When I bought my 05 LGT 5MT wagon new in 2004, I also cross-shopped the Volvo V50 T5 AWD 5MT wagon. I really glad I didn't buy one of those.
The Passat 4-Motion wagon was a no-go for me because it was only available with an automatic. I felt the 328xi wagon and A4 Avant to be too small and too expensive.