The New VW Passat - The German Car That Shakes The Canadian Family Car Segment

AJAX, ON, Aug. 17, 2005; Volkswagen Canada will bring the 2006 new Passat model to the Canadian market this month. The all-new sedan will represent the most sophisticated and affordable German-built family midsize car on the market today, with the starting price at $29,950.

The new Passat's base engine is upgraded to a sophisticated new four-cylinder engine, the 2.0T. This two-litre is efficient and sporty and uses a turbocharger and an intercooler for cool, higher-density intake air. The 2.0T's high-end breathing is further enhanced by its four-valves per cylinder. The engine's overall efficiency begins with an advanced direct-injection fuel delivery system that culminates in 200 hp at 5,100 revolutions per minute, and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque all the way from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm - an extraordinary torque curve that provides plenty of pulling power from the low end through the top.

The 280-horsepower 2006 Passat 3.6L will be in dealerships in two months, and marks the return of VW's groundbreaking narrow-angle six cylinder powerplant (this historic engine is known as the VR6). This newly advanced 3.6L V6 engine has higher-displacement, four-valves-per-cylinder, and variable valve timing, and promises 280 hp at 6,200 rpm and 265 ft.-lbs, at just 2,750 rpm. Volkswagen's refined six-speed automotive transmission with Tiptronic(TM) and sport mode selection will be standard equipment (no plans for a manual). This new Passat will be among the most powerful front-drive, family midsize cars ever offered, with the refinement, safety and speed of a true Autobahn bred sedan. The V6 offers a nearly class-leading power-to-weight ratio that allows this family hauler to propel from 0-100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds.

Later in the model year, Volkswagen will once again offer the Passat in a wagon version as well. Both the sedan and its variant will offer a 4Motion(R) (all-wheel-drive) version later in the 2006 model year. Models will therefore include in both body styles: a Passat "Base" 2.0T; a Passat 2.0T; a Passat 3.6L and soon a 3.6L 4Motion. The launch of the new Passat in Canada is no small event. When it arrived on North America's shores back in 1997, the contemporary Volkswagen Passat sedan and wagon essentially started the transformation of the common family sized car market. The Passat proved that the inevitable midsize car could actually invigorate drivers and passengers alike. It not only offered great utility, value, safety and room but also dynamic European styling, innovative technology and a "real" German-bred driving experience.

Today, this same model is setting a new target for all those manufacturers who have played catch up to meet the new expectations of so many family car buyers. As expected in a modern Volkswagen, the all-new 2006 Passat has been stridently refined and moved closer than ever to perfection in its attention to detail, advanced technology, Teutonic driving qualities and uncompromising safety design and features.

While the dictum of "form always follows function" is an enduring foundation of Volkswagen design, the exterior and interior styling of the departing but contemporary Passat impressed with its simple sporty European styling and a refined German driving experience. It was hailed universally as one of the most acclaimed and trend setting in recent automotive history.

Volkswagen's designers have done it again with the look, ambience and spatial presence of an all-new 2006 Passat. Overall, the sixth Passat is by far the most skilfully refined, secure and technically advanced of all. It is clearly muscular, but in a purposeful way that commands respect but in no way demands it.

The new Passat has a new medallion-shaped grille accented by brilliantly clear, clean, high-tech headlight housings that exude precision engineering.

This confident stance is also seen in the new Passat's silhouette from front to rear. At the car's back, one can see a classic and dynamic Volkswagen design leap that harmoniously mixes sharply tailored rear lighting with an enduring sporty and functional overall design.

The new Passat's pure exterior dimensions have broadened slightly to accommodate, partly, a more functional and ergonomic interior. The wheelbase lengthens slightly to a new 2709mm (106.7 inches) versus the previous 2703mm (106.4). Overall, length is more dramatic: now 4780mm (188.2 inches) versus 4703mm (185.2 inches) before. The body is wider as well (1820mm (71.7 inches) as opposed to 1746mm (68.7)). Stability in general should further be enhanced with a wider track Passat layout both at the front and rear, which measures 1552mm (61.1 inches) (previously 1515mm (59.6)). A clear indication of the new Passat's quality foundation is its static torsion stiffness that is measured at a 57 percent higher level than its predecessor's already solid static rigidity. Dynamically, the new Passat also improves on the Passat's traditionally stiff driving tolerances that allow for a refined chassis and subsequent ability for engineers to dial in optimum suspension settings and improvements.

The Passat's fundamentals are the collaboration of designers, the R&D teams, engineers and production experts who have allowed for extremely innovative production methods, new techniques, and materials. This production process is a complex array of advances but the most dramatic contributor is achieved through the use of more high-strength, yet lighter materials and an advanced, highly automated, laser welding system that requires new-generation robotics and elaborate laser measuring check points. This results in a dramatic increase in laser welded seams, and also helps establish a significant breakthrough in weight barriers that allow for improvements in size, the aforementioned rigid integrity of the overall chassis, and the car's new class-leading amenities.

Inside, a simple glance reveals another evolution in Volkswagen's renowned interior design and simple but unrelenting attention to detail. Whether at the wheel or as a passenger, the occupants find a fresh, stylish, modern design that remains strikingly simple, from the standard trim level that symbolizes Volkswagen's commitment to value for the money, to the top-levels such as those found in numerous equipment options and stand-alone packages.

