The 2006 Volkswagen Passat will make its official international debut at the Geneva Auto Show in Switzerland next March, with the North American debut several months later.
The 2.0T FSI sedan is expected to arrive in dealerships by August, 2005, with the high-power VR6 model arriving in October. Insiders suggest that the new car will command an estimated $1,500 to $2,000 premium over current models. A practical wagon is also expected, but it won't appear until February of 2006.
Having addressed many of the Passat's shortcomings and added new technology, Volkswagen hopes that the new model will pick up right where the old left off, and in so doing leave the competition scrapping it out for second place on their collective way back to the drawing board.
Preliminary Specifications:
- Price Range (estimated MSRP): $31,500 - 46,000
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, RWD (optional AWD)
- Base Engine: 200 hp, 2.0-L, 16-valve, DOHC, FSI turbocharged I-4
- Optional Engine: 280 hp, 3.6-L, 24-valve, DOHC, VR6
- Optional Engine: 136 hp, 2.0-L, turbodiesel I-4
- Transmission: 6-spd manual (optional 6-spd auto with manual mode)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Curb Weight: N/A
- Seating Cap: 5
- Cargo Volume (trunk): 565 L (20.0 cu ft)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): N/A
- Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors: Acura TL, Buick Allure, Chevrolet Epica / Malibu / Impala, Chrysler Sebring / 300, Ford Taurus / Five Hundred, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata / XG 350, Kia Magentis / Amanti, Mazda6, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima / Maxima, Toyota Camry / Avalon
- Web Site: www.vw.ca
