Estates can be high-class
Once aboard the Passat wagon, there is no discernible difference between it and the sedan, except if you look into the rear-view mirror. This then means that the high level of quality inherent to Volkswagen interiors is carried over unchanged. The dashboard flows intelligently and fit and finish are top-drawer. The leatherette-covered seats offer ample support and comfort, perfect for short and long hauls. In fact, having taken a Passat to New Jersey and to Toronto, I know long road trips and the Volkswagen is a perfect partner.
My Comfortline-level wagon is fully-loaded with the 10-speaker Dynaudio and navigation systems. Coupled to the overall cabin presentation, you'd be hard-pressed to assume that this is not a luxury car. If for some manufacturers, boots or trunks are not important (see Toyota Matrix), Volkswagen takes great pride in carrying class into the 1.01 cubic-meter cargo area. The carpets are plush and assembly quality is better than many other make.
Turbo to go
Can you ever have too much of a good thing? In Audi and Volkswagen's case, it would appear to not be the case. The venerable 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is once again called upon for service. Always producing 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, this motor retains the title of all-around best 4-pot in the business, in my books. How many powertrains you know can work as well in a sporty car (GTI), a compact SUV (Tiguan), a mid-size sedan and wagon (all body styles of Passat)? Mated to the brilliant 6-speed DSG automated manual gearbox, the 1,566 kg (3,445 lbs) can still move.
I must admit that loaded with four adults, luggage and camera gear, the 207 lbs of torque seemed meagre... Not! This modest-sized engine never ran out of power, still pulling hard despite its payload of over 400 kg (almost 900 lb). With two adults on board, the Passat is sporty; passing manoeuvres are brisk as the DSG manages the 2.0T's power band with authority. Although the 2.0T is a performer, it is an impressive fuel miser when off-boost. My one-week test, having covered close to 1,500 km, returned an impressive average fuel consumption of only 9 litres per 100 km.
Once aboard the Passat wagon, there is no discernible difference between it and the sedan, except if you look into the rear-view mirror. This then means that the high level of quality inherent to Volkswagen interiors is carried over unchanged. The dashboard flows intelligently and fit and finish are top-drawer. The leatherette-covered seats offer ample support and comfort, perfect for short and long hauls. In fact, having taken a Passat to New Jersey and to Toronto, I know long road trips and the Volkswagen is a perfect partner.
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My Comfortline-level wagon is fully-loaded with the 10-speaker Dynaudio and navigation systems. Coupled to the overall cabin presentation, you'd be hard-pressed to assume that this is not a luxury car. If for some manufacturers, boots or trunks are not important (see Toyota Matrix), Volkswagen takes great pride in carrying class into the 1.01 cubic-meter cargo area. The carpets are plush and assembly quality is better than many other make.
Turbo to go
Can you ever have too much of a good thing? In Audi and Volkswagen's case, it would appear to not be the case. The venerable 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is once again called upon for service. Always producing 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, this motor retains the title of all-around best 4-pot in the business, in my books. How many powertrains you know can work as well in a sporty car (GTI), a compact SUV (Tiguan), a mid-size sedan and wagon (all body styles of Passat)? Mated to the brilliant 6-speed DSG automated manual gearbox, the 1,566 kg (3,445 lbs) can still move.
I must admit that loaded with four adults, luggage and camera gear, the 207 lbs of torque seemed meagre... Not! This modest-sized engine never ran out of power, still pulling hard despite its payload of over 400 kg (almost 900 lb). With two adults on board, the Passat is sporty; passing manoeuvres are brisk as the DSG manages the 2.0T's power band with authority. Although the 2.0T is a performer, it is an impressive fuel miser when off-boost. My one-week test, having covered close to 1,500 km, returned an impressive average fuel consumption of only 9 litres per 100 km.
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