In the field of "nice to have," the Passat is loaded. Standard comfort and convenience amenities include single-zone climate
control with pollen filtration, rear seat HVAC vents, metallic-look and feel trim, anti-theft and theft deterrent systems, split fold-down rear seats with a ski pass-through via the centre armrest cutout, cruise control, power/heated side mirrors, heated front seats, keyless entry with power locks, power windows with one-touch up/down, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and dash-mounted electronic parking brake.
Between stand-alone options and option packages, much can be added to elevate the Passat into the near-luxury category. Add-ons include dual-zone climate control, 10-way partial-power adjustable sport seats, leather upholstery, Homelink, premium audio, additional interior lighting and a 3-spoke multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel.
If the turbocharged 4-cylinder Passat doesn't make your cut, a 3.6-litre V6 model
is available which ups not only horsepower but the above-mentioned content list as well. With V6 power, VW's highly praised 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is available to ensure that the Passat grips the road with maximum tenacity. Since the focus of this week's road test is the 2.0-litre turbocharged Passat, readers may want to scan the archives for a recent road test of the V6 edition of this solid, German-built mid-sizer. Regardless of engine choice those fortunate enough to claim title to a 2006 Passat will be in for a motoring treat, provided Volkswagen continues digging its way out of the reliability basement where it has been for the last few years.
With a brightening horizon over former reliability issues, this is a communicative, agile, free-spirited vehicle that loves to employ its athleticism when given the opportunity, and like the perfect gent, will offer up an umbrella at the first hint of a darkening sky.
Specifications:
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| In the field of "nice to have," the Passat is loaded, even including a sophisticated ignition system that makes some premium automakers seem run-of-the-mill. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Between stand-alone options and option packages, much can be added to elevate the Passat into the near-luxury category. Add-ons include dual-zone climate control, 10-way partial-power adjustable sport seats, leather upholstery, Homelink, premium audio, additional interior lighting and a 3-spoke multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel.
If the turbocharged 4-cylinder Passat doesn't make your cut, a 3.6-litre V6 model
 |
| Regardless of engine choice those fortunate enough to claim title to a 2006 Passat will be in for a motoring treat, provided Volkswagen continues digging its way out of the reliability basement. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
With a brightening horizon over former reliability issues, this is a communicative, agile, free-spirited vehicle that loves to employ its athleticism when given the opportunity, and like the perfect gent, will offer up an umbrella at the first hint of a darkening sky.
Specifications:
- Price Range (2.0T MSRP): $29,950 - $39,300
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine: 200 hp, 207 lb-ft of torque, 2.0L (122 cu in), 16-valve DOHC I-4 direct injection turbo
- Transmission: 6-spd automatic w/Tiptronic
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, BA
- Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,765 / 1,820 / 1,472 / 2,709 mm (188.2 / 71.1 / 58.0 / 106.7 in)
- Curb Weight: 1,520 kg (3,344 lbs)
- Tires: 215/55R16
- Trunk: 402 L (14.2 cu ft)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 10.8 / 7.1 L/100 km
- Warranty (mo/km): 60/100,000 comprehensive
- Competitors: Acura TSX / TL, Audi A3 Sportback / A4, BMW 3-Series / 5-Series, Buick Allure / Lucerne, Chevrolet Epica / Malibu / Impala, Chrysler Sebring / 300, Dodge Charger, Ford Fusion / Five Hundred, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata / Azera, Kia Magentis / Amanti, Lexus ES 330/IS 250, Mazda6, Mitsubishi Galant, Mercedes-Benz C-Class / E-Class, Nissan Altima / Maxima, Subaru Legacy, Suzuki Verona, Toyota Camry / Avalon, Volvo S40 / S60
- Website: www.vw.ca
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