winter driving

In what way is it not good?

Generally there are two issues. For those locations with very deep snow and lack of plows the ground clearance is an issue. For those areas that have less depth and or good plowing and maybe ice, then traction is an issue.

There is not much that you can do about ground clearance other than to add a steel belly pan (replacing the plastic one) to protect the car and maybe modifying the suspension. You might also get political and make sure the local authorities do a better job of clearing the roads.

For traction, it is not the fault of the car as the Passat is good there, but if you are not using real winter (not all season) tyres, that is your problem.

It's all about the tires, Jerry. A Passat will be great in the snow with the right tires.

Maybe it's not the car?

My 2005 Passat TDI is superb in the snow. Then it came with ESP (stability package) and I put Michelin X-Ice snows on it in the winter.