Of course, all-wheel drive is also optional, boosting the base 3.6 price up $2,900 from $42,090 to a base of $44,990, and the fully
loaded price from $50,335 to $53,235. I know that breaking the $50K mark for a midsize VW is hard to get the head wrapped around, but take into consideration that a certain 2003 Passat W8 I tested out three years ago started out at $53,400 and topped off at $55,400. The 3.6 is 10-horsepower more competent, and overall is a much improved vehicle than the previous generation Passat. It's also important to note that, despite the somewhat common VW badge on the hood, the new Passat 3.6 can rival any premium brand on the planet, less Bentley, Maserati, Maybach and Rolls-Royce that is, for luxury and refinement. It's really that good.
So, while the practical side of my personality still leans toward expectedly more reliable Japanese, Korean, and, ahem, some domestic vehicles, the optimistic, cheery and playful side of me wants something as exciting and beautifully executed as the Passat 3.6. I certainly hope the latter half wins the inner battle, because life would be a lot more fun.
Specifications (3.6):
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| While the practical side of my personality still leans toward expectedly more reliable Japanese and Korean vehicles, the optimistic, cheery and playful side of me wants something as exciting and beautifully executed as the Passat 3.6. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
So, while the practical side of my personality still leans toward expectedly more reliable Japanese, Korean, and, ahem, some domestic vehicles, the optimistic, cheery and playful side of me wants something as exciting and beautifully executed as the Passat 3.6. I certainly hope the latter half wins the inner battle, because life would be a lot more fun.
Specifications (3.6):
- Price Range (3.6 MSRP): $42,090 - $53,235 (base 2.0T starts at $29,950)
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine: 280-hp, 265 lb-ft of torque, 3.6L, 24-valve DOHC V6
- Transmission: 6-spd automatic with manual mode
- 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 (FWD/AWD): 1,622 / 1,737 kg (3,576 / 3,829 lbs)
- Tires: 235/45R17
- Trunk: 565 L (20.0 cu ft)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): N/A
- Warranty (mo/km): 60/100,000 km comprehensive
- Competitors: Acura TL, Audi A4 / A6, BMW 3-Series / 5-Series, Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Ford Fusion / Five Hundred, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata / Azera, Kia Magentis / Amanti, Lexus ES330 / IS 250/350, Mazdaspeed6, Mitsubishi Galant, Mercedes-Benz C-Class / E-Class, Nissan Altima / Maxima, Toyota Camry / Avalon, Volvo S40 / S60
- Website: www.vw.ca or www.dynaudio.de
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