2002 Volkswagen Passat Review

If you don't think once-humble Volkswagen is going upscale, just look at the new all-wheel-drive Passat W8. This fast, posh sedan is the first Volkswagen with an eight-cylinder engine, and is the most powerful Volkswagen ever sold here. In fact, it's the only car in its class with an eight-cylinder engine. That engine has a unique "double V'' or "W'' configuration and is unlike any other eight-cylinder auto production engine ever built.

Volkswagen--long a major player in Europe--faltered here in the early 1990s, but has made a big comeback. It's the envy of rivals because it has one of the youngest buyer groups in this country. Now that it's attracted many young drivers with its Jetta and New Beetle models, Volkswagen can introduce cars such as the Passat W8 to appeal to an older crowd with more money--not that it's writing off young folks with fairly thick wallets. The Passat is Volkswagen's most upscale car and can be classified as either a compact or near-midsize model.

It's been a hit since redone for 1998, partly because it then looked and performed like costlier Audi models. It received many changes in early 2001 to make it more solid and to provide better ride and handling. That "2001.5'' version looked a bit more elegant and racier than the previous model, with only the roof and doors shared.

The Passat never was designed to use a regular V-8, which won't fit in it. But the more compact W8 fits fine because it's made up of two compact Volkswagen V4 cylinder modules. Thus, "V'' plus "V'' equals "W.'' The unique W8 provides the smooth, muscular power delivery of a V-8 and is sophisticated, with such things as four adjustable camshafts. An even more upscale Volkswagen with a W12 engine is planned, although it might take folks time to even get used to an eight-cylinder Volkswagen. Standard for the Passat W8 is Volkswagen's sophisticated 4Motion all-wheel-drive system for enhanced road grip.

The W8 also is equipped like a luxury car with a bunch of power accessories, upscale eight-speaker sound system, sliding glass sunroof and such items as leather upholstery, heated front seats and wood-and-chrome interior accents. There also are unique 16-inch alloy wheels and four chromed exhaust outlet tips, along with "W8'' badging. There are plenty of safety items, including side air bags up front, anti-lock brakes and curtain side air bags. The Passat W8 sedan I tested is priced at $37,900, while a station wagon version costs $38,700.

Other Passat models have a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower or 2.8-liter V-6 producing 190 horsepower. They cost from $21,750 to $32,375 and are pretty smooth and quick. However, the 4-liter W8 generates 270 horsepower and far more torque than the other engines. It propels the 130-mph Passat to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds and allows easy merging and passing.

The 32-valve engine loafs at 2,400 rpm at 70 mph. But some might find the accelerator pedal is a bit too sensitive, causing more initial acceleration than wanted. The new engine works with a five-speed automatic transmission that upshifts smoothly and downshifts fairly quickly. The transmission has a shift gate that allows clutchless manual shifting.

A sport package with a sport suspension, larger (17-inch versus 16-inch) wheels and higher-performance tires will be offered at the beginning of the 2003 model year. A six-speed manual gearbox will be offered later next year. If BMW offers a manual transmission for upscale models, Volkswagen figures it can do the same. Both automakers want to maintain a youthful image.

The W8 isn't quite a sports sedan, but has responsive steering with good road feel and sharp handling that's helped by an electronic stability control system. The powerful brakes provide quick stops, although the pedal needs a more progressive feel. The ride is smooth and well-controlled. The quiet interior has plenty of space for four tall adults, but the front power seats should operate more quickly. Gauges should have larger markings and climate controls are small. However, radio controls are conveniently put above the climate controls and are easy to use.

The rear seat isn't wide enough for three adults and has a stiff center section. The three rear headrests are a good safety item, although they partly block vision through the rearview mirror. The large trunk is long but somewhat shallow. Too bad the Passat W8's all-wheel-drive system doesn't allow flip-down rear seatbacks that enlarge the cargo area. The new engine gives the Passat W8 a leg up and makes a desirable car even more desirable. But whoever thought we'd see a $38,000 Volkswagen?

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT W8

Price
$37,900-$38,700
Likes
First eight-cylinder VW. All-wheel drive. Very fast. Responsive. Comfortable.
Dislikes
Pricey for a VW. No flip-down rear seatbacks. Awkwardly placed climate controls.