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2006 Volkswagen Passat 3.6 Road Test

A Premium Sedan for Less

I couldnt have asked for a more beautiful day, especially considering the storms that have plagued the East Coast this year. The setting, Boston, Massachusetts, one of the most storied cities in North America and a mecca for Volkswagen owners, or so I soon found out, was the ideal backdrop for the German automakers latest and arguably most important new model introduction of the year, the 2006 Passat.

The Passat looked dignified in front Bostons World Trade Center, where a detailed analysis of the cars many features was about to take place, its wider stance exploiting Volkswagens new Phaeton-inspired design language to much greater visual satisfaction than with the previously released Jetta. The Passat looks different than the Phaeton, of course, yet most of its uniqueness isnt up front where its subtly sculpted headlamps complement

I couldnt have asked for a more beautiful day to test out the new 2006 Passat 3.6. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

a bold chrome grille, but rather from the rear, where distinctive taillight clusters form into a molded rear decklid, shaped to form an integrated spoiler and Kamm-like tail, resulting in a sportier package than the grand sedan.

From the profile it couldnt be anything but a Passat, its arcing roofline giving away its Volkswagen heritage from a mile away. In my opinion, Volkswagen owns this look, won from millions, and decades of Beetle sales. J Mays, VWs previous head of design who penned the

From the profile it couldnt be anything but a Passat, its arcing roofline giving away its Volkswagen heritage from a mile away. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

original Passat, as well as the Concept One which became the New Beetle, was initially inspired, reaching into Volkswagens past and pulling forward one of its iconic design themes - now that hes at Ford, mind you, he would have done better to have come up with an alternative design language (he designed the Five Hundred after all) more definitive to the blue oval group.
But of course, few people considering a new Passat would ever think of buying one of Fords full-size sedans. Im not knocking Ford or its capable

Volkswagens owner group is one of the most loyal bunch in the industry, bordering on fanatical. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

family hauler, but rather pointing out the obvious, that import buyers rarely purchase domestic products. Volkswagen has this to its advantage, and also that its owner group is one of the most loyal bunch, bordering on fanatical, in the industry.

And why is this? Well, step inside the Passat 3.6 and youll immediately understand. There isnt a car in its midsize class that comes anywhere near as close to satisfying the senses, and I mean all the senses. Its a sight to behold, is as quiet as cars in this segment get, is delightful to the touch, smells of rich leather, and shows its

The finely detailed stitching of the leather seats and door panels reminds me of a Ferrari 612 Scagliettis cabin. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

owner has extremely good taste.

Just take a look inside. The finely detailed stitching of the leather seats and door panels reminds me of a certain Ferrari 612 Scaglietti I had the pleasure to drive this summer. The hides in my Leather package-equipped tester even felt premium in quality, much suppler than those of any competitor in this class. The same can be said of its dash, console and door plastics, all made of extremely high-grade materials that would appeal to Audi owners, not only looking good but also nice to the touch. Fit and finish of all interior panels is also superb, while all switchgear is of

Do you get the impression that Volkswagen builds its cars to a different grade than the majority of entry-level brands? (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

the highest quality.

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