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1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
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I recently test drove the Passat since Edmunds.com raves about it so much. This is about a week after test driving various 2002 9-3 5-doorversions, so I hope my review is somewhat equally biased as someone brand new to both cars, and both makes for that matter.
The Passat is a little roomier than the 9-3, especially in the rear seats, and those seats fold down flat a lot easier than the 9-3's. A 60/40 split like 9-3, but no center pass-thru for skis. It was a little louder than the 9-3 (engine noise that is), but experienced similar wind noise at high speeds (80 mph?). The cupholders were better than the Saab, but not by much. (I'm still amazed manufacturers haven't fully clued into this cheap but prized accessory.) The power side mirrors can also be told to fold themselves in, a nice feature in city parking! The normal high end amenities were all there (2 lighted visor mirrors, excellent Monsoon audio, power windows, etc.), but the overall feel of the base model was cheap. The power sun/moon roof had an excellent control knob... you turn it to the desired position and the motors do the rest while you continue driving. Rear visibility was a lot better than the 9-3, not that I would complain about the 9-3's. There were a few neat features I can't imagine using: the glove box doubles as a cooler (with an A/C vent inside), and the wagon space had *two* 12V outlets. One would have been enough to beat the Saab. The rear cargo space seemed boxier, cleaner, and slightly more usable than the 9-3. The spare is full size (your tires last 25% longer if you remember to rotate it in). The storage under the armrest was silly... two tiny slots in an otherwise bulky console. Why so much wasted space? There are minimal storage areas: doors, a spot near the radio, and behind-the-seat pockets. I can't remember the 9-3 having any more. The Passat is a smoker's car... lighter and ashtray in front and rear... (so much space wasted where cups or change might go). The computer seemed neat, but I didn't get to play with it any more than in the 9-3.
The 1.8T automatic was a snore. At 170 HP, it didn't feel as fast as my 155 HP 240sx 5-speed, but I suppose the auto/man difference is responsible. Overall the engine was acceptable though. Turbo lag/boost was well hidden I thought. Peppy enough to confidently merge into highway traffic. Just not exciting. The base model's interior was also a *far* cry from the 9-3 SE. The manual seat adjustments were good, and I never used a manual height adjuster lever before... just like a barbershop chair... fun! Overall the firm seats still weren't as comfy/supportive as the 9-3. The steering will did both tilt and telescope, an advantage over the 9-3. Cornering was good, probably better than 9-3. Braking was not nearly as smooth or strong as the 9-3. Steering seemed a little tighter (better) than the 9-3.
I told the VW dealer that the 1.8T was nice, but not impressive and he made me test the W8 even though it was out of my range at a firm $40k sticker. The fully loaded new Passat W8 (270 HP?) was comparible to the loaded 9-3 SE. This Passat's brakes were comparable to the 9-3, and the engine was noticeably smoother (it is an 8-cyl after all), but wasn't very exciting, and didn't feel as fast as a 9-3 stick. It was probably faster than the 9-3 auto, but I think I like the boost feeling of a turbo now (personal taste here). I think the W8 was robbed of power by it's 4Motion (4 or all wheel drive?) automatic.
For about $3k less than a 9-3, the base Passat was a real compromise in performance and comfort (i.e. not worth saving 12%). The W8 in full trim was nice (maybe nicer than 9-3?), but at a $15k premium.
I didn't test the V6. It probably would have been a good match. The non-flexible sticker price is higher than the 9-3 though.
posted by 24.61.17...
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