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Passat

Long-term update: 2012 VW Passat TDI Clean Diesel

Vehicle: 2012 VW Passat TDI Clean Diesel Highline with Sport Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$40612
Mileage since picked up: 2850km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repairs: 0

One of the main reasons for buying a VW is its fun-to-drive factor. Many would have thought the Americanized Passat have lost some of those magic VW touch. The new Passat drives like a VW, feels like a VW and its every inch a VW. While we prefer a quicker steering ratio for more responsive dial into a corner, its more than willing to cope with everyday situation, which is what a mid-size family sedan is all about. The architecture, which shares with Jetta and Beetle, are rigid and solid. In fact, it feels exactly like a German car should be. Suspension is comfortably compliant and supple. The overall balance between handling and ride are what set VW apart from other competitions.

Long-term update: 2012 VW Passat TDI Clean Diesel

Vehicle: 2012 VW Passat TDI Clean Diesel Highline with Sport Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$40612
Mileage since picked up: 1200km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repairs: 0

There are 3 engines which powering up the new Passat. The base engine is the same one which share with Golf and Jetta. A gutless 2.5 liter straight-5 with 170hp and 177 lb/ft of torque. While we find this application works fine in lesser silibings, it doesn’t cut a mustard when it compares with most of Passat’s competitions. Although its 6-speed Tiptronic does come with Sport mode, its level of refinement and responsiveness have nothing on its Japanese and Korean rivals.

Next up is the 3.6 liter V6 with 280hp and 258 lb/ft of torque. Just when both Hyundai and Kia, with Ford and Chevrolet following suit, on ditching V6 in flavor of turbo-4 as optional engine. VW, which follow Toyota and Honda’s playbook, keeps its V6. Despite of overall less than 10% of taken rates, less so when the gas prices skyrocketing. V6′s level of refinement and smoothness are something intangible. Something consumers who aren’t afford to afford a more expensive entry-level luxury sedans who seriously consider, when gas prices aren’t taken into serious consideration. Both the engine note and 6-speed DSG w/paddle shifters are anything on par with Camry and Accord counterparts. Press it to the max, it really shown the difference between a V6 and turbo-4 on upper rev ranges when it comes to engine refinement and flexability.

The engine of choice for Passat, as with most of VW’s product range, has always been their amazing TDI Clean Diesel. Stand outside of our Passat, the slight clutter could only be remind anyone that it is diesel-powered. Slip inside the luxurious interior, both the enthuisasits and non-enthuisasts are not to notice any diesel clutter. It really has shown how far modern diesel technology has come along. Given our loaded Passat Highline comes in no less than 3396lb while having 236 lb/ft of torque, which is about as much as its V6 silibing. Has generated an average of 6 liters per 100km combined fuel economy is nothing short of amusing. Most of the credit goes to TDI’s utmost efficiency and beauty of Tiptronic gearbox with decent gear ratios.

Next up. We will tell you more about Passat’s interior. :)

Long-term introduction: 2012 VW Passat TDI Clean Diesel

Vehicle: 2012 VW Passat TDI Clean Diesel Highline with Sport Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$40612
Mileage since picked up: 60km
Regular maintenance: 0
Unscheduled repairs: 0

While its pretty much well-known that Directshift is a huge fan of VW Passat, the general audience certainly disagreed. The previous Passats simply were too quirky for their own good. It doesn’t provide as much mainstreamness to the consumers as what Camry, Accord, Malibu or even Altima deliver in the process.

VW has taken a playbook from Honda. This playbook has worked exceptionally well for Honda, as there are two different versions of Accord. While the European Accord nee Acura TSX, provides sharp handling and playful character, the North American Accord is all about comfortable highway cruising and value content. Unlike Honda, however, VW decided not to bring the European Passat across the Atlantic. The twist is to produce the new Passat in VW’s new Chattanooga Plant for North American consumption.

Our first impression with the new “mainstream” Passat has been extremely well, unlike Jetta with similar approach. In fact, its so good that Passat TDI was good enough to earn our “Green Car of the Year” beating Buick LaCrosse E-Assist and Chevy Cruze Eco.

How well will this made-in-America Passat fare, when it comes to ownership experience? Does it continue to deliver VW’s trademark fun-to-drive factor during the process of blending in the mainstreamers?

