Its steering is precise, with effort that automatically adjusts to the situation. Its six-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, and its brakes are excellent.
The base engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 200 horsepower that should satisfy most needs, while returning 23/32 city/highway mpg with a six-speed manual transmission.
The optional 3.6-liter narrow-angle V6 growls when pressed and delivers robust torque, allowing the Passat to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds.
Traditionally, the Passat line has included a wagon as well as a sedan. This time Volkswagen rolled out the new sedan first, during 2005 as an '06 model. The wagon followed in early calendar-year '06. Packing 35.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity, and returning 18/26 city/highway mpg even with optional all-wheel drive, the Passat wagon presents a more easily managed alternative to a big, tall SUV. Next Page