The Sport Package of which the W8 engine is part of also includes dynamite looking 17-inch alloy wheels, low profile all-season tires and a sport suspension. This combination of performance goodies imbued the normally discreet Passat wagon with a roguish
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| The Sport Package imbues the normally discreet Passat wagon with a roguish appearance and an aggressive stance. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
After admiring its slightly villainous appearance, I advanced on the precocious machine, unlocked it and immersed myself in its leather-clad opulence. And I know that "opulence" seems somewhat incongruous with Volkswagen, but in this case it fits.
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| Like many German cars, the Passat's seats are firm and interior dimensions generous. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
The Passat's German heritage is alive and well within W8 guise. As is typical of marques from the Fatherland, seats are firm and interior dimensions generous. In fact front and rear legroom is outstanding. There are few cars in which I find comfort without positioning the driver's seat at the end of its rearward travel - the Passat is one of those few. And even with the driver's seat at maximum rearward travel, rear seat legroom is remarkable. This is ergonomics at its finest.
In wagon form the Passat's squared-off corners assist in accommodating bulky cargo which can be stowed upon a flat floor varying in size, depending on whether the entire split rear seat is folded down, or only a section of it. And when loading these items, even the tallest of laborers will be free of the bumps and bruises that can result from a tailgate hatch that doesn't open high enough. The Passat's rear portal is engineered to swing open high above cranial range to prevent unintended head contact. It can also keep Mom and Dad dry during the inevitable soccer practice rain showers.