We will continue to update over the next few months. :D

2012 VW Passat TDI Clean Diesel

Vehicle: 2012 VW Passat TDI Highline with Sport Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$36100

Performance: Previous Passat have always been being too quirky for its own goods. While its merits are good enough for being an enthuisast driver’s driver, it doesn’t seem to appeal to the general audience. Will the latest made-in-States Passat finally able to put this puppy back into the mainstream? We will have the answer at the end of this test drive.

Beneath VW’s family face lies 3 different powertrains. The base engine is the same 2.5 liter straight-5 which share with both Golf and Jetta. In the case of Passat, it provides up to 170hp and 177 lb/ft of torque. The refinement and NVH are a notch above those of the lesser VWs thanks to additional insulation through the firewall. On top of the Passat chart, its the V6 with 3.6 liter and 24-valves on top of variable valve timing and electronic throttle. This uplevel powerplant has a good 280hp and 258 lb/ft of torque which mated to its sweet 6-speed dual clutch gearbox. However, the engine of choice has to be VW’s amusing TDI clean diesel. Its not only have similar torque delivery as many of the V6 engines while returning the fuel economy of a small gasoline 4-cylinder. The straight-5 just feels a bit rough for a mid-sizer, while V6 has put too much weight on the front of the vehicle.

What makes the Passat stands out from the crowded mid-size family sedan rivals is the available with VW’s wonderful TDI, or Turbo Direct Injection. Unlike many of its rivals which mainly with gasoline or hybrid powertrains. This 140hp 2.0 liter TDI has up to 236 lb/ft of torque at driver’s right boot. Upon many of its insulation upgrades, it makes the already superb diesel powertrain even more refined and smooth than ever before. The 236 lb/ft of torque just launch the heavy 3400lb Passat with authority. When mated with the amazing 6-speed dual clutch gearbox, which have two clutches to control both odd and even gears; are able to provide decent gear ratios for Passat’s launching with tall enough ratio for comfortable highway cruising. It shifts quicker than any of the F1 driver with quickest legs in the world, while providing more efficient shifting geometry than any of those traditional automatic gearbox. When mated with the optional paddle shifters, DSG *IS* lots of fun even for a family sedan. As for the whole TDI itself, its just plain world-class when it comes to refinement, smoothness and NVH. That said, TDI is definitely the engine of choice in the new Passat. :D Our test average of 6 liters per 100km is nothing short of amazing for such a large family sedan. :)

Handling: When it comes to real estate, its all about location, location and location. In the automotive universe, its all about product, product and product. VW has decided to learn from Honda’s playbook by offering 2 different flavors for Passat. While the European Passat continues to be quirky and different, North American Passat is about being mainstream. The European Passat continues to be based on PQ46 architecture, North American Passat will share the same architecture as the just-launched Jetta. That explains why Jetta is named as NCS while Passat is named as NMS. Despite the fact that the architecture of North American Passat is diffferent than the more expensive to produce European Passat, its more than just a “Jetta XL” as one would have believe. What a delightful surprise is how much European influence VW has put through the whole development process of the whole architecture. It really shown how first rate engineering is able to transform a rather sedate floorpan into a classy act.

Given on how exceptionally engineered Mk6 Jetta’s architecture has been though the whole process, it doesn’t come as a surprise Passat is a very capable car. Despite of Passat’s origin as building a comfortable family sedan with the North American audience, its European roots have shown through extensively through its enthuisasm to its driving capabilities. The electric power steering provides sure-footness feel and feedback, with excellent precision and responsiveness which have been the hallmark of all VW products. There are minimal body rolls while understeer is well-tempted. Passat’s suspension has been extremely well-calibrated, it doesn’t lost anything to its sporty predecessors, when it comes to balancing confident handling with supple ride comfort. Even if it has been built with North America’s wide freeway in mind, it hasn’t list anything with it comes to suspension sharpness with a sense of supple ride quality. The latter has been a rarity in this class of cars. While there are many which ride like a landyatch, they don’t really handle. Passat has found a happy compromise between European handling prowess and ride comfort, which combines Teutonic suppleness with a sense of softness that should please the general audience nicely. The advanced ESP has able to control both understeer nicely, which make really hard to get Passat out of hands even when pushed it into the envalope.

The silver linings behind this Americanized architecture will be the demise of the following neat ideas. There will be no more turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and 4-Motion AWD system. What is the saddest, at least to yours truly, is the lost of the beautiful Passat wagon. :( Perhaps I should just forget about how sweet the drive of Passat R36 last year.

