Its 280-horsepower 3.6-litre V(R)6 engine, featuring 265 lb-ft of torque, includes power-boosting FSI direct injection
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| Its 280-horsepower 3.6-litre V(R)6 engine, featuring 265 lb-ft of torque, includes power-boosting FSI direct injection technology for short 6.2-second sprints to 100 km/h. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
technology for short 6.2-second sprints to 100 km/h highway speeds when equipped with all-wheel drive, and autobahn levels of high-velocity cruising - it is electronically limited to 208 km/h (130 mph) due to the 3.6-litre's standard P235/45R17 all-season tires (18-inch alloys wrapped with lower profile performance tires are also available). The 3.6-litre engine effectively replaces the wonderfully technical, but expensive and rather heavy 4.2-litre W8 engine, and I have to say is more suited to today's fuel conscious society. If driven with respect to the environment, it will sip away at premium unleaded gasoline at what is expected to be a much thriftier rate, although no estimates are yet available.
Its ultra-smooth six-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual mode also reduces fuel consumption by keeping the engine's revs lower during acceleration, providing you go light on the throttle, and allows for a taller final drive than four- or five-speed gearboxes which also will be appreciated
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| The Passat's ultra-smooth six-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual mode reduces fuel consumption while improving acceleration when the need or desire arrives. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
at the pump. The same short intervals between gears that benefit fuel economy also improve acceleration when the need or desire arrives.
Performance and
fuel economy considerations in mind, the Passat is also available with one of the beefiest entry-level engines in the category, Volkswagen's new 2.0T, a 200-horsepower 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 207 lb-ft of torque, capable of impressive acceleration of 6.9 seconds to 100 km/h, and a 10.1 L/100 km observed fuel economy rating (see new vehicle road test review section under Volkswagen: 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T Road Test by Justin Couture).
