Volkswagen's Passat sedan and wagon line was named for a cold wind that sweeps across Germany, although VW was hoping that this car would blast the U.S. market with the force of a hurricane. Successor to the competent but unloved VW Quantum, the Passat was supposed to sweep Yankee minds clean of such established family favorites as the
Toyota Camry,
Honda Accord and
Ford Taurus. Unfortunately for VW, the Passat's effect on the American market so far has been about as strong as a wispy breeze.
Early Passat popularity problems were perhaps justified by a buzzy 4-cylinder engine that, when combined with VW's lackluster automatic transmission, offered little driving excitement. Then, last year, the car was given needed muscle with a V6 engine transplant, and the automatic gearbox was extensively revised for smoother, crisper shifts. Dynamically the car became more palatable, but the Passat's jelly-bean styling and grille-less nose failed to create much interest.
This shouldn't be the case with 1995's Passat. Mechanically, it's almost identical to last year's model, but the Passat gains a more sophisticated look and represents one of the greatest values in the market. Powered by Volkswagen's acclaimed V6, the all new Passat offers unmatched levels of standard amenities in the family-oriented midsize segment. When comparably equipped, the Passat beats its primary Asian rival by a couple thousand bucks, and VW's service and powertrain warranty are among the greatest in the business.
Despite a slight growth in overall exterior dimensions, the all new Passat Wagon is still markedly more compact than its rivals. Its 181.5-in. length beats its primary rivals by significant amounts - the Accord by 6 in., the Camry by 8 in. and the Taurus by a foot. This means exceptional around-town mobility and the sensation that you're driving a sedan, not a wagon. More importantly, interior space isn't compromised by the Passat's modest overall size. In fact, it boasts more passenger space than any
Volvo.
The revised styling includes a new waterfall front grille and body-color bumpers, mirrors and side moldings. The previous Passat's rear spoiler has been nicely integrated into the rear deck lid, and larger rear taillamps and the removal of certain character lines from the body create a more formal upmarket look to the car, reminiscent of its Audi cousins.
The Passat also echoes its upscale relatives by offering an impressive list of standard equipment such as 15-in. alloy wheels, anti-lock brakes, dual airbags, an anti-theft alarm system, heated power mirrors, a multi-function trip computer and cruise control.
And in case There is any doubt that Volkswagen has every intention of recapturing a large share of the U.S. market, the company offers a customer-care program called Protection Plus, which has the industry's greatest limited powertrain warranty at 10 years or 100,000 miles. It comes with complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles, and two years of roadside assistance. Corrosion protection is six years with no mileage restriction in addition to a comprehensive 2-year, 24,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty.
So extensive is the standard equipment that there are only a few luxurious options available, including a power sunroof and a cold-climate package that includes heated front seats and washer nozzles.