Brakes: Given Passat’s porky curb weight, its braking performace impresses. The stopping distance is short while pedal feels crisp yet linear. There are always lives when it comes to dropping the anchor without showing any brake fades. On top of that, its ABS doesn’t show up unncessarily is an added bonus.

Interior: The best word to describe Passat’s interior space has to be “huge”. When it comes to rear legroom, there are plenty of space for passengers to sketch their legs even for the middle one.

In terms of luggage space, Passat aces it. Despite of the fact that VW decided to use the cheaper instrusive trunk hinges, which tend to cut into anyhing underneath the trunk. The rest of the Passat’s cargo space is amusing. The liftover is low, side sills are wide enough with minimal wheel instrusions. It all have done very nicely. In some kind of an ironic twist, Passat’s trunk is almost being describe as “too large”, as one really have to dig inside the deepest to get the most out of the packages from the proper fold-down rear seats.

In front, Passat has finished nicely with soft-touch plastic and leather materials. The auto climate control has solved many of VW’s usual quirks, they have given a more initutive design than ever before. The leather seats are well-fitted with excellent back and thigh support. Add to the nice sounding Fender sound system, Passat is a great place to enjoy a long journey. Optional carbon trim has added a sense of sportiness to the rather sedate family car interior. One thing which still haven’t bought Passat off VW’s quirkness is the power seats. The power adjustment is only for the up and down, for both seatback and cushion instead of a 100% power variety.

Conclusion: There are plenty to going for in the new Passat. The TDI is one sweetheart of an engine, it handles relatively well with loads of standard features right from the get going. Its spacious rear seat and luggage space are icing on the cakes for a proper family automobile. Despite of its mainstream character might piss off some of VW’s faithful, it should appeal to general public who are looking for a proper family sedan with European influence. That’s exactly what VW is looking for when its time to widen Passat’s appeal.

Competitions:
Honda Accord
Toyota Camry
Nissan Altima
Kia Optima
Hyundai Sonata
Mazda6

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2012 VW Passat TDI Clean Diesel
=====================================
Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4/5

Special feature: A farewell to VW Passat

Being different isn’t always a good thing in the auto industry, especially when you are competing in the most competitive segment. That’s the mid-size family sedan category currently dominated by the Accord and Camry, less so with the Altima and Malibu; while the newcomers like Mazda6 and Fusion are working overnite to get your hard-earned money.

While Passat is one of the most recognizable family cars in the European market, it never been in any of the general audience’s shopping list anywhere in North America. Passat, unlike Golf and Jetta, never have the loyal following. From the early B3 Passat G60 Syncro to today’s PQ46 Passat CC 2.0T, those cars appeal to those who are looking for Teutonic driving fun while want to be different than those Camcord which are driven by lowest common denominators. Passat Variant offers amazing practicality and versatility, as well as an affordable European wagon alternative to those expensive Audi Avant and Mercedes Estate.

When Passat finally receives a facelift in a year or so, it will definitely not make it to North America. As VW is preparing a North American-exclusive NWS, which offer similar size and packaging to those Accord, Camry and Altima. VW, just like Nissan, has learned the hard way when being different never worked in the most conservative segment in the industry. Nissan has seen Altima’s sales volume double, while being at the top 10 of the sales chart, since the revolution to a larger and more spacious version in 2002. VW wishes they could do the same with the incoming NWS.

Here in Directshift, we have always been smitten by Passat’s combination of German technology, Teutonic driving experience, practicality, understated elegance and true value it provides with the overall package. Its also a car that we have recommended to many friends and relatives. We were coming so close to purchase Passat 2 times in the past. Whether the incoming NMS has the abilities to appeal both to enthuisasts and general audience alike, time will tell.

