Curb Zone - View Single Post - Inside Line Test: Volkswagen Passat 3.6 lt.

Yannis · 05-06-2006, 01:12 PM

From the review:

Worth the money in the turns
Whatever couple tenths the Camry has over the Passat in acceleration is made up for by the Volkswagen's sharper, livelier handling. Between the wider tires that come standard and the tightened-up suspension that's part of the sport package, the 3.6 weaved through the slalom more than 3 mph faster than the Camry and 1.3 mph faster than the 2.0T.

We were surprised by how well the electromechanical steering varies between a solid on-center feel at speed and one-finger maneuverability in parking lots. Standard electronic stability control keeps the Passat pointed in the right direction when it's on and even with it off you get nothing but easily manageable understeer.

Premium enough
If you're still choking at the thought of paying nearly $37K for a Passat, take a look at the interior. It's as nice as any equivalently priced BMW or Infiniti. Ordering the $3,050 sport package adds sharp-looking metallic trim that's tastefully applied and laser straight. The analog gauges would look at home in a car costing twice as much and even its 12-way leather sport seats show design influence from classic Ferraris.

Full Test

05-06-2006, 01:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
Yannis Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 7,198 My Mood: Thanks: 1,243 Thanked 1,231 Times in 703 Posts	Inside Line Test: Volkswagen Passat 3.6 lt. From the review: Worth the money in the turns Whatever couple tenths the Camry has over the Passat in acceleration is made up for by the Volkswagen's sharper, livelier handling. Between the wider tires that come standard and the tightened-up suspension that's part of the sport package, the 3.6 weaved through the slalom more than 3 mph faster than the Camry and 1.3 mph faster than the 2.0T. We were surprised by how well the electromechanical steering varies between a solid on-center feel at speed and one-finger maneuverability in parking lots. Standard electronic stability control keeps the Passat pointed in the right direction when it's on and even with it off you get nothing but easily manageable understeer. Premium enough If you're still choking at the thought of paying nearly $37K for a Passat, take a look at the interior. It's as nice as any equivalently priced BMW or Infiniti. Ordering the $3,050 sport package adds sharp-looking metallic trim that's tastefully applied and laser straight. The analog gauges would look at home in a car costing twice as much and even its 12-way leather sport seats show design influence from classic Ferraris. Full Test