2006 Volkswagen Passat

75,000 a year—that's a lot of Passats. And that's how many Volkswagen has been selling on average annually since the last generation cars made their debut seven years ago. But, seven years is a long time between new models. Passat and Jetta, which combine for 75 percent of all VW sales in North America, both reached the end of their product cycles at roughly the same time. Sales slide when models age and attention wanders to what's new in the segment. That's one big reason why the company has keenly anticipated the rollouts of the new Passat and recently launched Jetta. With the Wolfsburg product pipeline now flowing freely, Passat joins Jetta as both cars elbow their way into the marketplace.

Styling

Between the last generation and this one, Passat picked up some distinctive styling. Most notable up front is an Audi-like, wedge-shaped grille. The new Passat has a high-waisted look, capped by a rounded, coupe-like greenhouse. The sloping nose is balanced by a tall tail; distinctive head and taillights add interest at both ends.


The cabin is handsome, with impressive fit and finish. The dashboard has a heavy, horizontal theme: it's a layered look, with a "floating" top section and contrasting colored lower panel, both sandwiching a beltline wedge of wood, brushed aluminum or composite trim (depending on model chosen). Four gauges peer out from beneath the heavy dash top brow. The double-large/double-small instrument display is ringed in brightwork and lit in blue and red. The switchgear is admirably straightforward: rheostats for lights and HVAC, stalks for wipers and cruise control. And even if you spring the heavy green for the DVD Satellite Navigation system ($1,800), tunes or trip information are not hard to access.


Nav systems, like people, vary widely in their ability to recall names. Some people can breeze through a room, greeting everyone they see by first name. Others must keep a steady stream of all-purpose salutations at the ready ("Hey bud!") for those times when a face appears in your face before a name arrives from your brain. Count VW's system closer to the latter. All streets are shown, but don't bet on seeing the corresponding names for that side street you're hunting for.

Interior

Four models are (or will be) available. A Value Edition leads the lineup ($23,565 manual/$24,640 automatic), followed by the 2.0T ($24,515 man/$25,590 auto). This winter, a 3.6 model joins the ranks ($30,565 auto). Waiting in the wings, the 3.6 4Motion ($32,515 auto) near term, and a wagon model further out in 2006. All models are well equipped; among the notable options are the aforementioned navigation system with 6-CD/glovebox changer ($1,800), rear side airbags ($350), Bi-Xenon, adaptive front lighting ($950) and a 10-speaker, 10-channel, 600-watt Dynaudio sound system ($1,000). Sirius or XM satellite radio systems are available, as well as luxury and sport packages.