Test Drive: New Passat Wagon

Sharp11 · 05-11-2006, 12:36 AM

I have a friend who just purchased a new Passat 2.0t wagon.

He got the "package 2" option this includes a leather interior, sat radio, 17's and some other nice bits I can't recall.

What a car! The engine's silky smooth at idle, but has a muted growl upon acceleration. The six speed tip-tronic shifts smoothly and imperceptively.

The ride's excellent, the steering (electric) just fine and the throttle response is right there. It's not sporty by any measure, it's just really competent.

The interior, in package two level, is quite nice. There are a few hard plastics here and there, but the seats, with their long cushions and multiple adjustments, fit me just right. The steering wheel's covered in leather and it tilts and telescopes. My only ergonomic nit is the brake pedal - it's too high and too close the the throttle.

Nice ambient lighting, just like my old E46.

This car has the same luxo feel as the BMW 325xi wagon I drove last week, yet it cost just under 30k and had generous 4.9 percent financing.

Now, if only VW could convince me they're on a track to better customer relations and improved reliability (i.e., I suspect the electric tailgate will cease working, but I'd like the tranny to last more than 70k) I'd convince my wife she needs this car.

Ed

FC · 05-11-2006, 07:27 AM

Did this car look like this: http://forums.carmudgeons.com/showthread.php?t=7126

If so, no dice. Ever.

Sharp11 · 05-11-2006, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fernando

Did this car look like this: http://forums.carmudgeons.com/showthread.php?t=7126

If so, no dice. Ever.

Only if your corneas are equipped with cheap, wide-angle lenses.

Ed

JST · 05-11-2006, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fernando

Did this car look like this: http://forums.carmudgeons.com/showthread.php?t=7126

If so, no dice. Ever.

I think you mean evAr.

rumatt · 05-11-2006, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharp11

Only if your corneas are equipped with cheap, wide-angle lenses.

You can't deny the freaking thing has teeth though.

Sharp11 · 05-11-2006, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rumatt

You can't deny the freaking thing has teeth though.

I didn't get on my hands and knees and peer under the front bumper, however, I think the wagon shape is quite attractive.

Ed

iateyourcheese · 05-11-2006, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharp11

I didn't get on my hands and knees and peer under the front bumper, however, I think the wagon shape is quite attractive.

Ed

BMW tourings look better than the sedans, IMO. But the wagon just can't save the VW, sorry.

lemming · 05-11-2006, 12:31 PM

my only concern, as always, is the reliability of the product.

but i looked up the specs of the 3.0 5M mazda 6 wagon and it's 3400 pounds and has the same power as the 2.0T.

i'm actively looking in this market. pickings are slim.

bren · 05-11-2006, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemming

i'm actively looking in this market. pickings are slim.

John V · 05-11-2006, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bren

You've got to be kidding.

05-11-2006, 12:36 AM	#1
Sharp11 Vicarious Twitterer Join Date: May 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: 06 330 cic ZHP Location: CT Posts: 7,566	Test Drive: New Passat Wagon I have a friend who just purchased a new Passat 2.0t wagon. He got the "package 2" option this includes a leather interior, sat radio, 17's and some other nice bits I can't recall. What a car! The engine's silky smooth at idle, but has a muted growl upon acceleration. The six speed tip-tronic shifts smoothly and imperceptively. The ride's excellent, the steering (electric) just fine and the throttle response is right there. It's not sporty by any measure, it's just really competent. The interior, in package two level, is quite nice. There are a few hard plastics here and there, but the seats, with their long cushions and multiple adjustments, fit me just right. The steering wheel's covered in leather and it tilts and telescopes. My only ergonomic nit is the brake pedal - it's too high and too close the the throttle. Nice ambient lighting, just like my old E46. This car has the same luxo feel as the BMW 325xi wagon I drove last week, yet it cost just under 30k and had generous 4.9 percent financing. Now, if only VW could convince me they're on a track to better customer relations and improved reliability (i.e., I suspect the electric tailgate will cease working, but I'd like the tranny to last more than 70k) I'd convince my wife she needs this car. Ed

05-11-2006, 12:31 PM	#8
lemming Western Anomaly Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: White Orca Posts: 16,612	my only concern, as always, is the reliability of the product. but i looked up the specs of the 3.0 5M mazda 6 wagon and it's 3400 pounds and has the same power as the 2.0T. i'm actively looking in this market. pickings are slim. __________________

05-11-2006, 07:27 AM	#2
FC Solving problems Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4 Location: Metro Boston Posts: 25,264	Did this car look like this: http://forums.carmudgeons.com/showthread.php?t=7126 If so, no dice. Ever.