December 18, 1992 — North Shore NEWS photo Paul McGrath Standard equipment on the 1993 VW Passat GLS includes a 172-horsepower 2.0-litte V6 engine, anti-lock brakes, traction control, air conditioning, power windows and door iccks. inquire about the Passat GLS at Capilano Volkswagen, 1151 Marine Dr., North Vancouver. VW Passat GLS Top-of-the-line sedan competes well with other V6 models in its class TEST DRIVE TWO VERY different powertrains have been made available in the Volkswagen Passat recently — a fuel- efficient but underpowered 1.9-litre turbocharged diesel engine and the powerful, but not so fuel efficient, 2.8-litre V6 engine in the GLS model. The GLS is the top-of-the-line Passat, and as such, [ts Volkswagen’s most luxurious and mos: expensive family sedan and 46 Like most German cars, the Passat excels in the areas of vehicle control and safety.99 station wagon. The GLS" base price is $25,300. That may seem expensive, but taking into account its high level of standard equipment, the base price works out to be competitive with other V6-powered models in this class. Standard equipment on the GLS includes the 2.8-litre V6 engine, five-speed rmianual transmission, ABS brakes, traction control, power windows and central door locks, air conditioning, premium six-speaker stereo, 15-inch BBS alloy whecls, anti-theft system, trip computer, fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel aad rear spoiler. The only options on the Passat GLS are a four-speed automatic transmission, power tilt/slide glass sunroof with a Jiding sunshade, heated seats and washer nozzles, and leather-covered seats. The Passat is the only Ger- man-built sedan in a ciass full of Japanese and American cars. That gives it certain advantages and disadvantages for North American car buyers. Like’ most German cars, the Passat excels in the areas of vehi- cle contro! and safety. All Passats are equipped with standard four-wheel disc brakes, power rack-and-pinion — steering, and four-whec!l independent suspension. In terms of handling, the Passat has few equals. Through twisty corners and over straight higs- ways, the Passat feels firm, secure and cenfident. The steering is ac- curate and precise, and the brakes are excellent. Easy to control and comfortable to drive, the Passat gives the driver a feeling of confidence and security, its the current four-cylinder powertrain that has garnered some criticism. The 134-horsepower 2.6-ltre four-cylinder engine is powerful enough, but not quite as smeoth as some Of its competitors. In addition, the Passai’s manual five-speed transmission is a little clunky and the four-speed automatic transmission is some- what harsh and slow to downshift. The V6 engine cievates the Passat to a different class. The smooth, powerful i72-horsepower overhead-cam V6 engine is con- fidence-inspiring, offering smoother, quicker acccleration, relaxed highway cruising, and quieter running. The four-speed automatic transmission, the choice of most Passat buyers, seems io perform better when mated to the V6 engine, perhaps tamed somewhat by its greater torque. Fuel economy is reasonable on the highway (8.8 L/100 km) but deteriorates during urban driving 3.6 L100 km). Mileage is slightly better with the manual five-speed transmis- sion, according to Transport Canada figures. — The Passat GLS is equipped See In page @2 I reer yee rete Base price $25,300 Type four-door, passenger sedan Layout transverse engine/front-wheel drive Engine 2.8-liire V6, SOHC (2), electronic Digifant fuel five- front _ injection Horsepower 172 @ 5,800 rpm Torque 177 I|bs-ft @ 4,200 rpm . Transmission five-speed manual! (four-speed automatic) Curb weight 1,354 kg/2,985 Ibs Wheelbase 2,623 ia. Length 4,573 mm/18G.0 in, Width 1,704 mm/67.1 in, Height 1,428 mm/56.2 in. Tires P215/50R-15 inch radi- als Trunk space 402 litres/14.2 cu. ft. Fuel mileage city 12.5 L/100 km, 23 mpg; hwy 7.9 1/100 km, 36 mpg Warranty three years/60,000 km; powertrain five years/ 80,000 I:m imm/103.3