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I'll give my impression following same basic outline.
I test drove of the new Passat B6 2.0 Wagon with automatic a few weeks ago. Rumor was that the manual would be making it into the wagon starting with production last month but apparently not the case and next year still unknown. This stinks b/c Canada and Europe appear to have the option. We really get neglected in U.S. the the Euro car companies.
>> Seats
I guess I wasn't sure about the seats to be honest. I didn't find anything wrong with them during my short drive except adjustment was weird. Very different beasts than SAAB seats but seemed OK except I am guessing the side support isn't too good as they seemed rather flat which was my concern. They sure looked odd and flat. VW seats do tend to be a little stiffer than most (even in my really old jetta but it was always comfortable for long drives much more so than most cars but that I suppose isn't saying much).
>> Interior
I thought it wasn't too bad. Not really my preference or how I would of designed it at all but I wasn't particularly put off by it unlike a lot of new cars. However, different trim levels and colors seemed to make really different impressions. I was in a car with mostly black and I don't think it had the heavy silver trim. I think the rear-view mirror was white in all of them which I didn't like and seemed weird. For me it has to be a mostly black interior for me to be happy anyway.
>> EPB
Using it didn't really seem to be an issue but I agree it is rather stupid. Just one more thing to go wrong or for the computer to glitch out on and malfunction. Someone on one of the VW boards claims it started to come on by itself while driving (always take this stuff with a big pinch). On the positive it is supposed to be a very effective emergency brake not just a parking brake. Still don't need the headaches and repair cost on a stupid electronic controlled parking brake. No thanks.
>> Electronic Ignition Immobilizer
Just like the 9-3 plenty good chance of malfunction preventing you from driving your own car I am sure. However, what I can't stand are electronically controlled steering wheel locks. There is not a good reason to give a computer control over locking the steering wheel and wouldn't a malfunction underway be "fun". Most SAABs built didn't even have steering wheel locks but now they give control to a computer. I can tolerate brakes having computer control b/c it adds safety in a number of ways but please disconnect HAL from the darn wheel lock.
>> Handling
Seemed very good for a decent sized wagon from what I could tell during my limited time. Seemed to keep up very well with steering inputs. Would need to spend more time with the car to be sure but it made a favorable showing.
>> Brakes
Didn't really work them but felt good. One feature that seemed sort of cool is if you brake very hard as in a panic stop the emergency flashers engage.
>> Suspension
Felt pretty good from what I could tell. I have to strongly disagree with it feeling too stiff. Seemed well setup and offered good feel while isolating road well I thought. Drove on some country roads with broken pavement and it seemed fine. I, however, like firm riding cars as long as they have enough suspension compliance to keep the wheels planted.
Like anything I'd have to have a lot more time with it to really appreciate strength and weakness. However, I thought it may a really good showign for itself. Seemed well made with thoughtful design. For example the tie downs (upper and lower) and like in the rear of the wagon were much nicer than the 9-3 SC despite all the hype about the innovative load configuration in the SC.
posted by 216.165.146...
, Mon, 23 Jan 2006 11:37:01
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