Overview

The Volkswagen Passat is one of the only two family-sedan-based wagons currently available on the U.S. market; Subaru's Outback being the other. The Passat Wagon offers sporty handling, engineering excellence, and impressive performance. This midsize car is now offered in front-wheel drive only with a single turbocharged engine. A new multifunction steering wheel, a new radio, standard Bluetooth connectivity and optional 18-inch wheels are new for 2010 along with the DSG transmission.

Powertrain and Performance

The sole powertrain available on the 2010 Volkswagen Passat Wagon combines a turbocharged 200-hp, 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine with a new DSG transmission. The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is sprightly from a stop and is impressive in midrange and highway passing. The Wagon achieves a fuel economy of 22/31 mpg (city/highway). It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds.

Build and Styling

The 2010 Volkswagen Passat Wagon is a 4-door, 5-passenger, wagon that comes in a single trim level. The wagon features 17-inch alloy wheels; chrome roof rails; heated windshield washer nozzles; a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel; premium leatherette vinyl upholstery; a sunroof; air-conditioning; power heated front seats; and an eight-speaker sound system with an in-dash six-CD changer, an auxiliary audio jack, and satellite radio. Passat's interior is made of high-quality materials and offers generous room for people and cargo, which is further enhanced by a 60/40 split-folding rear seatback.

Safety Features

The 2010 Volkswagen Passat Wagon is armed with high-tech safety gadgets. Anti-lock disc brakes; anti-whiplash front head restraints; stability control; front-seat side airbags; and full-length head curtain airbags are all standard, while rear-seat side airbags are optional. The crash optimized front end has impact-absorbing elements, which are integrated into the front structure. These elements allow compression of the front structure during impact.