2008 Volkswagen Passat Turbo Review
Stable Variable
| In
short: A reliable, roomy turbocharged family sedan. |
Some people own ultra-fast automobiles because they get a thrill out of the extremes of driving, but in uncertain times most of the rest of us crave consistency. Which makes the Passat Turbo a good choice as it offers well-rounded and reliable performance. After all, your car should be the last thing you have to worry about. This family-friendly sedan comes equipped with a robust 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, ensuring that while the Passat Turbo is dependable, it’s also fun to drive. On the highway, this five-passenger vehicle gets up to 29 mpg, and offers a smooth ride as a result of its independent suspension and traction control systems. The Passat Turbo features a spacious interior with a large back seat and a good-sized trunk. Though it may be a bit too pricey for people on a tight budget, this sedan offers a good value. Our tester’s amenities included a multifunction trip computer, power and heatable side mirrors, heatable front seats, a power driver’s seat, and an electronic push-button parking brake. In addition, our test car came with an in-dash CD player which offered MP3 capability, and manual sunshades for the side and rear windows.
|
Warranty/Service:
Four-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty; five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty; twelve-year/unlimited-mile warranty against corrosion perforation; four-year/50,000-mile 24-hour roadside assistance.
| QUICK
SHEET |
Base Price: $23,990 / As tested: $24,905 |
|
Technical
Specifications |
Vehicle
type: front-engine, front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Engine: 2.0-liter, TFSI turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder direct injection
Horsepower: 200 hp @ 5,100-6,000 rpm
Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 1,800-5,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Curb weight: 3,413 lbs
Wheelbase: 106.7 in
Length/Width/Height: 188.2/71.7/58 in
Turning circle: 35.8 ft
Brakes: all-wheel power-assisted disc; ABS
Suspension: independent strut in front; multilink independent in rear
Traction: electronic stabilization program, anti-slip regulation and electronic differential lock
|
0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds (est.)
60-0 mph: 127 ft
Top Speed: 130 mph (electronically limited)
EPA City: 21 mpg
EPA Highway: 29 mpg
Safety: driver and front passenger frontal airbags and side airbags; side-curtain airbags for front and rear; daytime running lights; tire pressure monitoring system
Likes: lots of room; value; somewhat stylish
Dislikes: can be noisy at high revs and on road
|
 Check out other Volkswagen models
See all of our Automobile Reviews
Visit the Volkswagen website
Photography: AlphaMedia
| PSV020409 |
(Updated
02/09/09 SV) |
|
