2008 Volkswagen Passat Sedan Bottom Line

Likes
-Responsive and refined engines
-Quiet, refined interior
-Attractive, well-appointed interior
-Top safety protection

Dislikes
-All-wheel drive only offered with V-6
-Premium fuel is recommended
-Pricey VR6 models can top $40,000
-No Bluetooth hands-free calling interface

Volkswagen’s mid-size Passat sedan received a complete makeover for the 2006 model year, then the 2007 edition added a wagon model (which is covered in a separate review) and some new tech features, like Adaptive Cruise Control. For 2008, the Passat gets modest changes, including simplified trim levels: Turbo, Komfort, Lux, and VR6.

The VR6 model gets a 280-horsepower 3.6-liter “VR6” V-6 engine and available 4Motion all-wheel drive; all the other models make do with a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Most drivers will be happy with the performance from the four-cylinder engine, which delivers brisk acceleration and is very responsive with either the six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The V-6 comes only with the six-speed Tiptronic automatic and is about a second faster to 60 mph than the four-cylinder/manual transmission version of the 2008 Volkswagen Passat, which gets there in about 7.6 seconds, though the fuel economy penalty is significant. Trim by trim, the base Turbo model is now the only sedan that can be outfitted with the manual gearbox.

The quality of the materials in the 2008 Volkswagen Passat is quite impressive, and the interior layout feels both luxurious and practical. There are plenty of interior storage bins, and even an umbrella-storage area. The Passat now has back-seat space that rivals some of the roomiest sedans in the mid-size class; it’s especially leg-friendly for lanky adult passengers. Although the rear doorline makes an odd straight cut downward, the door’s unusual shape really helps entry/exit. The ventilation system now has adjustable vents for rear passengers, too.

© Source: thecarconnection
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