The 2.8-liter, 172-hp, fuel-injected V6 delivered breathtaking response from 0 to 60 mph and superior highway passing punch from 50 mph right on up-even with the Passat GLXs smooth automatic transmission in fourth gear. That same transmission, by the way, also featured both sport and economy modes, enabling us to alternate between being performance-minded and fuel-efficient.Trips over potholes and sewer covers projected no bumps or shocks. That probably had a lot to do with the Passat GLX's independent front suspension with Volkswagen's Plus-Axle design, which significantly reduced torque steer. Cornering was quick, precise and produced practically no pitch or lean. The Passat GLXs four-wheel ABS delivered abrupt, straight stops with absolutely no lockup or pedal pulsation and only the slightest trace of brake squeal at high speeds. And starting from a stop was made easy by our vehicle's electronic traction control, designed to prevent wheel spin during acceleration. Also, wind, road and engine noise was virtually nonexistent during our tests. One potential negative with driving this car: the proximity of the steering wheel to the console. This could cause problems for some drivers; with the seat all the way back, our test driver had to keep his arms fully extended to reach the wheel.
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