This generation Passat had a much more modern design than its angular and archaic predecessor and was the first Passat to be built on a Volkswagen-designed platform (analogous only in all directions to a smaller second-generation Golf) rather than sharing it with Audi cars. It has now become similar to successful competitors such as the Ford Sierra. The front end without the radiator grille set the car apart from the others and was like a distinctive feature of this generation Passat. The transversely mounted engine allowed for a short front end and a relatively long cabin, which provided plenty of space for passengers. The luggage compartment was also large and comfortable. The car was made with sedan and station wagon bodies and even had a chassis for all four drive wheels. The engines were: a 2.0-liter 16-valve, a 1.8-liter 8-valve and a 1.8-liter 16-valve, a powerful 2.8-liter VR6 engine and a turbocharged G60 engine. The diesel versions had 1.6 or 1.9 liter units.