Description: Mid-Size Near-Luxury Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $22,950 - $31,900
Invoice Price Range: $21,118 - $29,413
Where built: Germany

The mid-size Passat sedan grows up with a new design in 2006 that positions this car closer to the luxury class. Passat's body expands by three inches in length and width, which translates to more room for riders in the five-seat passenger compartment.

VW casts two Passat models segmented by powertrain. Passat 2.0T is the entry issue in front-wheel-drive (FWD) format with a new 2.0-liter four-in-line engine below the hood. It adds a turbo-charger and direct fuel injection to generate 200 hp through a manual six-speed transmission or six-speed electronic automatic with Tiptronic sequential shifter. Passat 3.2 VR6 is the up-level trim using a 3.6-liter V6 cranked to 280 hp.

VW's 4Motion AWD system is optional on the VR6 version, where standard equipment includes curtain-style air bags and ESP, leatherette seat trim, twin-zone automatic climate controls and a deluxe sound system with six-disk CD changer.