2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon Exterior Review [ 2007 ]
in Affordable Full Size Wagons
Based on analysis of 24 Passat-Wagon reviews and test drives.
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
As in the case of most wagons, the Passat wagon has the same body as the Passat sedan from the front bumper to the windshield, and replaces the sedan's cabin with a full-length wagon body. Yet, when compared to previous Passat Wagons, not only is it larger (4 inches longer and 3 inches wider) the current version is a completely new concept, replacing rough corners with rounded, modern curves, and using chrome accents adding an upscale look. Cars.com says, "The redesigned Passat wagon looks great. Where the prior-generation's styling was a bit ho-hum, the new wagon is sleek and aggressive in the sport wagon tradition."
Yet, there are mixed reviews of whether or not the new style makes the Passat look like a high-end German luxury vehicle, such as an Audi, or if it makes the Passat fit in with the rest of VW's models. The Detroit News reports, "The '07 Passat wagon... looks more like an Audi than a VW, maybe even a little like a BMW." Yet, USA Today states, "The look, however, is much different now, low and pointed in front and rounded in back where it once was crisper. It's the new VW family appearance, but unfortunately it makes Passat resemble the smaller, cheaper Jetta. Having your upscale sedan look a lot like your less-successful cousin's starter car isn't much of a lure." Regardless of what sort of car the current Passat may resemble, reviewers generally agree that the new body style is an improvement, and it is described as a modern, sport-wagon, with some European luxury.
As a wagon, it also has many utility conveniences such as standard roof rails, large outside handles and wide-opening doors, while mirror-integrated turn signals and twin exhaust pipes compliment the new body style. Also, of the Passat's rear hatch both opens and closes with the press of a button, and the height of the opened hatch can be adjusted to the driver's preference. When manually opening the rear hatch, the large VW badge placed on the back doubles as the hatch release.