New '98 Passat

[jamie vondruska <jamie@vwvortex.com>]

Hey Gang,

Now that I have put some seat time in on our new Passat, I have to say that
this is a very impressive car by all standards. Every detail from the
switches to the body panels is incredible. Having owned two Hondas in my
dark past, I can safely say that this car surpasses them in build quality
and character.

If you haven't seen the blueish/purple gauges and the back-lit red switches
on this car at night go check it out. This is the same layout that the new
Golf IV has and it is cool. Every switch clicks very solidly, the sunroof
controls are right out of the Audi A4, and the doors shut like the car was
carved from granite. The ride is forgiving but firm enough for spirited
driving. There is a little more dive and squat than I care for but that is
the only complaint I have. The steering is very precise and intial turn-in
is great considering the narow 195 tires that came with this car. New
wheels and wider tires should make this a great handler. Speaking of tires,
our car came delivered with Michelin MXV's on it. NOT, the Continental
Conti's that early delivery Passat's came with.

The 1.8T is a strong mill for only 150hp. The car pulls nicely away from
stoplights and cruises very, very quietly on the highway. The manual trans
is night and day compared to my GLX. Each gear snicks right in with a
positive feel. And finally a real dead pedal!

As an FYI, apparently the first Passat's delivered had green gauges, a
different radio, and the Continental Tires mentioned. Supposedly all the
new Passats delivered here on out will be equipped with the premium sound
system, blue/red gauges and instruments, and Michelin tires.

Overall a great car. If this is the direction VW is headed, the future is
very bright indeed.

- -jamie