The 2001 VW PASSAT- With the popularity of sport-utes growing by the day, it was only a matter of time before some sport-utility attributes found their way into cars. Volkswagen's Passat, with the all-wheel-drive system deemed 4Motion, is a perfect compliment to the already excellent handling German sedan. A reasonable $1650 option, its only available on the V-6 automatic Passat sedans and wagons. The boys at VW estimates that 33 percent of new Passats will be sold with 4Motion, and that nearly half of its wagons will be so equipped. After a test-run in Europe for 3 years, has finally reached our shores, and we welcome it with arms wide open.

Volkswagen's Passat, with the all-wheel-drive system deemed 4Motion, is a perfect compliment to the already excellent handling German sedan.The Passat 4Motion, like the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and BMW X5, can get moving even when only one wheel has traction.

Mechanically identical to the acclaimed quattro system of Audi's A4, A6, A8 sedans, and other VW family members with longitudinal engines. It delivers power from VW's 2.8-liter 5-valve-per-cylinder V-6 via a Torsen center differential, a mechanical torque-sensing device in the rear of the transmission case that distributes the torque 50/50 in ideal conditions but can apportion as much as 67 percent of it forward or rearward when the need arises. The system works its magic without the driver knowing, and makes any foul weather driving effortless and confident.

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The "differential locks" are going to be most helpful though, the system detects wheelspin below 50mph. You can apply brakes to the offending wheel(s) to balance out the power. The Passat 4Motion, like the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and BMW X5, can get moving even when only one wheel has traction. The system could prove very useful in wet or snowy conditions, but should really shine on the loose gravel back roads. Back to the point, the new 4Motion system makes a great handling sedan even more athletic and aggressive. The Passat has a softness not seen in all-wheel-drive sedans, and exhibits good grip and exited sharp corners with substantially more force because the rear tires were now playing a significant role. It should also be noted that the steering feels a lot loess afftected by torque, with a smooth motion any way through any amount of power.

As in the regular Passat, Audi's 4-link front suspension with extended wheel carriers is on duty up front, its key element being a virtual center steering axis that minimizes the effect of drive torque on the front wheels. In back, the standard Passat's twist-beam axle has been swapped for a double A-arm arrangement that bolts to a tubular aluminum subframe. Because the 4Motion has a rear differential, the shape of the Passat's gasoline tank had to be altered, though it still retains its 16.4-gal. capacity. Actual driving range has been reduced, as the 4Motion's EPA mileage of 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway isn't quite up to the front-drive car's 18/26.

AThe 2.8-liter V-6, which puts out 190 bhp at 6000 rpm and 206 lb.-ft. of torque at 3200, is capable and smooth, able to hustle the Passat along all day at Autobahn speeds. But you can't forget you are in a big sedan. The large size hinders its starts, and gives it a soft initial takeoff. The 4Motion adds 270 lbs to the car, and is just begging for a manual to complete the package. Though VW isn't offering one just yet, one might be in the works and would be a tremendous addition, and an option most drivers would opt for.

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Apart from that concern and that the Passat's back seat doesn't fold forward (likely in the interest of rigidity) to increase cargo capacity, complaints are few. This new 4Motion remains a Passat at heart: a solid, good-looking German sedan with an exquisite interior and excellent driving manners that have been improved with the addition of all-wheel drive. Prices begin at $26,525 for the 4Motion sedan and $27,325 for the 4Motion wagon. In GLX trim, that goes up to $30,380 for the sedan and $31,180 for the wagon.

The 4Motion is a strongly recommended option that can ease your sensible side as well as your fun side. With that being just one of the features the VW has over its competitors, it can prove to be the deciding factor in which sedan is going to drive you home. AZ/AutoNetDirect.com

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