2006 Volkswagen Passat: Road Test
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2006 Volkswagen Passat ▼
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- MSRP: $22,950 -$31,900
- Invoice: $21,118 -$29,413
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Our road test for the 2006 Volkswagen Passat includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Volkswagen Passat from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Volkswagen Passat, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Volkswagen Passat help you decide if a 2006 Volkswagen Passat is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.0 T sdn. w/Lux. Pkg. 2, auto. | 3.6 sdn. w/Spt. Pkg. 2, nav. sys., 18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 5.6 |
Automatic-transmission 2.0 T and front-drive 3.6 sedans only models available for test so far. 2.0 T sprightly away from a stop. Impressive in midrange and highway passing, but depends on right blend of turbo boost, transmission downshift for best response. 3.6 delivers robust power throughout, but 4-cyl likely to satisfy most buyers. With either engine, power delivery not always easy to modulate due to nonlinear throttle action. VW's 0-60-mph estimates: 6.9 sec for 2.0 T with manual transmission, 7.4 with automatic; 6.6 sec for 3.6 with front-drive, 6.2 with AWD.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.0 T sdn. w/Lux. Pkg. 2, auto. | 3.6 sdn. w/Spt. Pkg. 2, nav. sys., 18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5.2 |
Test 2.0 Ts with automatic transmission averaged 19.6 mpg in city/highway driving, 26.9 in mostly highway use. Test V6 averaged 19.9 mpg in city/highway driving. VW recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.0 T sdn. w/Lux. Pkg. 2, auto. | 3.6 sdn. w/Spt. Pkg. 2, nav. sys., 18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Firm, in the European tradition, with entire car reacting as a unit to bumps; around town, sharp imperfections register with a jolt felt through seats. Reassuringly stable at highway speeds. Little evident difference between base and sport suspensions, 16- and 18-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.0 T sdn. w/Lux. Pkg. 2, auto. | 3.6 sdn. w/Spt. Pkg. 2, nav. sys., 18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6.1 |
Steering firm, accurate, nicely weighted. Confident straightline tracking at highway speed. Good cornering grip, balance, especially with sport suspension, 18-inch tires. Quick acceleration from low speed in 3.6 triggers annoying torque steer (pulling to the side). Fine stopping power.
QUIETNESS
| 2.0 T sdn. w/Lux. Pkg. 2, auto. | 3.6 sdn. w/Spt. Pkg. 2, nav. sys., 18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6.2 |
Good isolation of wind rush, though road noise evident on coarse surfaces, especially with 18-inch tires. Rapid acceleration has 4-cyl growling, V6 purring.
CONTROLS
| 2.0 T sdn. w/Lux. Pkg. 2, auto. | 3.6 sdn. w/Spt. Pkg. 2, nav. sys., 18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.8 |
Angle, location of speedometer, tachometer render them difficult to read for some testers. Climate controls too low for best access. Navigation system thankfully incorporates few audio, climate functions, but some programming steps seem illogical, and screen illegible in direct sunlight. Cabin assembled with care, though one 2.0 T test car suffered some instrument panel buzzing, rattles. More significant, Passat no longer sets class benchmark for interior materials. In places, coated plastic replaces polished metal trim of previous-generation model, and some dashboard panels ring hollow instead of solid to the touch.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.0 T sdn. w/Lux. Pkg. 2, auto. | 3.6 sdn. w/Spt. Pkg. 2, nav. sys., 18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Generous room. Manual tilt/telescope steering wheel standard, but not all testers find comfortable driving position. Some cite shape, support of seat cushions. Others complain of 2.0 T's odd amalgam of manual control for fore/aft and cushion tilt, power for backrest recline. Good outward visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.0 T sdn. w/Lux. Pkg. 2, auto. | 3.6 sdn. w/Spt. Pkg. 2, nav. sys., 18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 |
Spacious, with plenty of knee clearance, but tight toe space beneath front seats. Wide-opening doors for fine entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.0 T sdn. w/Lux. Pkg. 2, auto. | 3.6 sdn. w/Spt. Pkg. 2, nav. sys., 18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Housing around sedan's trunklid hinges reduces useful cargo space, but trunk otherwise spacious, easy to load. Split folding rear seatback with pass-through a nice standard touch. Plethora of cabin storage opportunities, including cooled center console and glovebox, and umbrella stowage with drain in driver door.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.0 T sdn. w/Lux. Pkg. 2, auto. | 3.6 sdn. w/Spt. Pkg. 2, nav. sys., 18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 6.1 |
A carefully optioned Value Edition or 2.0 T model is the smart choice in this lineup, given prices for lavishly equipped versions. For example, the generously equipped 2.0 T sedans we tested listed for about $31,000, the 3.6 sedan for $37,000. Both prices are in premium-midsize car territory. Passat was once a match for cars in that class, but, with undistinguished interior materials and a 4-cyl as its base engine, the current edition struggles to justify such a comparison.
Total Score
| 2.0 T sdn. w/Lux. Pkg. 2, auto. | 3.6 sdn. w/Spt. Pkg. 2, nav. sys., 18-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 57 | 58 | 58.2 |
Total Score: 58
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