Volkswagen Passat, 2006: The Weekly Driver

While negotiating the auto route and back roadssports package option featuring 18-inch wheels.As
of France during the month of July for the pastsuch, the vehicle has an impressive grip on the
several years, no vehicle has appeared moreroad during as well as impressive acceleration and
confident on the road than the Volkswagenpower. The manufacturer says the vehicle
Passat.The European version looked different thanperforms the standard 0-60 mph test in 6.2
the U.S. models I'd seen, but the Passats scootingseconds, which is slightly faster than the
down the highway and being adeptly drivenfront-wheel drive version.The Passat is more than
through city traffic never got close enough foradequately comfortable, with its leather seats firm
me to get a better look.The newly designed 2006and conforming. A leather shift knob and
Passat available in the United States, however,leather-covered steering wheel are also part of
looks more like the European version. And after athe $3,000 sports package option that also
weekly test drive of the 3.6-liter,includes 12-way power front seats, steering wheel
280-horsepower, V6 with a six-speed automaticradio controls, automatic headlights, foglights,
transmission, it was easy to understand why theautomatic climate controls, rain-sensing wipers,
vehicle is so popular in Europe.From a designnavigation system and satellite radio. The 3.6-liter
perspective, the new Passat offers more roomPassat version also includes a power sunroof, AM
nearly everywhere -- it's three inches longer andFM radio with in-dash, six-disc CD/MP3
wider, and the cabin is substantially more spaciouschanger.The Passat's one overt shortcoming is
with 2.4 inches of rearseat legroom. The rearthat it's not particularly quiet. Road noise isn't the
storage area is slightly smaller than previousissue, rather the engine growls heavily during
editions at 14.2 cubic feet. But there's more usableacceleration.As a midsize vehicle, the Passat is a
area, thanks to the newly designed and moremore expensive choice than its primary
compact rear suspension.My test vehicle's exteriorcompetitors, the Toyota Camry and Honda
color, a rich dark blue, was nicely matched with aAccord. But the Passat has been a reviewers'
two-tone black and tan interior. The combinationfavorite for several years, and it's hard to argue
of new design and superior color coordinationthe succinct summation of Edmunds.com:"With its
prompted a fair share of complimentary looks andfun-to-drive character, premium interior furnishings
comments from passersby.The interior redesignand wide range of features, the Passat is one of
also features some clever innovations. The Passatour favorite midsize sedans and wagons. Don't
no longer has an ignition switch; Instead, a keybuy your next family car without driving one of
fob is inserted flush into a dashboard slot.Further,these first."The Weekly Driver: 2006 Volkswagen
the Passat has double front-window visors, anPassatSafety Features -- Dual front, side and side
umbrella holder in the driver door and ancurtain airbags.Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 19 mpg
automatic hatchback operating system. The(city), 28 mpg (highway).Warranty -- Bumper to
hatchback opens via the key fob and it closes viabumper, 4 years/50,00 miles; Powertrain, 5 years
a push button inside the hatchback hood.These60,000 miles, Corrosion, 12 years/unlimited miles;
nice features aside, driving the Passat is evenRoadside Assistance, 4 years/50,000 miles; Free
more impressive. My test vehicle includedscheduled maintenance, 2 years/24,000 miles.Base
Volkswagen's all-wheel drive feature calledprice -- $31,900.
4Motion, a new fully independent suspension and a