2010 VW Passat R36 Wagon

Vehicle: 2010 VW Passat R36 Wagon
Price as tested: CDN$52000

Performance: What “R” stands for in VW is exactly like what “S” stands for in Audi, its the performance version of the more sedate silibing. The 3.6 liter DOHC 24-valve VR6 has been messaged to a potent 300 horses and, most importantly, 300 lb/ft of torque. As proven as VW’s VR series of powertrain, the R36 is the last of the great breed. That’s primarily because VR engine series has entered the final phase of the lifecycle, after nearly 2 decades serving VW family. Another reason is this engine will no longer able to withstand the tough emission regulations currently dictated by the governments. Despite that, with an impressive 300 hp and lb/ft of torque; its able to move the heavy 1747kg Passat wagon with authorty off-the-line. The credit has to go to VW’s proud Direct Shfit Gearbox. This dual clutch gearbox is not only have the uncanny abilities to rev match, heel and toe for the enthuisast. Its also able to provide exceptional efficiency and economy. On the other hand, the paddle shifters on the steering wheel are able to drop a gear on whenever gear. With all of these great engineering put through the powertrain, its able to make the R36 from launch to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. What is impressive judging by its weight. Even if VR6 has entered the final phase of its lifespin, its level of refinement and engine note really intoxicating. The low-range, is as expected, responsive. Both the mid and upper ranges won’t run out of breath even when driver pushed hard.

Handling: The level of marvelous engineering continues through the chassis. While the standard Passat platform has been known for its solid and well-made, the recalibrated suspension has taken it into new height. The suspension is firm and well-planted, without feeling harsh and ungainly, on washboard pavements. Even when driven through patholes and expansion joints, R has the uncanny abilities to absorb all those roughness with ease. Unlike many so-called sports cars, R36′s ride quality is as impressive as its driving experience. The power steering provides plenty of response and sharpness, without feeling twitchy. Its precise without feeling overly sensitive. Although it uses front-bias Haldex AWD, unlike previous Passat did. There are minimal understeer when pushed. The ESP has acted reasonably uninstrusive whenever driver wants to push the R into the envalope. As for the amount of body rolls, once again, exceptionally well-controlled and composed. The R36 is a dynamically delightful sportswagon.

Brakes: With large 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, the R stops amazingly given its curb weight. The stopping distance is short. Pedal always feels solid and reassuring to driver’s right foot. Its also fade-free after a couple of harsh stops. Another credit has to be its ABS only acts up necessarily.

Interior: Being a family wagon, VW has done a great job on designing a superbly layout luggage area. It all begins with a low liftover, then add a boxy cargo area which add extra versatility. Not to mention the rear seats can completely fold down with all those tie-downs and cubbyholes. It makes us wonder why would anyone buy a Tiguan and Touraeg.

The single biggest highlight to R36 is the wonderfully supportive leather/Alcantara sports seats. They are able to haul driver in all the right places without feeling confining. The use of tasteful aluminum trim has added a sense of sportiness to Passat’s usual interior layout. All the switchgears have a high-quality tactical feel, the use of plastic materials in the cabin are top-notch. Automatic climate control and stereo are both initutive.

As always with Passat, the rear legroom and headroom are spacious. Its also comfortable enough for 3 passengers aboard, which can’t say about in many of R36′s peers.

Conclusion: Passat R36 is definitely be a great sent off to VW’s legendary VR6 engine series. The wagon has answered the question which many have asked when buying a family car but without sacifice the joy of driving. If you want a family wagon but want the driving pleasure of a sports car, the Passat R36 has done this job relatively well. It also has done it with a huge price advantage over many of its much more expensive competitions.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 VW Passat R36 Wagon
=====================================
Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 5/5

2007 VW Passat 3.6 V6 4Motion

Vehicle: 2007 VW Passat 3.6 V6 4Motion with Sport Leather Pkg, rear side airbags and Bi-Xenon headlights w/adpative front light system
Price as tested: CDN$51550

Performance: In order to satisfy North America’s “bigger is better” mania, VW has to specifically engineered a larger V6 engine for Stateside. Unlike the European Passat V6, which uses 3.2L 250hp as in Golf R32. The North American version uses a 3.6L FSI DOHC 24-valve V6. With 280hp and 265 lb/ft of torque at driver’s disposal, power has never been an issue. The overall refinement and smoothness are amazing in this V6. Its also surprisingly flexible right from bottom end to the top-end, however, its not as energetic as some of its rivals when pushed into redline. The throttle response is linear without being too jerky. Mated to this engine is the smooth but somewhat sluggish 6-speed Tiptronic gearbox. While it has high gear ratios for comfortable highway cruising and low enough for peppy acceleration, its upshifts feel sluggish. While its more than enough consider Passat’s status of life as a luxury car, Tiptronic seems to be lacking when compares to nifty transmissions like DSG.

