In Canada the Passat arrives in a total of three trim levels: the GLS I tested, the upgrade GLX and the top-shelf W8.
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| All three trim levels of the Passat include a generous dose of comfort and convenience. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
All three offerings include a generous dose of comfort and convenience installments such as air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, power locks, heated seats, tilt steering, CD player and driver information screen. On the technical side, traction control is standard in the form of VW's Anti-Slip Regulation technology. The Electronic Stabilization Program vehicle stability system is available as an option on GLS and GLX, or as standard equipment in the W8 line.
Regardless of trim level or designated engine, the Passat yields a tremendous amount of value. Of the midsize cars
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| Sporty, practical - and if equipped with the 1.8T - frugal. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
available in its segment, the Passat offers the greatest diversity of engine choices, including the turbodiesel and W8 variants, which are a world apart. While many manufacturers have focused on comfort and refinement in their midsize contributions to the marketplace, it would seem that Volkswagen has focused on spirit and soul with the Passat. Sporty, practical - and if equipped with the 1.8T - frugal are the adjectives that best summarize the 2004 Passat GLS 1.8T that brought me a week of very enjoyable, lively motoring.
