The Passat's larger dimensions and space gained from the new transversely mounted engine were used well in the interior, particularly in the additional 2.4 inches of rear-seat legroom, a weak aspect of the previous Passat. Also criticized in the outgoing model was a dearth of storage space and other interior amenities. Volkswagen has responded with more storage bins than we can enumerate, a sunglasses holder, sunshades for the side windows and backlight. Ambient lighting has been enhanced. And there's even an umbrella holder in the driver's door, complete with a drainage system so a wet umbrella can be stowed without harm. No need to buy a Rolls Royce to get that feature.
Equally well thought out is the cockpit's overall design, which continues VW's tradition of quality materials, sensible gauge layout, and an ergonomic correctness about the driver's relationship with the controls. The seating position is commanding, the seats themselves a good combination of comfort and control, especially laterally and in thigh support. Standard 10-way adjustability (12-way available on the 3.6L) and a fully adjustable steering wheel ensure a good fit for all body types. Even our six-and-half foot tall co-driver in Germany could find the right position for his lanky frame. More impressively, I put my six-foot frame behind him and, due to all the extra rear legroom, had no problem sitting comfortably.
The car we drove was about as fully kitted out as a Passat can get, optioned with Package #2 Luxury plus the stand-alone options of 18-inch wheels and tires, and the DVD satellite navigation system with glovebox-mounted six-disc CD changer. The wood trim and leather upholstery made the car feel like a junior VW Phaeton, minus, of course, a sticker with a couple more tens of thousands of dollars on the bottom line.
The new dashboard design is broken into upper and lower layers, avoiding the monolithic, crowded look of many control centers. The upper panel, housing the air outlets and deep cowl shading the gauges, is in dark contrast to the lighter panel that contains various functions, including the button for the new electronic parking brake, rotary controls for the headlamps and, to the right of the steering wheel, the engine start/stop slot.
The central console flows rearward from the dash, the navigation screen, climate controls and shift lever nestled within a handsome expanse of wood. Flanking the shifter are buttons for ESP deactivation, an Auto Hold function to keep the car from rolling backward on hills, and Park Assist. Two large cupholders fit between the seats just forward of the folding armrest.
The Passat's interior ambience is best defined as understated luxury. Despite the cockpit's many creature comforts and electronic controls, there's a simplicity about the design and functionality that helps the driver fulfill his assigned task without confusion or calamity.
