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2009 VW Passat: Tastesfully stylish midsize ride offers both a sedan and wagon
 The 2009 Volkswagen Passat is the perfect balance of comfort, style, and true German engineering. SPECIAL TO THE POST-DISPATCH
Those striving for a genuinely European-designed, engineered, tuned and built midsize family sedan or wagon need look no further than the 2009 Volkswagen Passat. Offering a finely honed balance of comfort, functionality, and Autobahnhoned vehicle dynamics, the Passat — now in its sixth generation — stands out from the ever-growing and crowded midsize car U.S. marketplace. Inside and out, the sedan and wagon are recognized as being as sophisticated and highly crafted. For 2009, both the sedan and wagon are offered in one trim level —Komfort — and start at $28,300 and $29,690, respectively. LINEUP Both the sedan and wagon are exceedingly well-equipped and offer a full serving of standard equipment. LED taillamps; chrome exterior accents; a power-glass sunroof; 17-inch alloy “Monte Carlo” wheels; heated washer nozzles; and selection from palette of rich metallic paint exterior finishes are included in the base price. New color offerings on the sedan include White Gold and Island Gray. The list of standard features and amenities continues on the inside and includes V-Tex leatherette seat surfaces; heated front seats; CLIMATIC single zone climate control; multi-function trip computer; 12-way full power adjustable driver’s seat and eight-way manually adjustable passenger seat; telescoping and height adjustable steering wheel with multi-function controls; and a premium eight-speaker AM/FM/Siruis satellite radio (including three-month complimentary subscription service) with MP3-readable six-disc in-dash CD-changer and personal device (e.g., iPod) auxiliary outlet. An all-new radio navigation system, RNS510, that features a 6.5-inch high-resolution touch screen display with an integrated 30 GB hard drive, Audio CD (WMA and MP3), video DVD playback when vehicle is in park, SD memory slot, and Media Device Interface for direct connection of USB flash drives and USB certified MP3 players is available as an option. ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION Under the hood of both the Passat sedan and wagon is Volkswagen’s sophisticated 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is both efficient and sporty. The standard powerplant uses a turbocharger and an intercooler for cool, higher-density intake air -- high-end breathing is enhanced further by four valves per cylinder with variable valve timing. An advanced direct-injection delivery system ensures optimum fuel consumption. CHASSIS An advanced version of Volkswagen’s proven, front independent McPherson strut architecture combined with rear multi-link system provides great driving dynamics and produces a low tendency to allow body roll, resulting in stable and comfortable ride quality. SAFETY Like all Volkswagens, the Passat sedan and wagon include the Prevent and Preserve Safety System, consisting of more than 45 standard safety features. As standard equipment, the Passat sedan and wagon include — but are not limited to -- six airbags (dual front; dual front side thorax; and side curtains); rear-impact optimized head restraints; front seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters for front and rear occupants; and three-point safety belts in all five seating positions (two front, three rear) with emergency locking retractors. Rear passenger side/thorax airbags are available as an option, as are rear outboard safety belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
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