More exterior room for the new Passat certainly translates into more width and legroom, especially in the rear seating area, where it grows from 896mm (35.3 inches) to 958mm (37.7 inches). New rear vents for the standard air conditioning and heater also provide more comfort at the car's stern, and the trunk, which provides a 60/40 split folding seat if needed and pass through for much longer items, is 0.4m3 (14.2 cubic feet) of space that because of thoughtful overall design offers incredible utility with plenty of neatly unobstructed space. Overall, the new Passat provides 2.7m3 (96.3 cubic feet) of passenger volume (versus 2.6m3 (95 cubic feet) in today's version).

As one expects of Volkswagens, the new Passat embodies the German engineering mandate of building ever higher and higher levels of advanced occupant protection with each new generation of car. The previous Passat was proved to be among the safest vehicles on the roads of America, regardless of vehicle class or weight. The highly regarded Insurance Institute for Highway Safety studied data from serious accidents among all passenger vehicles, the Passat attained the third lowest death rate. The new 2006 Passat is the newest example of Volkswagen's reputation for safety.

Major standard safety items - many of which have been updated with the latest in technology but have been standard on Passats for several years - include eight total airbags, including front side thorax airbags, and Side Curtain Protection(TM) (head) in the front and rear.

A few of the most significant passive safety features now offer standard crash active front headrests and crash-optimized foot pedals that descend upon serious impact. Daytime Running Lights (DRL), three-point safety belts, and adjustable headrests for all five occupants are also important holdover items to help in protection. Volkswagen has made sure all outboard occupants are able to easily position their safety belts with shoulder height adjustments. Front belts use pre-tensioners with load limiters, and all safety belts use emergency locking retractors. Rear side thorax airbags are optional for the first time ever in a Passat, and if chosen, will supplement the standard head curtain protection system.

The Passat offers the stability and surefootedness of a precise-handling front-drive sedan, with standard four-wheel disc ABS brakes that are coupled with a sophisticated Engine Braking Assist system. Another major technical advancement in the new Passat is a standard electro-mechanical power steering system that can assist with straight ahead driving adjustments when necessary. All Passats come standard with an Electronic Stabilization Program - an active safety item that is being recognized through independent research to be an increasing vital safety features - Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Electronic Differential Locking (EDL). Later in 2006, all wheel drive comes with 4Motion.

The McPherson strut-type axle creates a direct steering ratio; a high level of transversal axel rigidity and a low tendency to allow body roll on tight turns. At the rear, the new Passat is now equipped with an advanced multi-link independent rear suspension. This feature helps the Passat set a new standard in its segment by providing an ideal balance of sporty driving dynamics and ride sophistication. The fully independent four-link suspension, with coil springs, telescopic shocks and stabilizer bar, also allowed the designers to create more utilitarian space in the luggage compartment.

Handling performance is honed to perfection by a new electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system. This gives the Passat driver a desirable connected-to-the-road feel but also provides the added capability of active-return steering and straight-ahead driving correction assistance.

Volkswagen is backing the new Passat with a comprehensive warranty that includes a bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty for four years or 80,000km, whichever comes first, with wear-and-tear items and adjustments covered during the initial 12 months or 20,000km. Additional coverage is provided by 24-hour roadside assistance for four years with unlimited mileage, a five year/100,000km Powertrain Limited Warranty and a Limited Warranty against Corrosion Perforation for 12 years with unlimited mileage.

Here is a list of some of the new Passat's latest developments:

- All-new sixth generation Passat completely redesigned and restyled inside and out

Standard 2.0T turbocharged four-cylinder with direct injection, 200 hp, 207ft.-lbs. torque - Available 3.6L V6, 280 hp, 265 ft.-lbs. torque with standard six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic (4th quarter 2006) - 62mm (2.4") more rear legroom than previous generation (958mm (37.7") vs. 896mm (35.3")) - 37mm (1.5") wider track front and rear (1552mm (61.1") vs. 1515mm (59.6")) - 74mm (3.0") wider body width (1820mm (71.7") vs. 1746mm (68.7")) - 2709mm (106.7") wheelbase (2709mm (106.7") vs. 2703mm (106.4")) - Overall length of 4780mm (188.2") (4780mm (188.2") vs. 4703mm (185.2")) - Six-speed manual transmission, optional six-speed automatic with Tiptronic on 2.0T - A/C standard on all models - Dual-zone automatic climate control (Climatronic) standard on 3.6L, and optional on 2.0T - Premium sound with in-dash six-disk CD changer standard on 2.0T and 3.6L, optional on 2.0T Base - Available 10-way power driver seat, available 12-way on 3.6L. - Optional DVD Navigation system, audible with colour screen - Electronic parking brake standard - Optional multi-functional steering wheel - Standard tilt and telescoping four-spoke steering wheel - Leatherette seat trim standard, leather optional - Rear passenger vents for A/C and heat standard - 60/40 split folding rear seats with folding centre armrest and pass-through feature - Front centre armrest with cooling storage feature - ABS with four-wheel front vented disks standard - Electronic Stabilization Program with brake assist standard - EDL, ASR - Standard crash-active head restraints - 4Motion available with 3.6L V6 (later in 2006 MY) - Eight air bags standard with rear side-thorax airbags optional - Fully independent four-link rear suspension - Electromechanical power steering - Bi-Xenon headlights with washers optional on 2.0T and 3.6L

"4Motion" is a registered trademark of Volkswagen. "Side Curtain Protection" is a trademark of Volkswagen. All other trademarks used in this document are the property of their respective owners.