2004 Volkswagen Passat Review

Specifications

Practical, Sporty and Frugal

Every now and then an auto manufacturer hits upon a design that is timeless and almost universally appealing. In the 1998 model year, Volkswagen did just that with the introduction of the current generation Passat. Since its launch, sales of the midsize VW have consistently increased.

Such sustainability, however, requires more than just good looks. Unlike the loveable VWs of yesteryear the Passat is a thoroughly modern sedan that ascribes to a traditional layout by placing the engine at the front of the vehicle. And in case someone has been in a state of suspended animation since the flower-power era, the Passat is water-cooled and capable of copious interior heat.

The exterior lines that have served the Passat so well are conservative, clean and constrained. There is nothing dramatic or edgy about the nicely proportioned European body, which features large slabs of scenery enhancing glass all around. While many manufacturers of midsize sedans have incorporated fuel-efficient wedge shapes into their exterior presentations, VW stylists admirably resisted. In doing so they penned a Passat shape that is unique to Volkswagen, although genetically linked to Audi. Also like the Audi, VWs Passat is fabricated with precise and accurately fitted panels, creating an exterior surface that is flawless.

Opening and closing any of the Passats four doors or trunk lid imparts a sense of solidity. As a Passat loving colleague of mine so passionately pointed out, slamming the trunk on a Passat does not net the tinny, hollow sound that it does on some domestically manufactured vehicles. Although to my knowledge no scientific data exists to verify this anecdotal assertion, he may have a point. What is certain to both of us though, is the cars tight-as-a-drum build quality.

That quality is most evident within the confines of the spacious cabin. Bearing in mind the reasonable base price of this Emden, Germany built five-seater, starting at $21,780, its interior construction is impressive. As with the exterior, interior fit and finish is superb.

As well as being functionally laid-out the interior is composed of materials that transmit a feeling of substantial worth, such that one might be seduced into believing the splendid trappings are encompassed in a much more expensive sedan. This becomes evident once the derriere is planted in any of the five possible seating positions, although the effect is greatest for those planted in the front row. The front seats are superb, providing occupants with the firm support that is typical of German marques; substantive side bolstering ensures Velcro-like body adhesion during assertive cornering maneuvers. With the use of manual controls, the heated front seats in my leather clad GLS version were infinitely adjustable.

Getting comfortable is a pleasant experience no matter the size and shape of driver and passengers, thanks to the Passats height adjustable seats. Head and legroom is abundant regardless of where youre seated. I placed the drivers seat at its maximum rearward travel and still found plenty of room for my size 11s and adjoining femurs to situate themselves comfortably. And while scurrying about the rear seat, my balding crown was not in jeopardy of a close encounter with the roof liner thanks to the generous interior dimensions Volkswagen engineered into the Passat.

Clearly visible to the driver through the upper half of the steering wheel is a large analog tachometer situated next to a matching speedometer, both of which are separated by an LCD screen displaying a driver information center. At night these gauges illuminate with brilliant blue backgrounds, while the remaining instrumentation lighting is red. Although some may view the lighting scheme as garish, I favored the array of color and glitz, finding it very effective at clearly displaying critical data.

In the center stack next to the gauge cluster VW has located a straightforward, easy to use audio system, which includes a single-disc CD player as standard equipment. The sound quality of this base unit is good but not sensational. For that an upgrade to the Monsoon audio system is necessary. I sampled the Monsoon system in a Passat W8 wagon that I tested several months ago and was highly impressed with its sound reproduction and dynamic range.

Heat and ventilation controls are the basic, but highly functional, rotary-dial variety that I so appreciate. This makes the HVAC system easy and intuitive to operate. On maximum, the force of the air-conditioning unit is capable of relocating small parcels to the back seat. Blending in with the center stack is the floor console, which houses the stick shift. The shifter is set amid a hefty chrome bezel, which adds a classy touch to the fairly stark GLS interior. The bezel features additional gating for Volkswagens Tiptronic manual-mode shifting that accompanies the automatic 5-speed transmission. Standard in the Passat, however, is a 5-speed manual gearbox, with a 6-speed manual available when the W8 option is selected.

Sending twisting force to the transmission is a wide selection of engines, the base of which is the DOHC 5-valve per cylinder, 1.8-liter turbocharged inline 4-banger that powered my sampler to the tune of 170-horsepower and 166 foot-pounds of torque. The other powerplants available in the Passat include a turbodiesel (TDI) 2.0-liter 134-horsepower I-4, a 2.8-liter 190-horsepower V6 and the ultimate, 4.0-liter 270-horsepower W8. My recent review of the W8 equipped Passat wagon, which can be found in the archives, expounded upon the virtues of this unique engine. But alas, this weeks Passat is motivated by the high achieving, fuel efficient 1.8T.

