Hi
In the market for a A4 2.8q tip, love the handling and smoothness of the car. I think BMW got their hands full and this is coming from a 3 series owner. The thing that is holding me back is the cramp rear seating area of the A4,i have a 2 year old. Then I heard VW is coming out with a all wheel drive Passat, now the question is, are the 2 cars identical besides the sheet metal body? If so, when will the new Passat come out?
thanks
Norman

A very limited number of Passats with 4motion have already hit the dealer network.
The car is very nearly identical to the A4, but you will find that the suspension is
tuned differently. The Passat has a softer ride (sorry). You can change the shocks,
but of course that drives the price up. However, if you do so you may be able
to sell the old part (try www.vwvortex classifieds). Frankly, I kind of like the Passat
myself--I much prefer its overall contours. Personal preference of course...

Don't forget though, the 4MOTION is only available here in the states with the TIP transmission, so if you want a standard gear box, the A4 is your only choice.

I myself will be taking my own car seat down to the dealer when I test drive just to see how well it squeezes in. Hoping the A4 Avant is roomy enough, since I rarely transport adults in back.

Brandon