Driving 2006 Volkswagen Passat
Submitted by michael on Tue, 2006-02-28 17:23
The all new 2006 Passat’s V6 narrow engine produces stout flow of power and accelerates the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds. The previous year’s model had 2.8 liter engine. Despite that 2006 Passat has almost 1 liter bigger engine it comes out to be 18 pounds lighter than the last years engine. Fuel economy is also equivalent even after the new engine produces 58 pound-feet extra torque and 90 more horse powers.
3.6L which has the biggest engine of the Passat line up comes with automatic 6 speed Tiptronic transmission. This transmission is designed in such a fashion that it can handle more power than 3.6 liter engine can actually deliver. From zero the takeoff is incredibly smooth and the gear up-shifts, if complete automatic is used, takes place without any problems and the feel is almost negligible. In case manual mode of the Tiptronic is used than the shifts are equally smooth.
The chassis is balanced very well and the new rear multi link suspension has given 2006 Passat a new handling control. The front suspension is strut-type Mac Pherson suspension. 2006 Passat also comes with a sport tuned suspension. With this suspension the ride height gets lower almost by 15 mm and the springs and shocks are stiffer than the normal suspension. However, the normal suspension in 2006 Passat is still far sportier than the previous models. Torque steer as well as brake dive, body roll and acceleration squat in suspension have been eliminated in the new 2006 Passat.
Though most of the previous model’s electronic and other systems have been replaced by all new ones, one of the features in braking system has been brought on to the new model. The 4 wheel disc brakes provide direct response and the ABS is tuned to give late braking response for a sportier drive experience. The front discs brakes are also ventilated. The standard brake assist provides superb braking for the car from high speeds.
Steering of 2006 Passat is marvelous. With its new rack-and-pinion electro mechanical steering make the car’s handling suburb while moving through a chicane. This steering system adjusts itself on the basis of speed and steering wheel angle. This new system also adjusts for side ways winds and has capability to minimize the column vibrations. It works with great precision and high speed lane change is just a normal drive.
The Volkswagen’s claim that the car will get to a 135 mph with the all new 6 cylinder 3.6 liter engine was indeed true. The best thing is that the immense power produced is tuned in so nicely with sophisticated suspension and chassis that the car gives incredible stability at such high speeds.
Engines
The all new 2006 Passat’s V6 narrow engine produces stout flow of power and accelerates the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds. The previous year’s model had 2.8 liter engine. Despite that 2006 Passat has almost 1 liter bigger engine it comes out to be 18 pounds lighter than the last years engine. Fuel economy is also equivalent even after the new engine produces 58 pound-feet extra torque and 90 more horse powers.
The fuel economy is retained by the introduction of new FSI technology. In this system the fuel is forced directly into combustion chamber. The 3.6L Passat gives good torque and acceleration reaches the power peak of 6200 rpm quickly.
Transmission
3.6L which has the biggest engine of the Passat line up comes with automatic 6 speed Tiptronic transmission. This transmission is designed in such a fashion that it can handle more power than 3.6 liter engine can actually deliver. From zero the takeoff is incredibly smooth and the gear up-shifts, if complete automatic is used, takes place without any problems and the feel is almost negligible. In case manual mode of the Tiptronic is used than the shifts are equally smooth.
Chassis & Suspension
The chassis is balanced very well and the new rear multi link suspension has given 2006 Passat a new handling control. The front suspension is strut-type Mac Pherson suspension. 2006 Passat also comes with a sport tuned suspension. With this suspension the ride height gets lower almost by 15 mm and the springs and shocks are stiffer than the normal suspension. However, the normal suspension in 2006 Passat is still far sportier than the previous models. Torque steer as well as brake dive, body roll and acceleration squat in suspension have been eliminated in the new 2006 Passat.
Brakes
Though most of the previous model’s electronic and other systems have been replaced by all new ones, one of the features in braking system has been brought on to the new model. The 4 wheel disc brakes provide direct response and the ABS is tuned to give late braking response for a sportier drive experience. The front discs brakes are also ventilated. The standard brake assist provides superb braking for the car from high speeds.
Steering
Steering of 2006 Passat is marvelous. With its new rack-and-pinion electro mechanical steering make the car’s handling suburb while moving through a chicane. This steering system adjusts itself on the basis of speed and steering wheel angle. This new system also adjusts for side ways winds and has capability to minimize the column vibrations. It works with great precision and high speed lane change is just a normal drive.
Many latest electronic handling systems have been installed in the new 2006 Volkswagen Passat and they don’t hinder any of the drive feel. It is easy to park, stable and quick around the corners.
