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Will This High Style, High Tech Sport Wagon Put VW Back on Shoppers Radar Screen
From bland and sensible to sleek and sophisticated, Volkswagen has reworked its midsize sedan from the ground up. Aiming to address the middle ground between the ordinary family sedan and the junior-executive car, the latest Passat should hit home with even the most discerning buyers. Eager to add to its exciting sixth-generation Passat range, VW has just pulled the wraps off the Passat Wagon, which will be ushered in for global introduction this autumn.
The new Passat Wagon aims to lure in new customers to the VW family by offering class-leading technologies, high-performance engines and unexpected  | | Volkswagen plans to show the world that there is indeed still life in the midsize wagon segment. (Photo: Volkswagen of America) |
luxuries, while further developing the connection between driver and the road. An impressive goal, surely, but if properly executed, it will show the world that there is indeed life in the midsize wagon segment.
Against its rivals, the Passat has always appeared to be head and shoulders above the rest in terms of its appearance. Tasteful chrome slivers, beautiful alloy wheels, and slightly  | | The new Passat retains its classy image while adopting VWs new styling theme. (Photo: Volkswagen of America) |
understated design make it look thousands of dollars more expensive than it actually is. The new version seeks to continue this classy trend with VWs new styling theme. The new corporate nose, with its rounded lamps and eye-catching chrome-laden bib, are bold, while its scalloped side flanks and rolled wheel arches give the side panels extra body, in much the same way that BMWs famed flamed surfaces do.
To increase the appeal of the Wagon models, VW has altered its styling technique, attempting  | | The new Passat is able to carry a maximum of 1,731 liters (61.1 cu ft), a useful increase of 131 (4.6 cu ft) from the previous models 1,600-liter (56.5 cu ft) max. (Photo: Volkswagen of America) |
to translate its sharp design into the wagon bodystyle, by taking a page from more stylish wagons, such as Audis popular A4 Avant, and Volvos youthful V50. Note the thicker rear pillars and their inset location, as well as the curved rear glass; these are the tricks that helped to reduce the rear ends boxiness. The Passat is based on a newer, larger platform, and stands 92 mm (3.6 in.) longer, 74 mm (2.9 in.) wider, and 19 mm (0.75 in.) taller than the current Passat Wagon.
Despite the more sloped rear liftgate, which normally limits the cargo-carrying capacity, the  | | The Passat can be loaded to the gills with enough gizmos and gadgets to keep even the most tech-savvy customers gleeful. (Photo: Volkswagen of America) |
new Passat is able to carry a maximum of 1,731 liters (61.1 cu ft), a useful increase of 131 (4.6 cu ft) from the previous models 1,600-liter (56.5 cu ft) max. But not only can you pack more into the Passat, you can better organize it, thanks to an adjustable cargo management system. With moving and locking rails as well as retractable tether straps, bulky and cumbersome loads can easily be latched down to the floors and load areas. Options to make the Wagons versatility even more appealing include an automatic, self-leveling hydropneumatic rear suspension system, and a tailgate which opens, closes and locks at the touch of a button.
Base models are extremely well equipped, featuring a handful of class firsts,  | | North American models will most likely be limited to a choice between three gasoline engines, all of which feature performance and economy-boosting FSI direct injection, plus one diesel. (Photo: Volkswagen of America) |
many of which are drawn from high-end Audis and other luxury cars. All Passats, including bottom-spec base models, will receive a space-saving electro-mechanical parking brake, electro-mechanical variable assist steering, and VWs new "Press & Drive" key-pass system, which replaces the conventional key with a card-like device which identifies the driver via a proximity sensor, allowing the car to be locked, unlocked and started without a key.
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