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The Passat was just
redesigned for 2006 with key differences being a roomier interior, more
powerful engines, and higher prices. The 4-cylinder Passat is now as quick as
most V6 competitors, but is just as expensive. It rides and handles well, but
the previous version achieved a better balance. And while interior space has
improved, it is still not a roomy vehicle. This new Passat is generally a very
nice car, but it has its issues, and is rather expensive.
The Passat has a firm,
controlled, and generally comfortable ride, though it does not filter bumps
especially well. The car handles capably, but despite the accurate and
responsive steering it is not as enjoyable to drive as its predecessor. The
2.0-liter turbocharged I4, shared with the Audi A3 and A4, provides comparable
acceleration to competing V6 models, but is a bit slow off the line and not as
linear as this class’s more traditional engine. It’s not quiet, but it never
sounds strained. Wind and road noise are adequately suppressed. Despite its
acceleration, the Passat manages excellent fuel economy.
Inside, the Passat’s
front seats have a long cushion and good head space, but could use more
lateral support and more leg space. The rear seat is roomier than the previous
model’s, but the seat cushion is flat and lumpy, and there ought to be more
foot space beneath the front seats. The dash uses high-quality materials,
though they aren’t as meticulously
 assembled as its
predecessor’s. Ergonomics have improved however, with clearer gauges and
simpler automatic climate controls. The odd mix of manual and automatic seat
controls is somewhat irksome. Drivers sit very comfortably, but rearward
visibility is impeded by the three large rear head restraints and thick roof
pillars. Wide door openings help entry/exit. The trunk is small but
well-shaped.
The Passat’s new design
abundance of standard safety features should have given it better-than-average
NHTSA crash test results, but its fours stars for both the driver and for the
front passenger is mediocre for this class. Its five stars for the driver and
four for the rear passenger in the side crash test stand up better against
competitors. It does shine in IIHS evaluations, earning Good ratings for
frontal and side protection and an Acceptable head restraint score.
The Passat is not
inexpensive, even in its 4-cylinder version it came in at $26,521. (The V6
version was well out of this group’s price range.) And despite the marketing
surrounding the car’s standard features, it doesn’t stand out there either. It
does include a tire-pressure monitor and (optional) side airbags that protect
the torsos of rear occupants. But even with sticker prices past $30,000, no
version of the 4-cylinder Passat offers full-power front seats, offering power
lumbar and recline functions for both passengers but manual fore-aft and
height adjustments, an odd oversight.
Overall, the new Passat
is less unique than its predecessor, while not being much more desirable.
Attempts to convert it into more of a mainstream family sedan have not really
succeeded, while they have diminished the car’s former ride/handling
compromise. But there is still a lot to like here, like the powerful and
fuel-efficient I4 that exceeds the previous Passat’s V6 in both areas, the
excellent IIHS crash test results, and a decent blend of interior space, ride
comfort, and agility. It’s not a great mainstream car, but a decent
alternative to one with a dash of sport.
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