With maps stored in flash memory, this system works well enough for basic route guidance, but is also the system that can be had in the much less-expensive Jetta. Despite their reserved styling, the new Jetta and Passat have shown to be strong sellers in the U. The durability of the rear trailing arms may be reduced in vehicles whose rear trailing arms have been previously deformed, such as a result of a rear or side-rear impact crash. Head restraints that adjust not only up and down but also back and forth add to the customized feel. Check out the differences between the 2012 and 2013 model years. Finessing the Lineup Prices increase slightly over last year, with 2.
The photos and videos shown here may be of a different model, model year or body type from the one selected. Likewise, the cabin tech interface looks good, and proves very functional. This interface works well for browsing a connected iPod's music library. The V6 has a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. I was also, on occasion, a little frustrated by the electronic parking brake.
We Did the Research for You: 44 Reviews Analyzed This overview includes fuel economy estimates, reliability ratings, crash test scores, and more. Structure The driver space was not maintained well. For a marginal rating, it is 2. I could never remember if I was supposed to push or pull the button to engage the brake, and it was also a little difficult to tell when the brake was engaged. The became available with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and other active safety features. This sporty, sexy, coupe-styled vehicle with sedanlike functionality was quite practical in both its usage and its budget. For regular suitcases, shopping bags, golf clubs, etc.
Injury measures Driver — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity. The system works very well with an iPod, although it quickly becomes tedious to reach all the way into the glove box to plug it in. In other words, the roof must withstand a force of at least 4 times the vehicle's weight before the plate crushes the roof by 5 inches. . As with… Humor goes a long way in car commercials, and no automaker does this better than Volkswagen — its Super Bowl commercials from the past three years featuring a Minnesotan with a Jamaican accent in one and a mini-Darth Vader in another is proof of that.
Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. This shifter operates a six-speed transmission with two computer-controlled clutches. These are paired with the standard five or six-speed manual, a six-speed auto-shift manual with overdrive and auto-manual, or a six-speed automatic with overdrive and auto-manual. Direct injection and turbocharging have been proven to work well together for improved efficiency, although Volkswagen could get more out of this combination, as other automakers have. Compare them all side by side. This is one price you pay for a stylized, sweeping, lower roofline with large doors. The inside has built on updates to the design which took place in the 2011 models.
Passenger — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity. However, it ranks near the back of the luxury midsize car class due to its tight rear headroom and merely average reliability rating. The audio and climate controls are nicely arranged and fairly user-friendly as well. The rear seats can also fold to accommodate larger items. It snaps quickly into each gear with a push up or down on the shifter.
Anything lower than that is poor. This rating applies to vehicles other than the specific model and body style tested. The kids did appreciate the air vents in the back, which allowed them to direct cool air directly at themselves during our unseasonably hot late summer in Colorado. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Tested vehicle specifications Tested vehicle 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2. The driver door hinges were torn off and the latch opened, resulting in the door detaching from the vehicle, which shouldn't happen because the driver could be partly or completely ejected from the vehicle.
On more than one occasion, I found myself getting a little too cozy with the speed limit, just enjoying the surge. I am not crazy about how Volkswagen sets up the gate, with the Manual mode a push to the right of Drive, and Sport below the Drive position. You may want to consider buying a certified pre-owned vehicle. Hitting the brakes does not result in a series of quick downshifts, but keeping pressure on the gas pedal puts the car in an aggressive gear. Pricing has yet to be released, but it should come in just above the Sport Plus model. The peak strength-to-weight ratio recorded at any time before the roof is crushed 5 inches is the key measurement of roof strength. Head protection Driver — The dummy's head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof and a side airbag that deployed from the seat.
Although Volkswagen had a long lead, other companies are catching up. My drinks quickly were relegated to the rear of the two cupholders, with small items like lip gloss and my phone taking up the front one. The engine feels smooth and silky and seems to supply endless power, even at more than 6,000 feet above sea level, where I live. The glass sunroofs in the affected vehicles may break when the vehicles are operated over a hard road surface or strike a pothole. A good rating requires a strength-to-weight ratio of at least 4. Two scored Acceptable, four scored Marginal and three scored Poor. Rather than the car rolling forward into the bumper of the car ahead, I was able to precisely park, making no contact.