The Passat wagon's fine road manners can be attributed to a four-wheel independent suspension. At the front Volkswagen has installed a double wishbone, coil spring setup featuring gas charged shocks and an anti-roll bar. The rear receives similar treatment, including a double wishbone, coil spring setup, gas charged shocks and an anti-roll bar. This dexterous arrangement is complemented by a rack-and-pinion steering mechanism, which transmits excellent road-feel to the driver.
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| The Passat holds a line like a world-class slalom skier holds an edge, even more impressive for a wagon. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Cornering the Passat wagon feels deceptively similar to piloting a top-notch sports sedan. The VW isn't quick to lose its composure when being pushed hard into a corner, even when the road surface is saturated from an unexpected cloudburst, as can often be the case in my neck of the woods. The car exhibits little front-end plow through the corners, thanks primarily to its 4MOTION technology, although body sway is noticeable due to the compliant suspension calibration. Throughout it all, mind you, the Passat holds a line like a world-class slalom skier holds an edge. Not bad for a wagon.
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| Even after frequent aggressive braking the Passat remained predictable with no signs of fade. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
And if excessive yaw or a skid is detected, the Passat's Electronic Stability Program (ESP) will override the driver's shortcomings by applying wheel specific braking to overcome the forces of nature and bring the wagon back on-course.
When the brakes are applied intentionally by the driver, regardless of velocity, they grip like little else in the stock automotive world. This is due to 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, vented front and rear on the W8 model. Even under repeated extreme braking, the Passat W8 threw the anchor out with little to no detectable fade. Braking effort was progressive and easily modulated. Nose-dive is well controlled and of minimal significance. Simply put, the Passat W8 wagon delivers everything that a good braking system should and nothing it that it shouldn't.