With the 2007 VW Passat wagon redesign comes a sizable increase in power and cabin space. Rear-passenger room is especially generous, and the Passat's 37.7 inches of rear legroom is about an inch more than what's offered by many competitors. As we've come to expect from Volkswagen, the interior boasts class-leading fit and finish, lending a more upscale feel to the cabin when compared to mainstream family wagons. The previous model's relative lack of interior storage has been addressed, as there are now a functional number of storage cubbies and even an umbrella holder built into the driver door.

Under the hood there's plenty of excitement. Even the base engine, a feisty 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four, provides a full-bodied 200 horsepower and a broad powerband. A six-speed automatic (with the Tiptronic manual control feature) is the sole transmission for all wagons. The 3.6-liter V6 boasts 280 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, handily outgunning competitors. Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is available on the Passat 3.6.

Thanks to a lineup that ranges from an entertaining basic family hauler with leatherette seating and 2.0T engine to an upscale touring wagon with a leather-and-wood-lined cabin and powerful V6, we think that the 2007 Volkswagen Passat should be strongly considered by potential wagon owners. Its main competition comes from the Dodge Magnum, Mazda 6 wagon, Subaru Legacy wagon and Volvo V70. Though each wagon offers certain advantages, the Passat is a very compelling choice overall.

The 2007 Volkswagen Passat is a midsize wagon with seating for five. There are four trim levels: Value Edition, 2.0T, 3.6 and 3.6 4Motion. Plenty of standard features come with the Value Edition, such as 16-inch steel wheels, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, air conditioning, an eight-speaker MP3/CD audio system, cruise control, power windows and locks, keyless entry, power heated mirrors and a trip computer. Step up to the 2.0T and a power driver seat, alloy wheels, rear-seat/trunk pass-through and chrome trim around the window frames are added. The 3.6 ices the cake with 17-inch wheels, an in-dash CD changer, satellite radio and a power sunroof. The Passat 3.6 4Motion adds all-wheel drive to the mix. Value Edition and 2.0T options include a sunroof, leather upholstery, an upgraded Dynaudio sound system and a navigation system. The 3.6's options include 18-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, adaptive bi-HID headlights, automatic dual-zone climate control, 12-way power front seats, and wood or aluminum interior trim.

All Passats come very well equipped as far as safety features. Antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, a tire-pressure monitor, anti-whiplash front head restraints, front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags are all standard. Optional for all trims are rear-seat side airbags.

Every Passat, from the Value Edition to the 3.6 4Motion, presents a comfortable and upscale cabin. Fit and finish is superb and there's a feeling of precision to all the controls. Starting the car is a bit unusual but easier than the normal stick-the-key-in-and-twist drill. One simply inserts the "key" into an easily seen/accessed slot on the dash and pushes it to start the car. The wagon has 35.8 cubic feet of cargo room with the second-row seats up.

A fully independent suspension along with an impressively rigid structure provides sportier handling than previous generations of the Passat, which were more cruiser than sport wagon. Although the chassis is still tuned more for comfort than attacking apexes, body roll is kept in check and the steering is responsive yet light, without feeling overboosted. Factor in the powerful engines and the Passat makes for one of the most entertaining rides in the midsize wagon segment.