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2007 Volkswagen Passat Wagon 3.6 4Motion Road Test

Smarter Wagon

Regardless of what demographic marketers might slot you into, suppose for a moment that you, the reader, are married with 2.1 kids and pet and are in the market for a new way of transporting the family unit. There are plenty of choices out there to choose from - midsize sedans, any number of modern compact cars, possibly a minivan, crossover, sport utility vehicle, or even a four-door pickup truck. But assuming that you, the reader are like me (i.e. having a pulse) youll want something sporty, with good power, high levels of grip and above all, style, and lets not forget quality. This means that most CO2-belching SUVs are out of the question, and its an unlikely occurrence that youd sentence yourself to a minivan. And the trusty, run-of-the-mill midsize family sedan? Youd probably first cast yourself into oblivion than to buy an automobile-shaped placebo, not to mention you need

The Passat Wagon. A smart solution to the SUV / luxury car dilemma. (Photo: Kogodos, American Auto Press)

something more practical. After all of this, things become crystal clear: what you need instead is a wagon.

Now, before you move your mouse to that little red box on the upper right hand corner of your web browser, let me explain: wagons arent what they used to be; theyve lost much of their sociological baggage. Theyre not big (except the Dodge Magnum), nor are they lumbering; and, as a matter of fact, you cant even get them with vinyl wood paneling anymore. Vista roofs have gone the way of the dino; now evolving into full-length panoramic sunroofs, which are

Since most automakers have left the wagon bodystyle, theyve become quite a rare thing. (Photo: Kogodos, American Auto Press)

currently quite trendy. Since so many automakers have left the field, the remaining brands have more or less been distilled to add that ever so desirable European flavor. Sure, Fords still mulling about with the old-timer Taurus wagon (not for long) and its ultra-tall Focus wagon is more utilitarian than sporty, Subarus faithful Legacy and Impreza move the excitement meter up a notch or two, and theres the compact made-in-Korea Suzuki Forenza Wagon, but really thats about it. Theres also the Mazda6 Wagon, which just about slipped my mind. But wait a minute: the wagon segment is also overflowing with the

Volkswagen badge brings Grade A+ engineering at a more affordable price. (Photo: Kogodos, American Auto Press)

brands automotive enthusiasts adore: the Audis, BMWs, Saabs and Volvos of the world.

This brings us very neatly to the subject of this review, the new Passat Wagon. Unlike any of the aforementioned European automakers, Volkswagen stands out. It sits, comfortably nestled in a status of near-luxury because the badge has presence, but not to the same degree as other luxury heavyweights. The Passat, now its halo passenger car since the Phaeton has been dropped, is also unlike other wagons that the competition is producing: it fills the void between the ultimately compact entry-level vehicles (A4 Avant, 3-Series Touring, etc.) and the larger, and substantially

It may share components with the Jetta/Rabbit, but make no mistake, its a completely different car. (Photo: Kogodos, American Auto Press)

more costly executive segment (A6 Avant, 5-Series Touring etc.). Its an equal in technology, design and amenities, but it does this without the snob appeal, not to mention the fact that it costs thousands less. The Passat is also different in that its not trying to be anything but a wagon; not a Crossback, Sporthatch, Sportback... just a wagon, with no reservations or pretenses. How refreshing.
The latest Passat Wagon is based on the fundamentally new Passat Sedan, which uses architecture and components from the PQ35 (Rabbit/GTI/Jetta), but stretched out to typical midsize dimensions, including a greater width, track and wheelbase to create the new, PQ46 chassis. Development

Chrome grill reveals the truth: our photographer is indeed invisible. (Photo: Kogodos, American Auto Press)

of this modular length and width platform provided Volkswagen with a cost-conscious solution to creating a flurry of new automobiles, and an alternative to the expensive Audi-based roots of past Passats. Though it might be based on Volkswagens compact car lineup, the Passat features the latest in suspension design, including a full five-link rear suspension, which replaces the old torsion beam setup; plus adds a speed-sensitive electromechanical power steering system.

Everything to do with the Wagons styling is business as usual before the central B-pillar, which means elegant teardrop shaped headlamps, and the big, chrome Volkswagen coat of arms grille surround. But past this pivotal point, the Passat has been reworked to give the

Not the trunk, but one of the two storage bins. (Photo: Kogodos, American Auto Press)

tail end a smooth and natural look. While some wagons seem to merely have had chunks of metal and glass added to the existing sedan (see Subaru Impreza Wagon), they tend to look burdened and clumsy. Though the Passat doesnt have anything special going on at its south end, its slightly tapered roof, and bright, LED-illuminated tail lamps add unexpected class, and the addition of the wagon structure helps minimize the bulk of the rear overhang, a styling trait that visually weighs down the Passat Sedan. One thing that has changed from the sedan is that the big VW badge on the Passats tail isnt a release for the tailgate. Thats moved below, under the license plate holder.

It must be said though, that the Passat Wagon is a handsome looking beast, and one that can bear your burden no less. It has one of the largest

New chassis design means that the seats back here are surprisingly comfortable and spacious. (Photo: Kogodos, American Auto Press)

cargo capacities amongst the current crop of wagons, falling short of Volvos full-size V70 and the exorbitantly expensive E-Class Wagon. Without folding down the rear seats, you can pack 21.3 cubic feet of luggage, boxes, golf-clubs, or anything else you desire into its hindquarters. Thats a gain of 3.8 cu-ft over the old model, no less, and 3.7 cu-ft greater than the sedan. Because volume alone isnt always enough justification for having a different bodystyle, the Passat Wagon benefits from having a low loading sill, and an extra wide aperture, allowing wide boxes to be loaded on board with ease. On top of the line models, the tailgate rises and lowers at the touch of a button. One clever option available in Europe but not part of the North American lineup is the clever cargo divider system as featured on the Audi A6 Avant, which uses

Like all the other high-power German cars, this one would be more than capable of hitting 155 mph, if it werent for the electronic limiter. (Photo: Kogodos, American Auto Press)

a series of clips, retractable belts and collapsible dividers mounted on rails to organize and tie down any loose cargo in the bay. Why cant you get it here? Seatbelt regulations. VW and Audi have come up with a new seatbelt mechanism that hasnt yet passed federal regulations; dont worry, it comes on good authority that theyre working hard to make sure it does soon.

Unlike the European competitors the Passat Wagon is lumped in with, at least from a pricing perspective, the vee-dub is a truly spacious automobile, and not just for those riding in front. As the platform uses the GTI/Jettas transverse positioning of the engine and the more compact Haldex multi-disc clutch all-wheel drive system in place of the old Torsen differential system, an impressive amount of space has been freed up in the name of cabin space; even though it no longer uses a

Wagon meets art. Or something like that. (Photo: Kogodos, American Auto Press)

torsion beam rear suspension. This positively affects the conditions of those who must ride in back, where the Passat impresses with leagues of leg, knee and shoulder room. Its not quite roomy enough to fully stretch out, but its enough to make a six-hour non-stop road trip more than bearable. Plus, with wide-opening doors and a much larger door base opening, theres also no struggle to enter or exit. Pull-up window shades, and a front-door umbrella holder are other nice additions.

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