The W8 is equipped with Volkswagen's sophisticated 4MOTION all-wheel drive system as standard equipment, although optional on the GLS and GLX models. This technology directs torque to one, some or all of the wheels, depending upon where grip can be obtained. The system also applies braking force to any wheel prone to spinning. 4MOTION technology works seamlessly in the background, without generating any jerkiness or stutter.
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| Volkswagen's sophisticated 4MOTION all-wheel drive system is standard equipment on the W8 model. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Throughout the network of the six forward gears, Volkswagen's W8 engine never stumbled or lost its breath while rapidly confronting the 6,000 rpm redline time and time again. The W8 loves to rev and does so with such will that it was easy to misjudge just how many rpm it was laying claim to. In fact I found myself glancing at the tachometer and being astonished several times at how high the W8 was revving before my next shift up the ladder.
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| The W8 rewards its occupants with a first-class ride and fist-rate handling. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
And shifting up and down through the gears was a complete pleasure to administer. The shifts are short, sporty and well defined. When one considers that these shifts motivate a midsize, highly practical wagon and not a sports car, it is indeed inspiring. However I did find the W8's clutch somewhat touchy. Engagement was abrupt and occurred late in the pedal's travel making it tricky to consistently pull away without projecting some degree of over-revving amateurism.
But once underway the car rewarded its occupants with a first-class ride and fist-rate handling. This is a balance that is often elusive, but not so in the Passat W8 that I was testing, which featured Volkswagen's optional Sport Package. Thanks to its solid structure and tight build quality, road imperfections and outright road decimation seldom unsettled the rigid body and chassis, which quietly absorbed the worst our city had to offer - which can even be a challenge for the best of SUVs.