2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0T ... The Passat is initially available as a sedan
only, but a station wagon will .... a timing belt. ... Factory replacement parts:.
2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0T
The brand new Passat has a bigger footprint than previous models, and its body structure is also 57% stiffer torsionally. This sixth generation, like its predecessors, is a front-wheel-drive powered by one of two new engines: a four-cylinder direct injection turbo or a VR6. The R stands for a narrow-angle V6.The Passat is initially available as a sedan only, but a station wagon will be rolled out in 2006. Interior and trunk The Passat is easy to get into, with comfortable front seats that would be even more so if the cushions were longer and wider, and if you could adjust the angle. The standard seat cushions are angled too far backwards, which can cause thigh discomfort. Thanks to the telescopic steering wheel, the vast majority of drivers can find a very good driving position. However, the sunroof limits headroom for taller people. The rear seat is comfortable for two adults. The tunnel through the centre is too high to comfortably accommodate a middle passenger. The rear offers excellent legroom and good headroom. The rear seatback splits 60/40 with a lockable ski pass-through in the larger section—a rarity that adds versatility. The trunk is very spacious and features a compartment on each side that can hold a container of wiper fluid. The opening to the trunk is relatively large, and the sill is low and quite wide. The hinges are located outside the trunk opening.
Photo: Volkswagen
Convenience and safety The Passat’s well-soundproofed interior is appointed with very high quality materials assembled with great care. The Passat boasts a wide array of storage compartments, including a spacious central console unhindered by a parking brake lever. As with the Jetta and the earlier generation of Passats, the glove box can be refrigerated. Another cool feature is the integrated umbrella holder in the driver’s door. The instruments and controls are well placed and at night everything—and we mean everything—is lit. The controls for the stereo and the manual climate control system are simple and easy to use. The optional automatic climate control system provides good heat but in manual mode, it can’t blow air on your feet and the windshield at the same time, which is not at all practical for our climate. Luckily, with the standard, manual climate-control system, you can adjust the air distribution to your liking. The wiper fluid nozzles are located under the hood, so snow could easily block them. The wiper fluid tank only holds a ridiculous 2.5 litres. The wipers have an unusual setting: once the engine is off, you can press the wiper lever down and the wipers will move into a vertical position to make it easier to clear snow off the bottom of the windshield. They don't go back into position until you push the lever again. Now that’s a really good idea! In terms of safety, the Passat is equipped with two front airbags, two side airbags, two curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, an antiskid system, good headlights, and five head restraints (both front head restraints are active). Rear side airbags can be obtained as options. Visibility is very good in all directions but judging distances when reversing can be tricky. Also on the down side, the top of the dashboard reflects in the windshield. In U.S. government tests, the Passat earned four out of five stars for occupant protection in head-on collisions, and in side collisions it earned five stars for front occupant protection and four stars for rear passenger protection. Strangely, the previous generation earned five stars for all occupants in head-on collisions, and in side collisions, five stars for rear passengers and four stars for front occupants. In frontal offset and side crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Passat was ranked “good”—its highest rating. For protection in rear collisions, it was deemed “acceptable”—the second best rating.
Engine and transmission With its 200 horses and 207 pounds of torque from the 2.0-litre, directinjection four-cylinder turbo, the Passat is swift and quick off the blocks. In fact, the car packs so much pickup that you have to be careful of the torque if you have a heavy foot over uneven pavements. The turbo engages quickly, and at 1,800 RPMs the torque is already maxed out, which virtually eliminates any turbo lag. The VR6 is clearly more powerful—and more expensive—but since the four-cylinder holds its own more than admirably, it’s the more logical choice. The automatic transmission has three modes: six-speed regular, five-speed sport and six-speed manual. The sport mode shifts at higher rpm’s and stays in gear longer, but is less smooth. It delivers sprightlier acceleration and pickup than the regular mode and is so effective it makes the manual mode virtually unnecessary. Transmission performance is beyond reproach across the board. You can also start in second gear. On the road The new Passat’s suspension is firmer than the previous generation’s, but still delivers a very smooth ride. Rough surfaces are absorbed with such ease that passenger comfort is never compromised. Road holding is excellent, even on uneven pavement, thanks to the Passat’s now fully independent suspension. The new generation is even more pleasant to drive than the last. The electromechanical power steering is well calibrated, stable, precise, and fast. It gives you a bit of an idea of what’s going on between the road and the tires. The brakes deliver average power, but resist fading well. The parking brake is electronic so there aren’t any cables. Instead, two little electric motors in the back do the work. Our inspection of the Passat at a CAA-Quebec Technical Inspection Centre showed that the car is very well built with a robust underbody and suspension, but the length of the front stabilizer bar tie rods suggests that certain parts in this system could wear quickly. The camshafts are driven by a timing belt. Conclusion With its spacious interior, smooth and peppy four cylinder engine, smooth and versatile automatic transmission, sportier handling, and solid construction, the new Passat is a well balanced mid-size car. Those looking for more luxury and power should check out the V6 version, which can also be equipped with the 4Motion system. The arrival of the station wagon will further add to the Passat’s appeal.
PROS: roomy interior, well adapted two-litre engine, smooth automatic transmission, handling, spacious trunk, generous standard equipment. CONS: automatic AC settings could be improved, short and narrow front seat cushions, wiper fluid nozzles under the hood, small wiper fluid tank, dashboard reflection in windshield, visibility when backing up. 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Engine: 16-valve, 2.0-litre 4 cyl.; 24-valve, 3.6-litre VR6 Horsepower: 200 hp from 5,100 to 6,000 rpm; 280 hp @ 6,200 rpm Torque: 207 lb-ft from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm; 265 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic Suspension: fully independent Brakes: 4-wheel disc Length: 478 cm Width: 182 cm Height: 147.2 cm Wheelbase: 270.9 cm Weight: 1,499 to 1,737 kg Tires: 215/55R16; 235/45R17 Towing capacity: 907 kg Air bags: standard front plus two side and two side curtain; optional rear side Fuel consumption with four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission: Transport Canada rating: City: 10.8 L/100 km (26 mpg) Highway: 7.1 L/100 km (39 mpg) Test result: 10 L/100 (28 mpg) Test temperature: 0oC to 10oC Fuel tank capacity: 70 litres Fuel: gasoline (premium) Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 8.4 seconds (Sport: 8.2 seconds) 60-100 km/h: 5.6 seconds (Sport: 5.2 seconds) Competition: Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy and Outback; Toyota Camry, Volvo S40 and V50
Warranty: Full basic coverage: 4 years/80,000 km Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km Surface corrosion: 4 years/80,000 km Perforation damage: 12 years/unlimited kilometrage Emissions control system: 4 years/80,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module and onboard diagnostic device) Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $736 Brake pads: $111 Front fender: $231 Front brake disk: $102 Muffler: $402 Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $947 to $1,338 Price according to trim line: 2.0T: $29,950 3.6L: $42,090 3.6L 4Motion: $44,990 Main
options: Automatic transmission: $1,100 Convenience package: $1,170 Luxury package: $3,840 Luxury leather package: $6,200 HID headlights: $1,600 Rear side airbags: $450 Navigation system: $2,700
Price as tested: $37,250 Freight and preparation: $1,195 Dealers: Quebec: 57; Canada: 167 ® CAA-Quebec, November 2005. All rights reserved.
