2006 Volkswagen Passat Preview

With more compact engines up front, Volkswagen's engineers were able to move the bulkhead, firewall and pillars forward to

While classed as a midsize family sedan, the new model has enough rear leg room to vault it into the premium luxury segment. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada)

create more interior room. Although the Passat is clearly a midsize family sedan in terms of its exterior dimensions, the new model has enough rear leg room to vault it into the premium luxury segment.

The Passat's trunk volume is a whopping 565 liters (20.0 cubic feet), an increase of 90 (3.2) over the current generation, and comparing favorably to Mercedes-Benz's E-Class which has a total trunk volume of 540 liters (19.1 cubic feet) and BMW's 5-Series which has only 520 liters (18.4 cubic feet).

Like the Euro-spec Golf, the Passat will ride on an advanced suspension setup with MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link arrangement in back. This is a dramatic departure from the old model, which featured an Audi-designed four-link suspension in front and

The Passat will ride on an advanced suspension setup with MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link arrangement in back. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada)

a space-saving semi-independent torsion beam suspension in back. Also like the Golf, the Passat will have an electro-mechanical power steering system featuring speed-sensitive assistance and a self-centering return action.

Attached to a bodyshell that is 57 percent more rigid, the revised chassis and suspension make the new Passat the best handling and riding version ever, according to insiders. Even base models, running on smaller wheels and softer suspension settings, are said to be nearly devoid of body roll, squat or dive.