2006 VW Passat Preview

Give the People leather. Okay, well, maybe not too much leather. But Volkswagen, in its benevolent role of Father to the People's Car, is upping the ante on their midsize sedan competition with the debut of the all-new 2006 Passat. Long known as one of the most popular cars in the VW stable, the Passat has sold around 13 million units over 6 vehicle generations. This latest version, however, may be most notable in that it is a complete reworking that will position the Passat as the midsize sedan with the most luxury, technology and style. All that -- and a new grille, too! Yep, it's the same chrome nose top that polarized many automotive journalists when it was introduced on the Jetta at the 2005 Los Angeles International Auto Show. You'll get to make up your own mind when you see the grille up close and in person next fall, when the Passat arrives in the Americas.

Technology

Volkswagen is hoping that we cupholder-loving primitives in North America will fall in love with all the shiny new stuff they've tossed into the 2006 VW Passat, and chances are strong that we will - though a first glance at the styling is probably more than enough. The rear of this vehicle is about as exciting as a roadside snow drift, and loses one of the most impressive things VW had going for it with its sedans -- a different, slightly zesty appeal. Aside from the nose of the vehicle, the 2006 VW Passat looks like any other midsize sedan. Yawn. Wake me when it's time to drive. Judging from photos, you can improve the look of the Passat with a lighter color. And the front end isn't bad, with the chrome grille and unique headlights. But the sides lack strong character, and the back looks plain as hell.

Engine Choices

It's clear that VW is betting heavy on a run to glory that features two of their most important vehicles, Jetta and the Passat. According to press information, there seems to be every indication that the Passat will be a very nice vehicle to drive and a superb vehicle to occupy. Built on a stretched variation of the Jetta platform, the Passat is bigger in every dimension: just over 2 inches longer and almost 3 inches wider, it will offer cavernous legroom for backseat occupants and a trunk that will compete with more expensive vehicles in terms of cargo space. Powering all that space will be a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, a 3.6-liter VR6 and a 136-horsepower 2.0-liter TDI diesel. These engines will likely be controlled by a choice of six-speed manual or automatic, the automatic being standard on the diesel and the VR6 models. Volkswagen's VR6 engine differs from a traditional V6 in that it is more powerful and more compact, thanks to its unique 15-degree angle. Drive orientation remains front wheel, though buyers will be able to move up to VW's 4motion all-wheel drive system. The technology behind the all-wheel drive system will be similar to that currently offered on the Ford 500.

Interior

The 2006 Passat will be equipped with Active Distance Control (ADC), a new technology that actually applies pressure to the brakes when the vehicle's sensor indicates a potential collision - and then reaccelerates when the danger has passed. Apparently, VW engineers envision fat and happy Yankee drivers asleep at wheel; if so, it's surely because of the Passat's sumptuous luxury interior, as reports indicate soft touch surfaces all around. Given the upgrade in size, it's fair to say that the interior will be much improved. New technology will include a better stereo, an electronic parking brake and a new starting system that forsakes a key in favor of a fob and start button, much like the Toyota Prius. VW is keeping up with the Jones with that fob starter. Question: if two Passat owners sit inside another Passat owner's Passat, which fob works? And will anyone be able to drive my Passat if I leave the fob inside?

Wrap-up

With so many changes and so much new technology, the new Passat will be slightly more expensive than the current model. Savings from moving the Passat onto the Jetta/Golf platform - see shared parts -- will keep the cost down, however, so don't expect to see much of a bump. All in all, the 2006 VW Passat is a much improved midsize sedan that may well make a run to Best Buy glory - though that exterior may well make it a tough sell in the ultra-competitive US family sedan market. Photos courtesy of VW