Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion

No one can accuse Volkswagen of failing to respond when opportunity knocks. Although its D1 super luxury sedan and Porsche-partnered sport/utility vehicle remain a ways off, the new Passat 4Motion is rolling right now. Our recent rain-soaked first encounter with this all-wheel-drive variation on the firm's flagship sedan proved it's got some pretty impressive credentials of its own.

Adopting the well-proven, highly efficient Quattro hardware from corporate kin Audi to its own top-line Passat seemed a natural upgrade. As the first AWD VW to be sold here since the '88 Quantum Synchro wagon, the Passat 4Motion is meant to serve as an image enhancer for the brand. It's available in two trim levels, midrange GLS and premium GLX, as well as sedan and wagon body styles. All share a common 2.8-liter/190-horse VR6 engine and five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

Mechanically, VW's 4Motion package mirrors Audi's Quattro system with respect to basic componentry and includes a Torsen center differential with an electronic diff lock that splits torque transversely at lower speeds. Depending on grip, the normal 50/50 power feed to its 205/55HR16 tires can be varied to a 67/33 ratio favoring the axle with the most traction. The system adds 270-360 pounds to the Passat's curb weight and $2725 (for the 4Motion/Tiptrans hardware) to the price of a standard GLX. That nets a bottom line on the 4Motion variant of $30,905, including freight.

Thwarting the best efforts of the worst late-spring storms in recent Los Angeles history, our all-wheel-drive Passat deftly slogged on through the bleakest of road conditions without batting an eye. Inside, GLX-spec trim made these land-locked "cruises" even more enjoyable. Highlighting the goodies list are scads of wood and leather, multifunction trip computer, power moonroof, tilt/telescoping steering column, cruise control, premium Monsoon sound system, and a rich assortment of power assists.

And when weather finally did permit, the 4Motion Passat performed quite respectably at the test track. An 8.6-second 0-60-mph best, 125-foot 60-0-mph stop, 0.80g pull on the skidpad, and 62.8-mph pass through the slalom confirmed our previous seat-of-the-pants assessments: Despite its marked weight penalty, the AWD variant feels and drives much like a modestly loaded down front-drive Passat-but with a bit better directional stability.

We can't really vouch for its long-term image-building potential. However, if you're shopping for a spacious, comfortable midsize sedan and want an added measure of sure-footedness, the Passat GLX 4Motion definitely merits a close look.