I’m In

September 25, 2005 at 11:45 pm | 1 Comment »

I’m in the midst of a 24 hour test drive of the new Passat. Volkswagen invited me to join a preview program for current VW owners. I believe they’re hoping to generate good word of mouth. You know, one of those viral effects that all the hip marketing kids are buzzing about.

Who am I to turn down the key to a brand new $32K autobahn stormer and a free tank of gas?

First impressions. It’s much better than I’d expected. The 2.0 liter turbo engine screams, even with the six-speed auto transmission. I’m eager to try it with a DSG in the GLI/GTI/A3. The Passat also carries a couple of interesting technical features. The key is really a radio transmitter that slides into a dash slot and becomes the engine start/stop button. Very slick. Makes more sense than a traditional key paired with a button that’s become somewhat trendy.

Perhaps my favorite feature springs from the electronic parking brake. The traditional lever/pedal has vanished. Instead, there’s a button on the dash controlling a servo motor to set and release the brake. Seems kind of silly at first blush or at least until you consider the Auto Hold button lurking next to the shifter. This little bit of electronic magic eliminates the creep that happens with a traditional automatic’s torque converter. That means once the car comes to a stop, it won’t move again until you press the gas pedal. It also means you won’t roll down a hill. Good at stop lights here in San Francisco. Not so good for parallel parking on those same hills.

All in all, I’m feeling quiet favorable to this sixth incarnation of the Passat. I’d seriously consider one if I needed another big car. The funky styling has even started to grow on me.

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