I do have a few minor complaints. First the W8 engine isn't very smooth at idle when cold, or tepid for that matter. Sitting in a drive-through window line-up about ten minutes after picking up the car I first thought that the idle itself was set too low, at around 700 rpm. But when artificially setting a new idling point with my right foot, the vibrations continued. I was initially concerned that this was an inherent problem with the W8 configuration, as hard to believe as this would be considering the amount of research and development VW put into this motor. Continued driving revealed that the rough idle goes away when the engine comes to full temperature. Other than mechanical, my only complaints are interior specific. The superb materials deserve a more genuine looking wood trim than the high-gloss adornments currently offered. Actually, until I visited the Volkswagen website to confirm the reality of the walnut, I was quite sure the trimmings were faux wood. One more thing, like all Volkswagens, the Passat is seriously in need of a multi-stacking, dash-mounted CD changer.
But that's small stuff when compared to the Passat W8's strong suit of attributes. I may be slightly confused about its place in the sport/luxury market but I'm absolutely certain about one thing. There's no denying that the Passat W8 is one terrific car.
Specifications:
- Price Range (MSRP):$53,400
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: Front engine, AWD
- Engine: 270-hp, 273 lb-ft torque, 4.0-L, W8
- Transmission: 5-spd auto with manual mode
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS with EDS
- Cargo Cap (trunk): 400 L (14.1 cu ft)
- Curb Weight: 1,716 kg (3,783 lbs)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 13.1 / 9.4 L/100 km (18 / 25 mpg)
- Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors:Acura 3.2 TL Type S, Audi A4, BMW 330i, Cadillac CTS, Chrysler 300M, Jaguar X-Type, Infiniti G35/I35, Lincoln LS, Mercedes-Benz C320, Nissan Maxima, Oldsmobile Aurora, Saab 9-3, Volvo S60
- Web Site: www.vw.com (Canadian specs and prices are featured)
