2002 Volkswagen Passat - The Passat Grows Way Up
Wow! Volkswagen has taken a nice looking mid-size sedan and turned it into a total knockout. At first glance you might think that the only changes made to the new Passat, introduced last spring as a 2001.5 model, were a new nose and revamped taillight clusters, but in reality all that remains the same in this mid-cycle makeover are the roof and doors. A total of 2,300 modifications transform the look, feel and driving experience.
Driving experience? VW's catchy "Driver's Wanted" slogan isn't just marketing hype. The new Passat is every bit an enthusiast's car, with a rev happy 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder propelling the entry-level GLS model. The good news is power jumps 20 horsepower to 170! Jump is the definitive word, as the 'little engine that could' launches the roomy sedan with the alacrity of a V6. Speaking of 6-cylinder performance, a 2.8-litre 190 hp Audi derived V6 is optional. Both engines incorporate 5-valve technology, making for exhilarating driving whether mated to the slick shifting 5-speed manual transmission or Tiptronic automatic.
The new Passat feels better at high speed than last year's model, with less bounce on uneven pavement and reduced body roll during cornering. VW's perfectly designed leather wrapped steering wheel connects the driver to power assist rack and pinion steering, optimized for point and shoot accuracy. From behind the wheel I felt in total control, whether maneuvering around a parking lot or out on the track near its performance limit.