Excellent good crash test safety scores. In addition to 6 std. airbags (inc. full side curtain airbags), the Passat offers 2 rear side torso airbags as an option. Brakes are excellent and stability control and ABS are standard.
Compared to other sporty wagons (BMW, Subaru) the Passat has about 3" more rear leg room - enough to put my full-size parents and/or friends in the back seat without making them do contortions. Easier to get a child in and out of a rear safety seat, too.
In addition to 8 airbags, I wanted and got a moonroof, traction control, auxiliary input for an MP3 player, leatherette interior (easier to clean than leather or cloth), heated seats, steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters, and fold-flat rear seats.
