The Passat GLS boasts an award-winning 20-valve 1.8-L four-cylinder engine which puts out 150 horsepower with 155 foot-pounds of torque (1750 to 5700 rpm). The five-speed manual overdrive is standard; the automatic overdrive is optional. Edmonds, Inc., publishes four web sites that educate consumers and car enthusiasts on the automotive industry and its products and services. Their road test editors all agreed that the turbo supplies plenty of power. Senior road test editor Brent Romans feels it's one of the world's best four-cylinder engines. The curb weight of the car is 3,122 lbs. Volkswagen specs list 0 to 60 times at 7.6 seconds. Drag racing stats show elapsed time at the quarter mile as 14.873 seconds, and the speed at the quarter was 93.07 mph.
The Passat carries a 16.4-gallon fuel tank. Driving city miles gets 25.1 miles per gallon, while highway is 29 mpg and combined city/highway is 24 mpg. The turbo pulls strong from less than 1,800 rpm, which allows you to choose higher gearing and save fuel.
Standard on all Passats are low-speed traction control and ABS anti-locking brakes. The braking distance from 60 mph to 0 is 132 feet and its road-holding ability is indexed at 0.76 g.
The suspension is firm and responsive, ideal for a family sedan. It handles low speed road irregularities quite well, providing a smooth ride. Excellent steering response means that it's a car that's fun to drive.
The Passat has luggage capacity of 15 cubic ft. Front head room is 39.7 in. and leg room is 41.5 in. This German-engineered performance car has gone the extra mile with details like articulating head rests, leather and wood trim, a fat steering wheel rim and a "spin and set" sunroof dial.
