The Volkswagen Passat is available in two different body styles for 2008, a sedan and a wagon; both are offered in four different models: Turbo, Comfort, Lux, and VR6. Turbo, Comfort, and Lux models come with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine making an impressive 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. Turbo models come with either a six-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic automatic, but Comfort and Lux models are only offered with the automatic. VR6 models get the latest version of Volkswagen's engine of the same name, a 280-horsepower, 3.6L DOHC V6, hooked up to a six-speed automatic and the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system for good all-weather traction and good handling balance with the added power. Acceleration is noteworthy with either model. The Turbo model, with the four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual, can get to 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds, while the VR6 model can get from zero to 60 in 6.2 seconds. The four-cylinder model pairs this with excellent fuel economy ratings of 23 city, 32 highway. The Passat sedan offers a modest 14.2-cubic-foot trunk, but the wagon has a huge 35.8 cubic-foot cargo space, expandable to more than 61 cubic feet with the split-folding rear seatbacks down. The wagon includes a 12-volt power outlet in back, along with a power-operated hatch. All Passats include ESP electronic stability control with electronic differential locking, which helps maintain stability and traction. Anti-lock brakes are also standard and include brake assist for more effective emergency stopping plus a brake-wiping feature to keep them dry in wet weather. Six air bags are standard, including side-impact front air bags and side-curtain bags for outboard occupants. Rear-seat side-impact air bags--a feature that's not widely available--are optional. There's a very wide price range between the base Turbo four-cylinder and the top VR6 model, and the standard equipment represents that range. The VR6 model comes equipped as a true luxury car, with heated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, park distance control, and a number of interior and exterior extras. Top options on the Passat include bi-xenon headlamps, which can be combined in an option package to include adaptive front lighting, which swivels the headlights by up to 15 degrees, aided by a cornering light that illuminates up to 35 degrees in a turn. The premium audio system, from Danish company Dynaudio, includes eight speakers, a six-disc changer, and steering-wheel audio controls. DVD-based navigation system, adaptive cruise control, and satellite radio are also available.
