2004 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI Wagon

Merging Sensibility and Practicality

Today's typical family routine is hectic and demanding. For many parents, driving youngsters from school to the soccer pitch, and

I found myself fully appreciative of the practicality, safety and comfort delivered by VW's midsize wagon. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

then to the community center and on to what-have-you comprises much of the daily grind. Logging such miles day after day, not to mention a commute to and from work, is not only a test of patience, but given fuel and maintenance expenses it's a drain on the pocketbook as well. But there are more considerations over and above fuel economy when buying a new car. Auto manufacturers can expect today's Moms and Dads to do their homework examining additional criteria such as safety, reliability, versatility, performance, and last but not least, comfort.

After heading home from the office and devouring a hot dinner, I was back behind the wheel of Volkswagen's 2004 Passat GLS TDI wagon, taking Junior and his sparring cohort to their Karate class. The weather this particular evening was nasty. Rain fell, or should I say pelted, and the temperature hovered only a few degrees above the freezing mark. With the two boys dressed in stark white gis and toting several accompanying knapsacks, I found myself fully appreciative of the practicality, safety and comfort delivered by VW's midsize wagon.

My sense of automotive-wellness was enhanced by the knowledge that its 2.0-liter (121 cu in) Turbo Direct Injected (TDI) diesel

The wagon's 2.0-liter Turbo Direct Injected (TDI) diesel engine sips fuel at the miserly rate of 8.7 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 L/100 km on the highway. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

engine was sipping fuel at the miserly rate of 8.7 liters per 100 kilometers in the city and 6.1 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway. Based on fuel economy alone, it's no surprise that the availability of diesel-powered passenger cars in North America is on the rise. Not only do diesel engines provide greater fuel efficiency over a conventional gasoline engine, but they are generally less complex than conventional powerplants, generate tremendous levels of torque for impressive acceleration, and enjoy an outstanding reputation for reduced maintenance costs and longevity.