2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon

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The Volkswagen Passat Wagon delivers crisp handling and can serve as a sportier alternative to an SUV.

The Volkswagen Passat Wagon helps illustrate why the European brands continue to embrace station wagons as sleek and sporty — but still practical — alternatives to SUVs. Meanwhile, most domestic and Asian brands (except Subaru) have largely abandoned station wagons over the last two decades.

The newest generation of the Passat Wagon debuted for the 2007 model year. In keeping with the long-term trend, the revamped wagon is larger than the model it replaced in nearly every dimension. Styling is handsome inside and out, with added sophistication and pleasing performance. The Passat Wagon is one of the sportier choices among vehicles that are largely purchased for utility.

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The base Volkswagen Passat Wagon and the Passat Wagon 2.0T both come powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine that delivers acceptable acceleration, with impressive fuel economy. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. A six-speed automatic that features Tiptronic manual-shift capability is optional.

The 2.0-liter turbo is arguably the automaker’s best all-around engine in terms of bang for the buck, but it doesn’t feel as powerful in the Volkswagen Passat Wagon as it does in smaller models like the VW GTi and Audi A3. Those seeking more muscle can choose a Volkswagen Passat Wagon 3.6, which comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine. This engine can only be paired with the automatic gearbox. It can also be ordered with the automaker’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system for added roadholding abilities in wet or dry conditions.

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The Volkswagen Passat Wagon emphasizes precise ride and handling characteristics thanks to a sport-tuned, four-wheel independent suspension with electro-mechanical power steering. Safety is a major emphasis as well, with a range of advanced systems standard for added control over a wide range of conditions and handling situations. These include four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, Anti-Slip Regulation, Electronic Differential Locking, and VW’s Electronic Stabilization Program. What’s more, the Volkswagen Passat Wagon offers eight airbags, along with active head restraints to help reduce whiplash injuries. Rear side-thorax airbags are optional.

• Volkswagen Passat Wagon Vehicle Summary

Exterior styling for the Volkswagen Passat Wagon is smooth, sleek, and uncluttered, and it’s capped with VW’s signature two-piece front grille. The interior is well finished in quality materials, and it offers ample accommodations for five adults. The newest generation has 2.4 inches more rear-seat legroom than the model it replaced. The Volkswagen Passat Wagon’s rear seat features separate climate-control vents, 60/40-split folding seatbacks to expand the already spacious trunk, and a folding center armrest with a pass-through feature for transporting skis or other long and narrow objects. Rear-seat riders in the Volkswagen Passat Wagon are treated to a bit more headroom than in the sedan.

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The Volkswagen Passat Wagon offers a few noteworthy options, including adaptive headlamps that pivot to illuminate the road through curves at night. Also optional is a premium Dynaudio sound system that’s custom designed for Volkswagen. Both of these particular options, however, are only available in high-priced options packages.