Handling: The current iteration of Passat uses lengthened Golf platform, while the back end shares some components with the B7 A4. This excellent fundamental explains Passat’s superior handling dynamics. Since it uses Golf’s chassis, current Passat has to use Haldex instead of outgoing car’s Torsen AWD system. The result is a swifter and more nimble handling car than its predecessor. The Haldex AWD works wonderfully well with this chassis. Instead of feeling like an AWD added on top of the chassis for the sake of an AWD car, Passat feels like the AWD builds when developing the chassis. There are slight body rolls and understeer as expected from a sporting family sedan. Passat’s electric-power steering feels precise with proper weight and feedback. Unlike some other EPS, this system feels swift and precise. The most pleasant surprise is the instrusiveness of ESP. It only steps in whenever the car rears its ugly head. In terms of ride quality, Passat’s optional sports suspension rides as good as anything else in its class.

Brakes: Passat’s braking performance follows this lead. The stopping distance is short while ABS kicks in at appropriate time.

Interior: VW has always been regarded as the leading interior builder, the same story applies to the Passat. There are lots of awesome luxurious detailings with those lovely soft plastic. The leather sports seats are comfortable, which covered in high-quality leather hides that are soft and supple.

There are plenty of head and legrooms at the back of the Passat. The space is abundant for 3 adults.

Conclusion: The Passat V6 is indeed a truly well-engineered car. From the refined powertrain to its agile dynamics and anything in between, it worths every pennies. If consumers are willing to overlook its humble VW badge while looking at its price tag….

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 VW PASSAT V6 4MOTION
=========================================
Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5

2006 VW Passat 2.0T

Vehicle: 2006 VW Passat 2.0T Tiptronic with convenience pkg
Price as tested: CDN$32220

Performance: Under new Passat’s bonnet, its powered by one of two engines. An exceptional 200hp 2.0L turbocharged DOHC with direct fuel injection or 280hp 3.6L V6. Our tester is equipped with the former, which has to be considered as the world’s best 4-cylinder turbocharged engine available today. We have been impressed with this powerplant when we first drove Audi A3 and A4, the same goes for Passat. Not only does it has high level of refinement and smoothness, its level of NVH is able to rival to many so-called V6 engines. With 207 lb/ft of torque arrives at a lowly 1800rpm, power has never been an issue. Throttle response and tip-in are wonderfully responsive without being abrupt. The engine never seems to run out of breath at high rpm. Matched with this engine is the excellent 6-speed Tiptronic. Although it still has Tiptronic’s somewhat slow upshift characteristics, the work ethics of this tranny has matched with the engine exceptionally well. Both the up and downshifts are crisp and responsiveness is more than acceptable. Unfortunately, it still doesn’t allow enthuisastic drivers to rev pass redline before upshifting. If VW of America equipped the Passat with the nifty DSG as with the A3, it would be an even better car than it currently is.

Handling: Passat has always been regarded as a family sedan that has sporty intentions. The new one is no exception. A solid chassis is an excellent foundation for suspension components to hang its head. Combined with the right damping by creating comfortable yet supple ride without losing the handling characteristics typical of Passat. The whole dynamic package is impressive. For a family sedan, Passat’s body rolls and understeer are minimal. The pleasant surprise has to do with its ESP. Unlike many family sedans, Passat’s ESP is uninstrusive. It allows enthuisastic drivers to push into a high limit before it starts to kick-in. Steering is precise and responsive, with plenty of driver feedback and control. Push through the corners, Passat feels more like a sports sedan than a family sedan.

Brakes: Along with standard 4-wheel discs and ABS, Passat also comes with Brake Assist. This brake assist is a very well-designed system. It doesn’t grab your leg during panic stops. Instead, it allows the driver to modulate the threshold of ABS before it starts to assist the driver. On the other hand, the stopping distance and pedal feel are typical VW high standards. That means its short with top-notch pedal modulation.

Interior: Inside new Passat’s interior, it got everything you typically expected of a VW. To start things of with a great set of instrumentation gauges, ergonomically placed climate control and stereo system. The leatherette seats are simply superb. It provides top-notch back and side supports. The leatherette material also good enough to trick others as “real” leather. The interior plastic quality are as good as the leatherette itself. There are plenty of soft plastic around the dashboard. Everything from glovebox to coin holder are carpeted inside. However, its not without pet peeves. On our convenience package, it lacks tilt/telescope steering to adjust for a perfect driving position. The remote fuel filler/trunk release also too far forward on driver’s side door.

