The interior also has a touch of chrome ornamentation around the instrument cluster and door handles. In addition, the
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| The optional leather package, priced at $1,830, added to the comfort of my ride. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
optional leather package, which included leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, leather shift knob and hand brake lever added to the comfort of my ride. The leather option is an additional $1,830, but I think that it's well worth it. The optional side curtain protection system ($375) made me comfortable in an entirely different way.
Another option that my test Passat included was the luxury package, which is comprised of a power sunroof, 15-inch alloy wheels
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| A power sunroof, 15-inch alloy wheels on standard 195/55R15 all-season tires, rear sunshade and HomeLink are part of the optional luxury package. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
on standard 195/55R15 all-season tires, rear sunshade and HomeLink (a system with garage door-opening capabilities). This option is an additional $2,120. While I liked the stylish, albeit small diameter rims and power sunroof, I didn't find the rear sunshade and HomeLink system to be of any use to me.
What was of use while testing out the Passat with a carload of people were the 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS. Stopping distances are dependant on speed and weight in the car, and while loaded down the Passat performed effectively on dry roads. Unfortunately (but fortunately) there was a heat wave on the west coast during my test week so the clouds and showers stayed away. Therefore I can't report on the effectiveness of the brakes on the slippery roads.
