Precision Pressure Instrumentation

Sports cars to luxury sedans, family vehicles to economy models, the diversity of cars has never been greater. But what if a buyer wants a multipurpose vehicle fits into more than one category?

Is there an economical, high-performance, luxurious, family car on the market?

With its Passat GLS Wagon, Volkswagen can certainly make its case offering among the most versatile cars on the road.

For my weekly test drive, I drove the wagon equipped with the manufacturer's 4-MOTION option, the always-engaged system similar to Audi's Quattro version of four-wheel drive.

The system's efficiency is reason enough to purchase the vehicle as an all-weather choice. The steering is firm and secure, the automatic transmission is without hesitation and the ride is smooth without exception.

But the Passat Wagon has a lot more to offer, both in its appearance and operation.

One friend (a BMW owner) looked at the vehicle and blurted out: "That may be the best-designed, most functional vehicle out there."

My friend's quick assessment is hard to dispute.

Car manufacturers no longer use the words "station wagon" while promoting their vehicles, and with the Pasat's sleek-looking contoured styling, it's hard to call the vehicle a wagon, let alone adding the word "station."

The Passat Wagon I drove had a blue graphite exterior nicely matched with optional gray leather seats. The front and back seats afford plenty of leg and head room and the advertised "five-passenger" lingo is not a stretch, as is sometime the case with other vehicles.

The standard comfort, convenience and special feature list is long and varied and includes: cruise control, remote keyless entry, intermittent speed wipers, dual illuminate front vanity mirrors, AM/FM cassette and single CD players and power, daytime running lights and heatable outside mirrors.

Equally impressive are the console and instrumentation trim and design. The controls are all easy to reach and pleasantly positioned. As such, the driving or riding in the Passat Wagon may remind the occupants of a luxury vehicle. But how could that be? It's a wagon and its base price is $26,130.

To capitalize on the efficiency of the 4-MOTION system, the Passat GLS Wagon features a 170-horsepower, 1.8-liter turbo, 4-cylinder 20-valve engine. While the engine's performance can't be described as a sportscar-like, when a quick burst or steady acceleration is needed, it's available.

The $1,800 option package my vehicle featured included leather seats, wooden trimmings on steering wheel, shift knob and door insert. The Electronic Stabilization Program ($280) and $575 destination fee pushed the total price to $28,785. That's still well under the $30,000 price point often associated with luxury vehicles

Still, it's the combination of a smooth ride, precision steering and handling, sharp and crisp turning, a spaciouss comfortable interior and its attractive interior and exterior designe that make the Passat Wagon rare in its class.

It's a fine touring sedan, for sure. But it also just happens to be a wagon with plenty of room for groceries, home project supplies and the kids' youth sport equipment.

2004 Volkswagen Passat GLS Wagon

Safety features -- Driver and front passenger front and side airbags and front and rear seat head restraint airbags.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 21 mpg (city), 30 mpg (highway).

Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, 12 years/unlimited miles; Roadside assistance, 4 years/50,000 miles; Free scheduled maintenance, 1 year/ 12,000 miles.

Base price -- $26,130.00

James Raia is a syndicated journalist in Sacramento, Calif., who writes about sports, fitness and business topics as well as the free electronic newsletters Endurance Sports News and Tour de France Times and The Weekly Driver, a car review column.

Samples of Raia's writing can be viewed on his web site: ByJamesRaia.com. His car reviews and newsletters can be viewed at The Weekly Driver, Endurance Sports News and Tour de France Times