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.

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

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).

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.