What is it?
Volkswagen Passat<
What's special about it?
The current Passat ranked as Europe's most popular vehicle in its class last year, and is helping Volkswagen to break sales records in the U.S. Little wonder - Passat does nearly everything well, and ranks as our favorite in numerous configurations.
The latest iteration sees a freshening, with a revised front fascia highlighted by a chrome-trimmed grille and dual headlights under a clear lens. The interior is beautifully rendered, highlighted by a silver-framed dashboard. With such other additions as an optional navigation system and available xenon headlamps, it certainly competes with near-luxury vehicles, but at a far more reasonable price.
The engines of the European versions also get a power boost (Did you know that some Passats sport a V5 that makes 170 horsepower? Weird, huh?). American engines remain the same. We hear that VW may soon introduce a V8 engine for the Passat.
Why should you care?
Volkswagen essentially gave its Passat a minor makeover. You don't fix what ain't broken...and this family sedan/wagon is definitely not broken.
-- Liz Kim
Add A Comment »