2006 Volkswagen Passat 3.6 Road Test

This is the most Audish of the Volkswagen's and clearly such a paradigm shift in marketing that one continually questions whether Volkswagen has abandoned its economy car roost in order to play in the more lucrative atmosphere of near luxury sedans. Thus it is difficult to logically compare the 3.6 with the past Passat because the new models are entirely different. The 2006 model has been redesigned and is 3 inches longer and 3 inches wider than before with and added 2.4 inches of legroom and enough features to place it squarely against the Lexus ES rather than the Toyota Camry. Unlike those Japanese cars you can also order the Passat with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and save at least

(Photo: Volkswagen AG)

$15,000 (US) over the price of a loaded all wheel drive 3.6 version that lists about $40,000. Mind you with that version you get a vehicle heavily loaded with options.

The best bargain is the Value Edition, which we highly recommend at under $23,000 (US) over the notably more expensive 3.6 and 3.6 4Motion models that add substantial to the bottom line. Either way the result is that the Passat is no longer a bigger Jetta, but a certifiable sporty luxury vehicle with up to 280 horsepower that and can get you to 60 mph in under seven seconds surrounded by leather and aluminum.

Mom's view: Except for the transmission that constantly hunted for gears on grades and the 3.6's inability to start off smoothly this is truly a classy ride. The chassis is stiff, the brakes excellent and there is an abundance of features that make it highly usable in all types of weather. But what I liked best were the exceptional bi-xenon headlights that turned as the car did. When you start the car at night the lights automatically sweep outward and than center they giving you a view of what is around the front of the car as well as to the side.

Safety wise the Passat has active front head restraints, adjustable headrests for all five occupants, and foot pedals that move out of the way upon serious impact. As a nurse I see devastating leg injuries caused by pedals on a regular basis and highly recommend you consider them on

(Photo: Volkswagen AG)

any vehicle you consider. In addition, there are four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbag with rear-seat side airbags optional.

The interior is just this side of elegant and clearly reflects the Audi influence. There are large storage bins in the door panels, center console and glove compartment. The cupholders work well and there is even a place for a small umbrella in the driver's door. The seats are very comfortable and the heating element works rapidly. I felt right at home in the 3.6 except for the stereo has overly complicated controls. The global positioning system itself is average and I really didn't find it simple to input data. Of course, the sound system was absolutely great and helped as the Passat was noisier than one would expect. It also has a strange mix of features. For example when the temperature gets near freezing a snowflake is illuminated in the center of the instrument panel that warns you of possible black ice conditions. On the other hand there isn't a power steering wheel tilt and telescope function.