2001.5 Volkswagen "New" Passat Sedan

Everything about the New Passat exudes excellence—whether it's construction quality, ride comfort, civilized performance or passenger accommodations. As for value, a Passat behaves and feels much like an Audi, for a notably lower price. Acceleration is more than ample—even brisk—with an automatic transmission and the pleasantly quiet-running V-6 engine, which remains exceptionally silent, even when pushed hard. Operating crisply and positively, the automatic suffers only a momentary delay between gear changes and exhibits not a hint of awkwardness. Whenever manual gear selection is desired, the Tiptronic feature functions neatly and easily, with a flick of the hand. When accelerating hard, the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produces a coarser sound. Low-speed response is less vigorous with the four-cylinder. With manual shift, however, it's as energetic as a lot of V-6 models. The clutch eases into play and works adeptly with the easy-shifting, short-throw manual gearbox.

GLX trim includes leather upholstery, a power sunroof, walnut wood trim and an 8-speaker Monsoon sound system. Steering-wheel-mounted accessory controls are also standard here but optional on the GLS.

Pleasant as the Passat's performance is, the midsize sedan and wagon excel most in road behavior. Simply put, the New Passat is among the smoothest-riding cars on today's roads—a fact that becomes evident in the first moments of driving. Its taut suspension absorbs the vast majority of pavement flaws with ease, adeptly cushioning minor imperfections, with no sense at all of overreaction. Steering is impressively precise, demanding only moderate effort at the wheel. Perfection may be marred just a bit now and then by a sensation of having to move the steering wheel a bit before road wheels respond. Otherwise, this automobile follows its driver's wishes without complaint. Clinging tenaciously to the pavement in curves, the Passat remains neatly flat.

For families on the go, the Passat wagon has as much as 56.5 cubic feet of behind-the-front-seat space. It shares powertrain and trim-level configurations with the sedan.

Spacious in both front and rear, the New Passat promises carefully crafted seats that are also satisfyingly contoured—magnificently comfortable, with inviting cushioning. Even the center rear position isn't bad, in contrast to many of today's automobiles, though the back seat is more benchlike and upright than the front. Rear occupants have tons of space for heads, legs and feet. Luscious leather upholstery with expert stitching adds to the motoring pleasure. Elegant-looking gauges with brushed-aluminum accents turn a soothing blue at night. An abundantly dimensioned glovebox comes in handy. Rear-drive sedans have a 15-cubic-foot trunk, with space-saving hinges.


Because the Passat was so heavily refined in mid-2001, little is changing for 2002 except for a new premium CD/cassette stereo system and an emergency trunk-escape handle in the sedan. Midsize shoppers who aren't quite content with the Passat's four-cylinder or V-6 engine soon will have another option, though: A W8 Passat will be coming during the 2002 model year, with an eight-cylinder engine arranged in a space-saving "W" configuration. (www.vw.com)