The Passat has been an attractive car ever since it was launched in 1973. The line-up in the following years saw the front wheel drive and the water cooled engine. The car was tweaked in every corner to bring out the best in aesthetic appeal and engineering marvel.
The 2007 Passat Wagon runs on a longer wheel base and a wider body, which gives it more interior space. The new Passat Wagon is tuned for a sportier handling with adjustable steering. It comes in two engine options: 2.0L and 3.6L with a V-6 engine option. The V-6 engines' angle has been narrowed to deliver robust torque. The six-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive.
Its main competition comes from the Dodge Magnum, Mazda 6 wagon, Subaru Legacy wagon, and Volvo V70. Though each wagon offers certain advantages, the Passat Wagon is compelling, attractive, and performance-driven.
It comes with a basic warranty of 48 months or 50,000 miles.
Engine and Performance
6-speed AT gets manual shifting option
The 2007 Passat Wagon 2.0L trims are powered by a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged Inline-4 engine that produces 200 hp and 207 lb-ft. of torque. It is coupled to a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and also offered with an option of a 6-speed manual transmission.
The optional 3.6L trims get a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder V-6 engine that generates 280 hp and 265 lb-ft. of torque. This engine is also coupled to a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and is offered with an option of a 4-speed 4MOTION automatic all-wheel-drive transmission and configuration.
Both the engines are extremely fuel-efficient. The 2.0L trims give an EPA estimated fuel economy of 23/32 mpg (city/highway) with the manual transmission and 22/31 mpg (city/highway) with the automatic transmission. The 3.6L trims give an EPA estimated fuel economy of 19/28 mpg (city/highway) with the Tiptronic automatic and 18/26 mpg (city/highway) with the 4MOTION automatic transmission.
Walk-around
Amalgamation of aesthetics and technicality
The 2007 Volkswagen Passat Wagon was not just made bigger but stronger as well. The wagon is three-inches longer and wider with an inch larger wheelbase. The body weight has been dropped for better handling on curves and its strength has been increased by using steel that has almost 57 percent more torsional rigidity.
The handsome looking wagon has smooth contours and is a stunning example of Volkswagen's goal of melding the aesthetic and the technical. The Wagon’s front features a bold grille, trapezoidal bi-xenon headlamps with adaptive lighting, side-view mirrors with integrated turn-signal lamps, and a sleek air dam assembly looks very similar to its Passat sedan counter-part. Rain-sensing wipers and heated rear view mirrors are also available on the Wagon.
The belt line rises at the rear giving a nose down look and increasing the aerodynamic feature of the car. The raised and long rear overhang provides ample space inside. The rear also adorns LED brake lights and turn signal lights. The roof rails add to this Wagon’s pleasant demeanor. A power glass sunroof is standard on the 3.6L trims and optional on the 2.0L trims.
Comfort, Controls & Convenience
Spacious and well-appointed interior
The 2007 Passat Wagon has impressive and comfortable interiors. It can seat 5 passengers comfortably. An optional 12-way power seat with lumbar support is available for the driver. The rear seat can be folded in a 60/40 split-fold ratio. A deformable (collapsible) steering column is standard on the Wagon and improves safety of the driver during collisions. The leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel comes mounted with audio controls; mounted controls for Tiptronic paddle shifters come as an option.
A standard climate control system maintains the chosen temperature within the cabin regardless of temperature fluctuations outside, making for a comfortable driving experience. Some standard interior features in the Passat Wagon include a multi-function indicator, 3 power outlets spread across the front, rear, and cargo area, a navigation system preset with the owner’s home address, an auxiliary input jack, and an LCF blinker.
For entertainment, an available Dynaudio stereo features 10 high-end speakers and 600 watts with an in-built digital sound processor. The Wagon also features two physical antennas. The Wagon provides 73.77 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats folded.
Driving Impressions
Excellent cruising wagon with sporty handling
The Passat Wagon has a sophisticated chassis and an advanced independent suspension, which gives a quality ride experience. The 2007 Passat Wagon has a more refined and sportier handling. The potent engines are ample for the car, the quick burst of power give good passing ability on highways.
The 3.6L V-6 has a narrow V that pumps out enormous power and it is 90 pounds lesser than the conventional engine. The newly installed FSI technology (adds fuel to the combustion chamber directly) and a variable intake results in more power and better fuel economy. The 6-speed automatic transmission works well with all the engines.
Though stability comes through a sophisticated chassis and suspension, the vehicle is more tuned to comfort but not ignoring body sway and tilt.
Safety
Body gets stronger steel
Popularly known as the safest car, the 2007 Passat Wagon is built with stronger steel increasing the rigidity and making it even safer.
The Wagon has a unibody construction with a specially reinforced safety cage with crumple zones that absorb the energy of an impact while keeping the passengers safe.
Some of the standard safety features include locking differential, hill start control, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, front power 312-mm vented disc and rear power 280-mm solid disc brakes, electronic brake assistance, traction control, engine stabilization program vehicle stability control system, front and rear seat airbags, remote entry, engine immobilizer, and an all door remote opener.
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