4 years and the warranty is still valid so this will help in the resale value also.. For navi, or sound system, later can upgrade, although this will be expensive if need to use volkswagen system (to save the warranty).

Unless anyone can convince me otherwise..

Yes, actually I was referring to the dashboard of the car..similar dashboard, but seats are much better in the passat cc.
To me, the passat's dashboard is the most handsome and classiest among the three, with nice aluminum inserts. Maybe it's not as exciting as a civic's or optima's dashboard, but the ergonomics and feeling of quality is spot on.

Yes, the exterior is a bit unimaginative and looks normal especially when compared to the new optima, but it does look simple and handsome and not too attention seeking..some people like that. But yes, vw could have done a better job, maybe they wanted to further separate the passat from the cc.

Anyway, to me the most important thing is how u feel behind the wheel because that's where you will be most of the time.It must feel solid and the perception of quality must be there. I would still prefer a vw over a proton even if the proton looks like a lamborghini.

In terms of build quality, I think all three are about the same as all are made in Europe. I've tried slamming the doors and all feels and sounds solid. Vw has a previous reputation of better quality, but the 508 and mondeo are comparable to the passat. However, the 508 hasn't been test driven, so a proper assessment couldn't be done yet.

i think the peugeot would be perfect if only it had a dual clutch transmission also like the other two.
a dual clutch is more efficient than a normal torque converter..its also one of the most advanced transmissions you can get today
i would prefer my car to have the latest powertrain technology..

but then again, the mondeo does not have paddle shifters, which is a big no-no also.. so which is more important..paddle shifters or dual-clutch? hmm..

yeah i know..i actually wont use the paddle shifters at all.. but its good to have, feels like your car is not missing something.. also good for when you're bored and feel like you want to do a vettel once in a while..

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Added on November 15, 2011, 5:38 pmyeah but the thing is dsg is more fuel efficient..7 speed some more.. so much better in traffic jams..
fast yet fuel saving..who wouldn't want that?

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Added on November 15, 2011, 5:47 pmi think these are the US market cars you quoting..totally different from the ones we are getting..

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Added on November 15, 2011, 5:52 pmalfa 159 is the sexiest.. but the rear seats are so small, not suitable as a d-segment family car, heck even less space than your average c-segment cars

if i were to drive alone, and dont give a damn about resale value and maintenace costs, i would take the 159 anytime..

This post has been edited by m42: Nov 15 2011, 05:52 PM