Interior space is generous and will comfortably accommodate 5 adult passengers. The trunk is also of a good size and will fit a
couple of golf bags. Although the fit and finish of the passenger quarters is not quite where I think it should be, the trunk, on the other hand, is beautifully upholstered and put together.
The Passat's instrumentation is lovely and is equipped with an Audi-style display between the gauges. The menu allows the operator to modify everything from the choice of metric or standard units of measure to interior and exterior lighting. The real-time fuel consumption meter is novel in the way that it works: on top of indicating litres / 100 km, it makes note of litres / hour when the car is idling. My test returned an average of 10.5L / 100 km.
Technical
The Passat's engine choices consist of two new powerplants for 2006. There is the corporate do-anything go-anywhere turbocharged 2.0L inline 4-cylinder. The engine already exists under the hood of the Audi A3 and A4, now the Jetta and soon, in the mkV Golf. Equipped with FSI direct injection, it puts out 200 hp at 5 100 rpm and 207 lb/ft of torque at 1 800
rpm. Transmission selection is between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic. The new 3.6L narrow-angle V6 replaces the old 3.0L V6 and charges ahead with a healthy 280 hp at 6 200 rpm and 265 lb/ft of torque at 2 750 rpm. The only gearbox for the Six is a 6-speed Tiptronic. Power steering is electromechanical. The suspension consists of front triangular wishbones and rear multi-links. 16" wheels are standard and sport P215/55R16 tires. 17" alloys are optional. Braking is managed by four discs and the electric handbrake is actuated by a dash mounted button.
On the road
The 2.0T is very strong and surprisingly muscular. So much so that it will put many V6s to shame. The "not to sixty" time is in the mid 7-second range although it seems as though the Passat is moving faster than that. The turbo displays no hampering lag and delivers the juice in a beautifully linear fashion. There is a minor hurdle that needs to be crossed before enjoying all the power: the gas pedal suffers from a huge dead spot from idle. It will take a few trips to the grocery store before you get used to it. The 6-speed auto is very quick with its gear changes and does so with
utmost velvetiness. At 120 km/h, the engine is revving at a serene 2 350 rpm.
The electrically assisted steering is one of the best so far. Precision and feedback are very good and feel natural. The brake pedal is enormously communicative and firm and provides confidence as the car halts to a stop in relatively no time.
The ride is relaxed and controlled. The new chassis is 57% stiffer and this explains the civility of the drive. Bumps and lumps are smoothly absorbed and body roll is limited to the sharpest curves. Generally speaking, the Passat is quiet except for some tire noises and a few plastic trim rattles.
couple of golf bags. Although the fit and finish of the passenger quarters is not quite where I think it should be, the trunk, on the other hand, is beautifully upholstered and put together.The Passat's instrumentation is lovely and is equipped with an Audi-style display between the gauges. The menu allows the operator to modify everything from the choice of metric or standard units of measure to interior and exterior lighting. The real-time fuel consumption meter is novel in the way that it works: on top of indicating litres / 100 km, it makes note of litres / hour when the car is idling. My test returned an average of 10.5L / 100 km.
Technical
The Passat's engine choices consist of two new powerplants for 2006. There is the corporate do-anything go-anywhere turbocharged 2.0L inline 4-cylinder. The engine already exists under the hood of the Audi A3 and A4, now the Jetta and soon, in the mkV Golf. Equipped with FSI direct injection, it puts out 200 hp at 5 100 rpm and 207 lb/ft of torque at 1 800
 |
On the road
The 2.0T is very strong and surprisingly muscular. So much so that it will put many V6s to shame. The "not to sixty" time is in the mid 7-second range although it seems as though the Passat is moving faster than that. The turbo displays no hampering lag and delivers the juice in a beautifully linear fashion. There is a minor hurdle that needs to be crossed before enjoying all the power: the gas pedal suffers from a huge dead spot from idle. It will take a few trips to the grocery store before you get used to it. The 6-speed auto is very quick with its gear changes and does so with
 |
The electrically assisted steering is one of the best so far. Precision and feedback are very good and feel natural. The brake pedal is enormously communicative and firm and provides confidence as the car halts to a stop in relatively no time.
The ride is relaxed and controlled. The new chassis is 57% stiffer and this explains the civility of the drive. Bumps and lumps are smoothly absorbed and body roll is limited to the sharpest curves. Generally speaking, the Passat is quiet except for some tire noises and a few plastic trim rattles.