Das Auto-wagon
Where many so-called wagons and compact crossovers fall short in the drive department, the Passat wagon excels as a road car. Like its Volkswagen brethren, the Passat adheres to tarmac like flies on the proverbial poo. The fully independent suspension negotiates wheel movements and weight transfers with relative ease and maintains a sophisticated feel that both cajoles and impresses.
The variable-assist electro-mechanical steering is rewardingly pleasant and positive with low resistance at parking-lot speeds with linear build-up as velocity increases. Unlike the Passat CC previously tested, this car's brakes were responsive and easy to modulate thanks to a firm yet complaint pedal.
Little competition
At any price range, the Passat wagon has very little real competition. Other than Volvo, BMW, Audi and Mercedes, only the Cadillac CTS wagon could compete in size and price (which should be in the $40Ks) and, to a lesser extent, the Subaru Outback. With a base price of $29,275, the Outback alone is cheaper, but only by a few hundred dollars.
My only tangible complaints about the Passat wagon are that 4MOTION (AWD) and the 280-hp V6 are only available together and for $52,100. I think 4MOTION should be an option on a base 2.0T car and the 140-hp diesel engine should make a comeback. Otherwise, I think it is a dandy of a car.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
Where many so-called wagons and compact crossovers fall short in the drive department, the Passat wagon excels as a road car. Like its Volkswagen brethren, the Passat adheres to tarmac like flies on the proverbial poo. The fully independent suspension negotiates wheel movements and weight transfers with relative ease and maintains a sophisticated feel that both cajoles and impresses.
The variable-assist electro-mechanical steering is rewardingly pleasant and positive with low resistance at parking-lot speeds with linear build-up as velocity increases. Unlike the Passat CC previously tested, this car's brakes were responsive and easy to modulate thanks to a firm yet complaint pedal.
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Little competition
At any price range, the Passat wagon has very little real competition. Other than Volvo, BMW, Audi and Mercedes, only the Cadillac CTS wagon could compete in size and price (which should be in the $40Ks) and, to a lesser extent, the Subaru Outback. With a base price of $29,275, the Outback alone is cheaper, but only by a few hundred dollars.
My only tangible complaints about the Passat wagon are that 4MOTION (AWD) and the 280-hp V6 are only available together and for $52,100. I think 4MOTION should be an option on a base 2.0T car and the 140-hp diesel engine should make a comeback. Otherwise, I think it is a dandy of a car.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
2010 Volkswagen passat 2.0 TSI Comfortline
2010 Volkswagen passat 2.0 TSI Comfortline
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