2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLX 4MOTION

It’s tempting to call the new Passat the poor man’s Audi. This generation was introduced in 1998 on an Audi platform, and both of its engines originate from Audi. This year marks the long- awaited arrival of all-wheel drive, courtesy of Audi (Quattro) but renamed 4Motion for Volkswagen.

The doors open nearly 90 degrees to facilitate access. The very comfortable front seats have the German shape and firmness so appreciated on long drives. If they take their time, drivers eventually find an excellent driving position. With the sunroof, headroom is a bit tight for tall people.

The rear bench is as firm as the front seats and just as comfortable though the shape of the seat cushion may seem odd at first. There is room for two adults, with ample head and legroom for all but very tall people. With all-wheel drive, the bench loses its 60/40 split-fold feature but gains a load-through.

As usual with VW, the trunk is cavernous. There are four tie-down hooks to anchor loose objects. The trunk is easy to load but you have to be careful not to strike your head against the latch in the lid.

Convenience and safety

The Passat is impeccably finished but for a vehicle in this price range, road noise is overly prevalent. Storage is sufficient but previous models had more and better stowage. The cup holder is impractical and poorly located.

The climate system is efficient but a bit noisy. We liked the rain sensor feature on our test car, which adjusts wiper speed to the intensity of precipitation. However, the washer nozzles under the hood can be blocked too easily by snow, and the ridiculously small washer tank holds only 2.8 litres of fluid. Previously editions of the Passat had a tank that held nearly twice that quantity. The antenna can get in the way of skis or other objects carried on a roof rack.

Safety equipment includes dual front and side air bags, two locking front and three non-locking rear head restraints, four-wheel ABS disc brakes and permanent all-wheel drive. Visibility is good on all sides except to the rear, because of the rear head restraints.

Engine and transmission

Smooth and reasonably quiet, the 2.8-litre 30-valve V-6 develops good power and reasonably generous torque. Acceleration is smooth, progressive and palpable through practically all the rev range. A more direct accelerator has improved what some perceived as sluggish low-end performance. However, the accelerator should be more progressive. Apart from this minor annoyance, the fluid engine makes the Passat fun to drive, all the time. The five-speed automatic transmission upshifts smoothly, but downshifts are clearly perceptible when slowing to a complete stop. The 4Motion all-wheel drive system is seamlessly discrete and extremely efficient.

On the road

The Passat makes winding roads straight, bumpy roads smooth, and drivers smile. The suspension feels solid. This is a car that is built for safe, comfortable and enjoyable long-distance driving. Its firm yet supple ride is the mark of a very good touring sedan.

Well-balanced steering and powerful braking support the competent suspension.

The Passat proved very well built in an inspection at the CAA-Quebec test centre. Anticorrosion protection is such that Volkswagen, and Audi, offer the longest corrosion warranty in the industry.

The new 4Motion Passat is a more competent touring sedan that can make things difficult for some Audi buyers. With an all-wheel drive Passat, Volkswagen now has a full model lineup and an expanded price range. Road noise is a blemish on an otherwise very positive portrait, but a change of tires might solve the problem. It’s too bad that such a well-made car does not have the basic warranty coverage offered by the other manufacturers.

FOR AGAINST Road behaviour Perfectible soundproofing Corrosion warranty Very small windshield washer tank Fluid engine Poorly located washer nozzles Roomy interior, trunk Rear visibility Overall comfort Truncated basic warranty coverage Powerful brakes Cup holder design

2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 4MOTION

Engine: 30-valve, 2.8-litre V-6 Horsepower: 190 h.p. @ 6,000 rpm Torque: 206 lb.-ft. @ 3,200 rpm Transmission: 5-speed automatic Suspension: independent/semi-independent Brakes: 4-wheel discs (wagon: fully independent) Width: 174 cm Length: 467.5 cm (wagon: 466.9 cm) Wheelbase: 270.2 cm Height: 146.1 cm (wagon: 149.8 cm) Tires: 195/65R15 Weight: 1,602 - 1,658 kg Air bags: standard dual front and side Towing capacity: n.a. (+ optional head air bag) Fuel consumption: - Transport Canada rating: city: 13.7 L/100 km (20.5 mpg); highway: 9.1 L/100 km (31 mpg) - Test result: 13 L/100 (22 mpg)

Fuel tank capacity: 62 litres

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 8.4 seconds 60-100 km/h: 5.3 seconds

Competition: Audi A4, Subaru Legacy and Outback

Maintenance (amount may vary from dealer to dealer): Frequency: 8,000 km; total to 100,000 km: $1,650

Warranty: - Full basic coverage: 2 years/40,000 km - Powertrain: 5 years/80,000 km - Surface corrosion: 2 years/40,000 km - Perforation damage: 12 years/unlimited km - Emissions control system: 2 years/40,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module and onboard diagnostic device)

Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $693 Front brake disk: $93 Brake pads: $186 Muffler: $406 Front fender: $235

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, female driver or male driver 30 to 40 years old): $762 to $967

Price according to trim line: GLS sedan: $36,880 GLS wagon: $38,055 GLX sedan: $42,500 GLX wagon: $43,675

Main options: Luxury package: $1,925 (GLS) Climate package: $450 (GLS) Leather package: $2,280 (GLS) Optional head air bag: $375

Price as tested: $42,500 Freight and preparation: $850

Dealers: Quebec: 57 Canada: 167

Ó CAA-Quebec, October 2000