Ease of operation is a term more applicable to the Passat's 4-wheel disc brakes, however, which up front are also vented, a design that aids in preventing brake loss due
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| Bringing a fast moving Passat to a halt is easy thanks to 4-wheel disc brakes. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
to excessive heat build up. Resultantly, bringing a fast moving Passat to a halt is easy. The brakes exemplify ease of operation, with little pressure needed to apply maximum braking force to the four spinning wheels, which remain spinning thanks to a very effective antilock system - one which intervenes relatively early in the braking continuum. I would prefer the ability to self regulate braking force slightly more before being supplanted by the electronic antilock system. I am certain however that the antilock calibration is intended to deliver the greatest margin of safety to the greatest number of motorists - and it's hard to argue against such nobleness.
The tenacious braking ability of my tester seemed only limited by its 16-inch passenger car tires, which were fitted to racy
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| Side-curtain airbags are available to provide head injury crash protection to all occupants. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
alloy rims - an upgrade from the standard 15-inch steel rims with full covers. The lack of serious road adhesion by the tires may also contribute to the sense that the antilock system is stepping in early. In any event, braking is progressive and linear in nature. Nosedive is insignificant and vehicle control is never compromised when applying severe braking thresholds.
Should a crash be unavoidable front seat occupants will be appreciative of the dual frontal and side-impact airbags included as standard Passat equipment. Side-curtain airbags are available to provide head injury crash protection to all occupants. Additionally, all five seating positions in the Passat are laced with 3-point seatbelts with automatic tension retractors to maximize their effectiveness.
