Teresa’s View
Aside from its stunning good looks — I can’t believe I just said that about a station wagon! — the Volkswagen Passat wagon is as handsome as it is practical. It’s upscale enough to drive through expensive neighborhoods without shame, yet functional enough to tote tots and trikes to play dates or cheerfully haul yard and garden materials without having to be bribed with beer.
Interestingly enough, the Passat was designed from the beginning as a wagon. Introduced in the United States in 1990, a sedan version wasn’t offered until 1998.
The completely redesigned Passat wagon appears this year as a 2007 model. Longer and wider than its predecessor, it offers expanded rear-passenger legroom and cargo space.
Like the previous iteration, the newest Passat doesn’t scrimp on safety features nor does it disappoint when driven with enthusiasm.
The comfortable, upscale cabin is especially well-equipped. Standard features include leatherette upholstery, air conditioning, an eight-speaker MP3/CD audio system, cruise control, keyless entry, a beverage cooler and power door locks, mirrors and windows. The push-button ignition may be your only chance at the Coolest Mom or Dad on the Block title.
Hidden, lined storage cubbies glide open from the dash to hold cell phones or spare change. There’s even an umbrella holder in the driver’s side door.
I also appreciated the in-dash push-button parking brake. Lifting one’s leg to apply a foot-operated parking brake is so un-ladylike.
Oh, don’t worry about the odd clunking sound you hear just after takeoff. I discovered it’s the automatic door locks doing their automatic thing.
What Is It?: The Passat wagon is a midsize, four-door, five-passenger family mobile. VW jettisoned the previous trim nomenclature, instead going for designations that more or less reflect the engine size. The Value Edition and 2.0T are both powered by an all-new 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 3.6L and 3.6-4Motion — VW’s term for four-wheel-drive — keep last year’s 280-horsepower V-6 power plant. Prices for the Value Edition start at around $24K.
Favorite Feature: The Hill Brake Assist holds the car fast when on a slope, then automatically releases as you pull forward. But wait, there’s more. Optional rain-sensing wipers take the drudgery out of constantly adjusting for variable weather.
Favorite Upgrade: The premium 600-watt Dynaudio sound system with digital processing that can turn a CD into a religious experience.
The Back Seat: Legroom has been noticeably expanded, the high-backed seats are surprisingly comfortable and optional integrated sunshades for the side windows leave passengers feeling like rock stars. A pass-through hides behind the pull-down armrest, but it doesn’t lock.
Grocery Sack Test: An electronic liftgate opens to a 57-cubic foot cargo area that features integrated storage bins and a cargo cover.
Recommended Fuel: Premium. Ouch.