Scott Davis wrote:

> dear list,
>
> Thought some of our euro-listees might shed some light on an un-answered
> question. We can not seem to get any straight talk out of our local VW dealer
> about the phantom Passat Syncro wagon that was [mistakenly] included in the
> 1998 catalog. Due to some "technical probs" apparently the introduction to
> the US market has been delayed, but they have a new story every time we ask
> about it. Has anyone ever seen this car in Europe, and is it possible to
> bring one into the US without huge duties? Very curious.

Well, the Passat Syncro is dead, the 4wd system is now replaced by the 4motion.
This system uses an electrically controlled Haldex clutch (http://www.haldex.com)
instead of the famous VC to control amount of power to the rear wheels. This
system works very close to the ESP and ABS systems.

Both the Sedan and Wagon are available as 1,8/125 hp (Inline4), 2,3 VR5/150 hp
and 2,8 V6/193 hp with 4motion systems. No info on TDI 4motions from the VW web
site, but I believe they are available too. The Golf and Bora (Jetta) can be
ordered as both gas and TDI 4motion models.

PerL
87 Syncro 112i