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Volkswagon is betting heavily on the success of the new Passat

The Passat's new appearance is smooth and modern.

Volkswagon Passat Engine:   Four cylinder w/inline turbocharger (standard) Six cylinder, 90 degree V (optional) Displacement: 1.8 liters (standard) 2.8 liters (optional) Horsepower: 155 @ 1750 (4-c) 206 @ 8200 (6-c) Torque: 155 bhp@ 1750 (4-c) 206 @ 3200 (6-c) Drivetrain(s): 5-speed automatic w/Triptronic (optional) 5-speed manual (standard) Wheelbase: 106.4 inches Cargo/Trunk space: 15 cu ft Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallon Base Price: $21,250

Volkswagon has had its ups and downs the last few years. Fluctuations in sales and market share forced the German-based company to contemplate leaving the North American market. With a new company chairman (Ferdinand Piech), new marketing campaign (Drivers Wanted) and renewed zeal, Volkswagen has reemerged with exciting plans and new products for the driving public.

One of the first examples of this new attitude is the redesigned Passat. Long a doormat for the midsize market dominated by the Accord, Camry, and Taurus, VW has reinvented the Passat and in doing so has launched a subtle campaign to move both the car and company upmarket.

The exterior styling is the first clue that a major revision was made from the old to the new. Offering more curves and flowing lines than before, the Passat shares a distinct family resemblance with the new Beetle and its Audi brethren. The new longer, taller and wider body style is extremely aerodynamic (its 0.27 drag coefficiency is the best in class) and results in a distinctive and modem package.

Power is supplied by a standard 1.8 liter turbocharged four cylinder or optional 2.8 liter normally aspirated V-6. A four-cylinder turbo (150 horsepower @5700 rpm and 155 bhp @1700 rpm) though unusual for the midsize market, is a competent and peppy engine. The 20-valve four has a smoothness that belies its turbo name. There is no turbo rush since it's tuned to deliver peak torque early and often throughout the Iow- to mid-band range. The optional V-6 is a fearless and powerful performer. Delivering 190 horsepower @6000 rpm and 206 torque @3200 rpm, the bigger engine is a fun alternative to its smaller cousin.

The power is routed through a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed automatic with Triptronic. The Volkswagen five-speed manual has always been a precise shifter but the relatively new Triptronic is a feature that should win many fans. The Triptronic is a transmission that combines the convenience of an automatic with the thrill of shifting gears. This feature has been introduced by manufacturers such as Porsche and Ferrari as an option on some of their more expensive and sporty vehicles.

Handling is administered by a multi-link strut and coil spring arrangement up front with a torsion beam with trailing arms and anti-roll bar in back. Pared with the standard ABS brakes, this system provides a competent and safe handling and braking package for the driver and passengers.

Interior features sure to be important considerations for prospective buyers are the many standard features including power everything, air conditioning, AM/FM cassette, and anti-theft alerts. But the high level of fit and finish, engineering and design that went into the new interior will be the biggest selling feature over any interior convenience. The controls are well designed and thoughtfully arranged to be a help and not a hindrance to the driver's comfort. Quality, they say, is in details and the Passat has them in spades.

There is a difference to the Passat, enough to generate a feeling of luxury and refinement not always associated with Volkswagen. Driving the Passat both on highways as well as country roads didn't impart the rough-and-tumble feeling normally associated with the "German driving experience." The ride was nicely sprung and compliant but sporty enough to easily handle an approaching slalom (though the car could benefit from a switch from the standard all-season tires to high performance rubber). Power was abundant thanks to the as-tested V-6. Shifting the five-speed manual was easy and precise. The gauges and controls were easily adjustable and well designed. In short, the Passat helps to do away with any notion that Volkswagen doesn't have what it takes to build a successful family sedan. It looks like the highly competitive mid-size market just got a bit more crowded.

Chris Taylor is marketing director of The Lane Report and an auto enthusiast.

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