The back seat space is simply amazing. The rear legroom is larger than anything else in its class, same goes for plenty of headroom.

In terms of cargo space, its simply enomorous even without folding the 60/40 split fold-down rear seats. The only drawback is the high trunk liftover which hammered the overall versatility when loading luggages.

Conclusion: The new Passat, just like its predecessor, once again upped the ante in the family sedan segment. It got excellent powertrain, handles relatively well and rides comfortably. Not to mention it has interior space that rivalled luxury cars costing twice as much. Here lies the rough, with the attractive pricing and torquery engine characteristics of 2.0T. The starting price of 3.6L V6′s 44 grand makes me wonder whether it really worths the premium over the already excellent 2.0T. We will be seeing more Passats with 2.0T emblem on the trunklid than 3.6. While its good from a driver’s perspective, I am unsure for VW as V6 has higher profit margin.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 VW PASSAT 2.0T
==================================
Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5

2004 VW Passat TDI PD

Short review of 2004 VW Passat TDI PD
============================
Price as tested: CDN$36780

Passat’s TDI PD with 247 lb/ft of torque @ 1900 rpm really needs an ESP for accelerating off-the-line. That’s primarily because it got enough torque to burn rubber during acceleration. It got so much torque that it can outrun any V6 gassers on the market. Its even more refined and quieter than the 100hp PD I drove in Jetta. There is only a small chatter sound that is typical of diesel-powered cars when start the engine. Along with Passat’s usual list of standard features, classy interior and exterior; its hard beat to find a better mid-size family sedan that is as efficient in this price range.

Overall rating: 4.75/5

2003 VW Passat W8 sedan

Vehicle: 2003 VW Passat W8 sedan with 5-speed Tiptronic

Performance: The W8 is powered by a 4.0L W8 engine that pumps out 275hp and 273 lb/ft of torque. The throttle response is instant and linear. The torque delivery is better than average, however, it lacks the seat-of-the-pants feel of W8′s 6 bangers or even turbocharged 4 banger rivals. The overall response is better describes as gentle than breathtaking considered the hp and torque output of the engine nature. The 5-speed Tiptronic, once again, shifts smoothly and crisply without abrupt feel. The manumatic mode works very well with W8 by squeezing every possible power without sacificing refinement.

Handling: W8 is tuned toward more of a cruiser than a curve eater. The handling is predictable without nasty surprise. Same as lesser Passats, the steering provides plenty of feedback that’s true to its Teutonic heritage. Suspension system absorbs bumps well which creates a ride that easily rivals much more expensive V8 rivals. With the benefit of 4Motion system, W8 can easily be the only 8 banger luxurys sedan you could find at this price range. However, there are quite an amount of body rolls and understeer due to its rather soft suspension setting. VW needs to give W8 a sports suspension if they want to compete with any top dogs in this price range.

Interior: The interior is typical Passat. The seats are comfortable and well-contoured. Everything else are logically placed with an awesome standard stereo system, the climate control works effectively. There are tasteful wood trim put together on center console and door panels. Considered the price VW is charging for a W8, however, here lies a problem. Customers who are shopping a luxury car expect more fancy features than typical Passat “family sedan” uplevel version GLX ones. That’s an area where W8 is lacking. While the Passat’s overall fit-and-finish is simply exceptional in its family sedan segment, it seems a bit lacking when it has to compete with true luxury market.

On the back, the same typical Passat comfy back seats and uninstrusive trunk hinges.

Conclusion: I have to admit W8 is a great step for VW to go upmarket, its also a stepstone for consumers to accept ” people’s car” as a luxury brand before the Phaeton arrives on our shore. On the other end of the scale, I found the W8 engine underwhelming considered its spec and performance of its rivals. Lastly, people buying W8′s price tag doesn’t want its interior to associate with a lesser silibings that feel and put together 99.99% similar. Despite all the criticisms, W8 remains a pretty decent package.

OVERALL VERDICTS FOR 2003 PASSAT W8 SEDAN
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Performance: 2.5/5
Handling/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Fit-and-finish/built quality: 3.75/5
Ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Value-for-money: 2.5/5

Overall rating: 3/5