For 2006, VW has dropped its complex list of monikers, replacing names like GLS and GLX with 2.0T and 3.6 4Motion. Options can be grouped together in packages, or added stand-alone style. Every Passat 2.0T
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| For 2006, VW has dropped its complex list of monikers, replacing names like GLS and GLX with 2.0T and 3.6 4Motion. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
headed to North America comes standard with an assortment of features longer than a university student's packing list on moving day: six airbags, ABS brakes, stability control, climate control with air conditioning, multi-function trip computer, keyless entry, power mirrors and windows, tire pressure monitor, electronic parking brake, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, CD-MP3 stereo system, all on the bill for the 2.0T "Base" model at $29,950.
My tester, with its Luxury-Leather Package, added leather, a power glass sunroof, heated seats, Climatronic digital climate control, alloy wheels added $5,030. Stand alone options such as rear thorax airbags ($440) and AFS bi-xenon headlamps ($1,600) brought it up to fully-loaded status at $39,300. Adding larger wheels and tires would push it over the $40,000 barrier.
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| The sixth-generation model packs many class firsts and maximizes VW's engineering forte. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
Pricing for the all-wheel drive 3.6 V6 will arrive later in the year, offering enough space, pace and class to give cars like the BMW 5-Series, Infiniti G/M, and Lexus GS something to think about. Aside from this extremely competitive pricing, VW will also offer a Passat Wagon, 2.0T 4Motion and TDI models for 2007 model year.
With a fresh face, advanced underpinnings, cutting edge technology, better engines and an upper-class interior, the new Passat is not only back on its feet, it's ready to tackle mainstream rivals in the mid-size and premium sedan marketplace. While its dependability is still to be determined, the sixth-generation model packs many class firsts and maximizes VW's engineering forte, allowing the Passat to reach a greater buyer range than ever before, giving it incredible potential to succeed. If your experience with the 2006 Volkswagen Passat is anything like mine, feeling like a million bucks is less than thirty grand away.
