2008 Volkswagen Passat Review

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.
For the 2008 Volkswagen Passat, the six-cylinder VR6 model is only available with 4Motion all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission, and the manual transmission is only offered on the Turbo model. A 12-way power driver seat is now standard across the line, along with manual side and rear sunshades. A new alloy wheel design has been introduced for the base Turbo model.

Two exterior colors, Wheat Beige and Shadow Blue, have been dropped from the lineup, and the Pure Beige interior has been replaced by Classic Gray. see less