by Steve Schutz, MD
"A new Passat sedan can be had for about $23,000 while wagons
start at just
over $25,000, but checking off lots of
options can get you up close to $40,000
if you are not careful.”
Almost 10 years ago Volkswagen’s CEO, Ferdinand Piech, shocked the automotive world by announcing that Volkswagen would be moving up market to try and compete head-to-head with Mercedes. That audacious idea officially died last year when Volkswagen pulled the slow-selling Phaeton luxury sedan from the market, but not before the company had developed the new Passat.
Introduced as a 2006 model, the fourth generation Passat is clearly aimed at the Mercedes E class. Size-wise for example, the new Passat matches up very well with the mid-size Benz. Its footprint is now just a little smaller than that of the benchmark Mercedes, and its interior dimensions are actually a smidge bigger. And compared with the previous Passat, the 2007 version provides a passenger cabin that’s three inches wider with 2-1/2 inches more rear leg room. Cargo volume is up as well, to 36 ft3.
In addition to providing more space, Volkswagen has bumped up the cushiness factor of the Passat. No, it is not at the Mercedes or Lexus level yet, but interior materials are first rate, and the ergonomics superb. I especially like the chrome surrounds of the gauges and console shifter, and the standard umbrella storage nook in the driver’s door is a nice touch.
One detail I’d tweak if I could is the Passat's ignition system, which requires the driver to insert a rectangular electronic key into a dash slot and push it all the way in to start the engine. The problem is that there's a ring on the key right where you want to press it, forcing you to look before you push. It’s not a big deal, but turning a standard key is easier.
The Passat’s exterior design is fresh and attractive, much more so than the isn’t-that-a-Corrolla? Jetta. Sporting a flowing and slightly wedgy profile, the Passat features numerous creases in the body work that add visual tension. And tasteful chrome accenting whispers “luxury car,” which presumably was the idea.
Performance is also Mercedes-like, assuming you choose one of two 3.6 models. The all-new 3.6 L V6 engine pumps out a healthy 280 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, plenty to move the 3,500 pound Passat with dispatch. Published 0-60 MPH times are under 7 seconds – a lot better than before—and the bigger motor is noticeably smoother than the 2.8 liter V6 in the last Passat I drove a few years ago.
Of course, some of the credit for the Passat’s added performance goes to the new 6-speed automatic transmission. Gear changes are smoother and faster than they used to be, improving both performance and fuel economy.
I was happy to see that Volkswagen adds a “sport” mode to their automatic transmissions just like Audi. Placing the selector in this position ensures that the transmission won’t suddenly shift up as you lift off the accelerator going through a turn, throwing off your line. I found myself using the sport mode whenever I needed to scoot.
Drivability is also helped by excellent steering. The 4Motion equipped test car I spent a week with exhibited neutral handling in virtually every situation. Front-wheel drive Passats are likely to be more prone to understeer, though I haven’t driven one yet so I can’t say for certain.
A new Passat sedan can be had for about $23,000 while wagons start at just over $25,000, but checking off lots of options can get you up close to $40,000 if you are not careful. There are four trim levels available: Value Edition, 2.0T, 3.6, and 3.6 4Motion. Value Edition Passats include 16-inch steel wheels, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, eight-speaker MP3/CD audio system, keyless entry, power heated mirrors, and a trip computer. Opt for the 2.0T to get 16-inch alloy wheels, a 10-way power driver seat, and a bigger options list. The 3.6 includes 17-inch wheels, an in-dash CD changer, satellite radio—either XM or Sirius—and a power sunroof. The 3.6 4Motion gets you all that plus all-wheel drive.
Options include a sunroof, leather seating surfaces, upgraded Dynaudio sound system, and DVD navigation system. Among the exclusive 3.6 options are 18-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, adaptive HID headlights, automatic dual-zone climate control, 12-way power front seats, and wood or aluminum interior trim.
Dr. Piech and Volkswagen are doubtless disappointed that the marketplace wasn’t ready for Volkswagen as an alternative to Mercedes, but that won’t matter to 2007 Passat buyers who get a near-luxury sedan that is better than its predecessor in every way. While the Passat isn’t a true E-Class competitor yet, it is nicer to drive and to sit in than either the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, two cars it is very likely to be shopped against.
