The addition of chrome and other adornments usually lessens a car’s appeal, or alters the original’s cohesive looks in a way that makes it seem unbalanced. When VW took a shot at facelifting the Passat, however, it was mostly successful. The new nose and bright work eradicate the original’s “Average Joe” look, and give the car a decidedly upmarket feel. Which is a good thing now that VW – curiously – has decided that it’s mission includes competing with Mercedes. Only the tail lights, which have an art deco feel, look out of place.

Inside, the materials and panel fit are to the same high standard as the previous car, which is to say monochromatic austere and likely to stay near the top of the domestic automakers’ benchmarking list. On cold mornings the heated seats and outside mirrors were a blessing, and sunny days saw the power glass sunroof used to bring in both more air and light. The gauge faces are new, with aluminum rings around both the speedometer and tachometer, and sport much simplified markings. The blue lighting remains, and is fast becoming a VW trademark.

In this application, the 2.8-liter VR6 engine produces 190 hp and 206 lb.-ft of torque with the help of five valves per cylinder, dual overhead cams, variable intake valve timing, and a variable geometry composite intake manifold. Though an increasing rarity – and therefore a treasure when found – this sedan had a five-speed manual gearbox and a reasonably light, direct clutch. However, better pedal placement, in order to make heel-and-toe downshifts second nature rather than a conscious thought, would be appreciated.

The GLX has an impressive list of standard equipment, which is a good thing considering that our test car cost $29,300 and didn’t carry any optional equipment. From wood trim to twin trip computers and an automatic climate control system, it’s all here. Well, everything except a hood ornament that can rival Mercedes’ three-pointed star, that is.