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It has been years since VW has made a really hot selling wagon.
The Passat is VW's hottest selling car here in Southern California. In it's
wagon form, you get a lot more luggage space. Great for Swap Meets. The Passat
I drove was the 1999 GLS wagon in silver. Not many options were included
with mine, just the power convenience package but it was still impressive
for a $21,000 car. The first thing to catch my eyes was when I unlocked the
door. Turn the key to the left and it unlocks the doors. No big deal, right?
Hold it there for 3 seconds and it rolls down all the windows for you. Nice
feature for those hot days when you want the car to air out before you get
in. Turn the key the opposite way and it will lock, hold it to roll the windows
up.
I sat down in the car and noticed that the seat was the usual
hard padding VW uses. I adjusted my seat with very little effort. Amazingly
this car seems like it was built for my 6' tall body. The steering wheel
is tilt and telescopic with a neat VW sign in the middle. The motor in my
Passat was the 20 valve turbo. The car had the automatic Tiptronic transmission.
Basically it's a 5 speed Automatic with a formula 1 style click shifter.
I found the Chrome around the shift gate impressive, it really sets the interior
off. The Passat starts smooth and quieter than the Jetta. Interior noise
is very minimal while cruising. Pin the throttle to the floor and the engine
comes to life. Power is instant and very impressive. With my hands removed
from the steering wheel, I accelerated to 80 MPH without any throttle steer.
Not many front wheel drive cars can do this, considering how much power the
car had.
Getting on the freeway was no problem for this car. It handled
90mph on a 50mph onramp with great composure.(not the salesman though!) The
car remained stable and neutral throughout the corner and continued to accelerate
briskly. The 5 speed automatic transmission shifts smooth with very little
gear searching. Off the freeway it was time to try the Tiptronic shifting.
From Drive I moved the shifter over to the shift gate labeled + and -. Pull
it back and it upshifts, forward and it downshifts. On accident I left it
in first. At 7000 RPM it shifted to Second. I then quick shifted to fifth
gear. When you pull to a stop the car automatically down shifts. Pretty cool.
The interior seats 5 people with comfort. The rear seat is
a 60/40 split which folds to add more trunk space. The trunk has tie downs
and two power convenience plugs. The interior color on my Passat was a very
dark color. Almost black. Driving comfort was very impressive. The harshness
of the seats is hardly noticeable. Ride and handling is very stiff yet inspiring.
My only dislikes for this car are the tiny yet innovative front cupholders
and the stupid radio lock out controls. I hate VW's stereos. If I had to
pick between the New Jetta and the Passat. I think the Passat would win.
It has a little better refinement than the Jetta. I will test drive the VR6
Passat sedan soon. Stay tuned.
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© 1999 Brock's VW Magazine Online - VWMAGAZINE.COMSM