REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

2,315 changes… And so?

The untrained eye – and even a trained one at that – may miss the 2,315 changes made to the new Passat that is starting a new career in dealer showrooms.

How do you improve a car that has been collecting mentions since its unveiling in 1997? In Canada, despite the critics’ acclaim, the largest Volkswagen cannot outsell the Camry (Toyota), Accord (Honda) and Taurus (Ford).

This recent revamping, unfortunately, will not be enough to fill the sales gap that separates it from its popular intermediate rivals. But according to CEO Ferdinand Piech, the new Passat can rival the luxurious Acuras, Volvos and Audis. The German firm must convince and quickly, because it will soon introduce a V8 version of the Passat.

To show more nobility, this Volkswagen is dressed up with chrome decals (a bit tacky in my opinion), a VW sign in the middle of its front grille, and headlights (halogen in North America, Xenon in Europe) places behind glass lenses. The rear end shows more aerodynamic fender curves and redesigned lights. Two things: with the exception of the roof and doors, nothing on this year’s Passat is identical to last year’s. The Passat is a few millimeters longer, but the wheel span and trunk are untouched. In Europe, the car is equipped with a rear motion detector for parking maneuvers. The four doors open on a slightly austere interior. The atmosphere aboard a Passat may feel a bit cold (despite the wood and leather offered on the luxury edition), but it is impressive. The assembly’s quality, the roomy interior and the host of accessories are noticeable. To quiet critics down and to satisfy North Americans who tend to drink and drive, VW stylists redesigned the central console and repositioned the hand brake to provide more storage and adjustable cup holders. Rear seat passengers cannot complain; their cup holder is in the central armrest. Gesundheit! Regarding safety, the new Passat is equipped with air curtains that deploy from the roof incase of side impact. This option is available at $375. To compete with the best sedans in the $30K – $40K bracket and to be fitted with a heavier and more powerful engine (a V8), the new Passat needed a stronger frame. A reasonable 10% increase was enough to get the job done.

Until the Passat receives the W8 engine, North Americans are offered a choice between the turbo-charged 1.8-litre 4-cylinder and the 2.8-litre V6 (on the GLS and GLX). The most interesting of these two engines may come as a surprise. The 4-cylinder has an extra 20 hp this year (170 vs.150) and its weight-power ratio is almost identical to that of the V6 (190 hp). Why not increase that engine’s output? "We have reached the limit in developing that engine, said one VW executive in Atlanta. If the V6 has reached its ceiling, the turbo 4 hasn’t. Audi is selling a reliable and durable 225hp version of that engine.

So, is the 4motion integral traction (exclusively with the V6) and paying more to oil companies enough reason to choose the V6? Is reaching 100km/h in six hundredth of a second less that important to you? Maybe you’re worried that the semi-automatic transmission may not be perfectly matched to the 4-cylinder engine? Well, they’re no better with the V6. The semi-automatic is too hesitant in selecting one of the 244 programs it contains. Expect delays on acceleration and pickups. Unless you are reluctant to use a clutch and shifter and to keep the $1,230 required for the semi-automatic in your wallet, you might prefer the rubbery but efficient manual transmission.

On the road, this new Passat will turn heads. Balanced and safe, this is a true German car. It turns and brakes like no other. But some elements are perfectible, like the suspension that could be firmer, especially on a damaged pavement, and the steering that could relay more information on front wheel position. The turning radius is reasonable and gives the Passat decent urban manners.

In conclusion, the revamping of the Passat is partly a success. It has its virtues, and notwithstanding the great qualities of the Passat, one question remain unanswered. How does VW justify the increasing price of this car when the CEO brags about the savings made in its production? Talk is cheap, it seems…

PROS
Soliditй de la caisse
Espace intйrieur vaste
Agrйment de conduite

CONS
Prix corsй
Transmission confuse
Suspension molasse

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * * *
Passenger: * * * *

Major revamp in 2001

2002 Germany