Such subtleties add to the pleasures of TDI propulsion, especially when combined with the Passat's smooth, stable ride.
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| The ability of my test wagon to absorb rough road surfaces and potholes was on par with a multitude of larger, more luxurious sedans. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
The ability of my test wagon to absorb rough road surfaces and potholes was on par with a multitude of larger, more luxurious sedans. And unlike many wagons, which suffer from rock-hard rear suspension setups, the Passat's absorption rates felt balanced front to rear. Even so, the versatile wagon achieves a decent payload rating of 488 kg (1,074 lb). Delivering the commendable Passat ride quality is a four-wheel independent suspension system comprised of a four link coil spring arrangement bolstered with a stabilizer bar up front, and a pair of torsion beam axles connected to trailing arms, coil springs and a roll-reducing stabilizer bar in the rear.
Although the Passat's sophisticated suspension components unite to defeat the worst my local streets have to offer,
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| For its size, the Passat wagon is fairly nimble when aggressive behavior is taken out of the equation. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
they are less capable of keeping the car on a stable, even keel during emergency maneuvers or when spirited cornering comes to play. Part of its cornering overwhelm may be due to rather small diameter 15-inch Continental all-season tires. Well, at least it offers excellent steering feedback helping to communicate its deficiency long before anything becomes a serious threat.
I suppose we should keep in mind that the Passat GLS wagon was never intended to be a pavement-searing performance car. This is a family hauler that goes about its list of daily chores with confidence and grace. For its size, the Passat wagon is fairly nimble when aggressive behavior is taken out of the equation, and it's especially easy to manage in slow traffic and parking lots.