Despite its diminutive displacement, theres an awful lot to appreciate in the popular 4-cylinder. The little bulldog of an engine is capable of providing the sizeable Passat sedan spirited performance, even when mated to the auto-box. The sizzle in the 1.8s performance can be credited to its turbo, which force-feeds plenty of oxygen into the four cylinders. When combined with a miniscule spray of premium fuel, the mixture of CO2 and petrol rapidly combust before being ejected out the multiple exhaust valves per cylinder.

This increased flow of air translates into increased power, albeit the power doesnt really stand to attention much before 4,000 rpm. But once it does, it does so very enthusiastically. With 5-valves per-cylinder in operation, the engine never runs out of breath en route to its 6,500 rpm redline. Unfortunately lashing into the throttle quickly will generate a moments hesitation as the engines electronic technology processes the order and the turbocharger spools up the necessary airflow. This effect is most evident when full power is demanded during the idling stage. Nonetheless, when balanced against its displacement and fuel efficiency, the power output and subsequent acceleration provided by the 1.8-liter turbocharged engine is outstanding indeed.

In addition to its pleasing performance, the 1.8T emits a slight growl from the exhaust that is sure to please those who need the practicality of a family sedan but long for the zeal that only a sports car can bestow. And bestowing sports car zeal is something the 2004 Passat 1.8T does quite successfully - and quite intentionally no doubt. Thanks to VWs Tiptronic technology and the quick shifting of its autobox, even those who have had to cede to an automatic transmission can elevate their pulse by jamming the gears manually.

But the Passats sporting character extends well beyond the gearbox, whether automatic or manual. Pick a line through a curve and its sports car spirit will hold that line and emerge from the curve where intended, despite noticeable body lean. Rapid maneuvers can also induce minor body sway, which is likely more attributable to its passenger car tires than engineering. The sway is not overly disconcerting and when anticipated is easily managed. Balanced nicely between ride quality and handling, the suspension setup on the GLX I was testing absorbed most road imperfections without over or under reacting. The noteworthy rigidity of the Passats body structure resists shudder and flex, while maximizing the suspensions ability to respond to bumps and rough road surfaces.

Performing so admirably beneath a Passat is its 4-link front suspension design that utilizes coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar. Rearward is an independent torsion beam axle with trailing arms. When VWs 4Motion all-wheel-drive technology is added, the rear suspension is altered to a fully independent double wishbone design. Directed by a rack and pinion steering mechanism, Passat turn-in is direct, precise and sporty feeling, however it is slightly on the heavy side for a family sedan. The weightiness brings with it an elevated sense of road feel and feedback over setups that favor ease of operation.

Ease of operation is a term more applicable to the Passats 4-wheel disc brakes, however, which up front are also vented, a design that aids in preventing brake loss due to excessive heat build up. Resultantly, bringing a fast moving Passat to a halt is easy. The brakes exemplify ease of operation, with little pressure needed to apply maximum braking force to the four spinning wheels, which remain spinning thanks to a very effective antilock system - one which intervenes relatively early in the braking continuum. I would prefer the ability to self regulate braking force slightly more before being supplanted by the electronic antilock system. I am certain however that the antilock calibration is intended to deliver the greatest margin of safety to the greatest number of motorists - and its hard to argue against such nobleness.

The tenacious braking ability of my tester seemed only limited by its 16-inch passenger car tires, which were fitted to racy alloy rims - an upgrade from the standard 15-inch steel rims with full covers. The lack of serious road adhesion by the tires may also contribute to the sense that the antilock system is stepping in early. In any event, braking is progressive and linear in nature. Nosedive is insignificant and vehicle control is never compromised when applying severe braking thresholds.

Should a crash be unavoidable front seat occupants will be appreciative of the dual frontal and side-impact airbags included as standard Passat equipment. Side-curtain airbags are available to provide head injury crash protection to all occupants. Additionally, all five seating positions in the Passat are laced with 3-point seatbelts with automatic tension retractors to maximize their effectiveness.

The Passat is available in four trim levels, beginning with the basic GL, moving vertically to the GLS, followed by the
GLX and eventually the top-line W8. Even in base form the Passat is nicely equipped with comfort and convenience features such as air conditioning, power windows, power locks, tilt steering, trip computer and a CD player.

Also standard in all Passats is Volkswagens Anti Spin Regulation traction control system. Electronic Stabilization Program is available as an option on the GL and GLS. It comes standard on the GLX and W8 models. Regardless of trim level or designated engine, the Passat yields a tremendous amount of value. Of the midsize cars available in its segment, the Passat offers the greatest diversity of engine choices, including the turbodiesel and W8 variants, which are a world apart. While many manufacturers have focused on comfort and refinement in their midsize contributions to the marketplace, it would seem that Volkswagen has focused on spirit and soul with the Passat. Sporty, practical - and if equipped with the 1.8T - frugal are the adjectives that best summarize the 2004 Passat GLS 1.8T that brought me a week of very enjoyable, lively motoring.