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Even in winter, the grass is always greener in someone else's backyard. Here's what the owners of various vehicles may be thinking as they idle in line at the nation's ski resorts. Sport-utility vehicle driver: "Wow, that guy's got a minivan. Wish I had that kind of room." Minivan driver: "I feel like Ozzie Nelson in this thing. Next time, I'm getting an Explorer." Station wagon driver. "Wow, that guy's got an Audi. Wish I had his money. His girlfriend's not bad either." Audi driver. "This is the last time I take a ski trip with my sister--or buy an Audi. I can't even afford gas for this thing." The envy of the Audi driver, meanwhile, may be the third guy, in the wagon. Particularly if it's a Passat GLX, which exhibits many of the European driving characteristics of costlier cars, at a more sensible price. Most pleasing about the Passat are its steering and suspension. Above-average drivers especially will appreciate their ability to read the road as conditions change. Volkswagen didn't exactly invent front-wheel drive, but the German automaker did much to popularize it in this country in mid-1970's, with the Rabbit. The Passat's highly refined front-drive system grips the road with little slip, in spite of plentiful power from the lively VR-6 engine. Also surprising in its abundance is the interior space. It is no minivan, but like other Volkswagens, the Passat leaves one wondering how so much rear-seat leg room can be squeezed onto such a short wheelbase. Rear cargo room is also generous, behind the split-fold rear seat with its built-in armrest pass-through. But the '96 Passat lacks a glove compartment, and has only a small center console for storage. Another quirk is the placement of the rear-window power switches. They're on the dash, while the front-window controls are on the left armrest, where they should be. The driver's seat features not only a manually adjustable lumbar support, which is nice, but also adjustments for height, backrest rake, and full-seat tilting. The gauges don't treat you like a idiot. The gas gauge, for example, reports on the number of gallons left in the 18-gallon tank. The temperature gauge tells you an actual engine-coolant temperature. A $325 all-weather package includes heated front seats and washer nozzles. Other than that, I'd pass up all available options including the $800 automatic transmission. Base price of the Passat GLX includes air conditioning, dual airbags, antilock brakes, and traction control. No tremendous bargain, but to cash-strapped owner other German wagons, not a bad value either. 1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX Wagon
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