Given that the Chinese auto market has yet to cool, this is probably more a matter of the Mondeo not fairing well against the other sedans it is normally pitted against. At this price level it is competitive with the very similar 2009 Mazda6 and the Volkswagen Passat. Either way, Ford wants to take advantage of that thirsty market. [China Car Times]

The trick might be competitive pricing. The lower end model will be powered by a 2.0-liter TSI fourbanger and should start at around $27K with the 3.6-liter FSI V6 starting somewhere north of the $30K mark. By comparison, the Passat starts out at approximately $24K, making the CC not quite as large a leap as the abandoned Phaeton. [AutoNewsEurope via eGMCarTech]

We sort of see where Volkswagen is going with this, though the name takes alphanumericism to its ridiculous extreme. If rumors are true, and they want to bring back the Phaeton, they're going to have to place a car in between that luxury cruiser and the standard Passat. By naming the car the Passat CC, you make it harder to justify the higher price for a car that doesn't necessarily offer that much more than a new Passat. That's our thinking, anyways. [Source: CC]

Skoda Superb

Škoda Auto is presenting the first official photographs of the new Superb. Offering really generous space, the new Škoda Superb is a leader in its class (medium/upper medium class cars).

With 4,838 mm in length, 1,783 mm in width, 1,461 mm in height and a 2,761mm-long wheel base, the new Škoda Superb offers a number of smart technological solutions, including adaptive "look-round-corner" headlamps, a new electronic air conditioning system, an automatic parking assistant system, and more. As safety was one of the top priorities in developing the new vehicle, the new Superb has altogether nine airbags.

The new Škoda Superb will be available with three petrol and three diesel engines (77 - 191 kW) and with both manual and automatic transmission systems.

The new Škoda Superb will receive a world premiere at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show and will be manufactured in Škoda Auto's plant in Kvasiny. [Source: Skoda via World Car Fans]

If you look at all the photos from the site you can sort of get the idea that it has a grille, and I'm pretty sure a rear window. It looks like it'll retain the characteristic VW squared-curve C-pillar, but that's the best line you're given. Have fun figuring it out from the video and photos.

At the flip side of MIT's absurdly outfitted LandRover is team Lux's Volkswagen Passat, a joint venture between German supplier of automotive sensors Ibeo and parent company Sick. Hands-down winner of the nonexistent prize for stealthiest install, their diesel grocery-getter has a mere three sensors; one on each corner up front, mounted behind black Plexiglas in the bumper and a prototype model mounted in the center of the read bumper. Data from these units is collected and processed by four computers in the trunk. Even the actuators for steering and velocity are stealthily mounted. Apart from the big honkin' kill switches on the read windows, one might miss the fact that it's a robot car at all.

It's hard to pick favorites in an event like this, and looking at this brief comparison shows why. Despite their differences, both vehicles did well in Saturday's qualifying runs. [DARPA Grand Challenge]

This is the newest car yet in the Down On The Street series, but the point isn't the car's age, it's the fact that it's a rare survivor of a bygone era. This car certainly qualifies, especially considering that (water-cooled) VW Years are sort of like dog years; one year of wear and tear on, say, a Japanese car is roughly equal to seven years on a post-air-cooled Volkswagen.


The Quantum was the second name VW slapped on the Passat (succeeding the Dasher nameplate) when they tried to sell their "big" car on these shores, apparently figuring Americans would never buy cars with weird European-sounding names.


In '85, the Quantum wagon sold for $11,500. This was actually pretty competitive with their Japanese counterparts, but by that time it was getting tough to compete with the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere's rep for quality.


Still, these cars were fairly decent performers for the era, so if you were willing to pay for constant occasional repairs you'd have a little family hauler that was pretty enjoyable to drive.

"Volkswagen Group said it has signed an agreement with one of its China joint ventures, Shanghai Volkswagen, to jointly develop a new car as a replacement model for its Passat brand.

'It's the first time for the venture to take a role in the development work of a car sold to the international markets,' the German automaker said in a statement.

It said that the new car, which is expected to be launched as early as 2009, will be developed mainly for the North America and China markets."

VW readies new four-door coupe [Motor Authority]

Related:
More on the Passat Four-Door "Coupe" [internal]

We have a friend who drives a Passat estate car. She lovers her some Volkswagen and lives in one of those unfortunate subdivisions where you're not allowed to park your car in your own driveway. Now if one parks one's car on one's own property, if it goes up in smoke, no harm done other than some scorch marks on the homeowners'-association-mandated impeccably-maintained concrete. If, on the other hand, a modern Passat is such an eyesore that it must be kept garaged, many thousands of suburbanites are bound to start worrying. Apparently, VW is investigating reports of coil-pack-oriented fires on '00-03 gas-engined Passats — other than the W8 — in conjunction with the NHTSA. 19 fires have resulted so far and, the folks at VeeDub could face a recall involving around 350,000 cars. Ouch. – Davey G. Johnson

Volkswagen investigated after fires [AZCentral via Autoblog]

Related:
Volkswagen to Recall 790,000 Cars. Oof. [Internal]

"two eye-like laser sensors in the front and one in the back that scan road conditions, buildings other vehicles and pedestrians over a range of up to 200 metres (650 feet)...an on-board computer digests and acts on the information..."

Driverless car goes on show in London [Breitbart.com]

Related:
Stanford Takes the Message to the Streets, DARPA-Style [internal]

"...features a 2.0L, 200-horsepower turbo-charged engine with a standard six-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission...and...unique "Wolfsburg Edition" badging on the driver and passenger front quarter panels. The Wolfsburg Edition Passat also features 17-inch alloy wheels, a four-spoke leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel, leather wrapped gearshift knob and boot, 12-way full power adjustable driver seat, six-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, heated front seats, power sunroof, fog lights, heated windshield washer nozzles and Sirius satellite radio."

WOLFSBURG EDITION PASSAT NOW AVAILABLE IN SHOWROOMS

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that the Wolfsburg Edition Passat is now available at dealers. Volkswagen will produce approximately 6,000 of these special edition models.

Throughout its history, Volkswagen has offered special edition models for a variety of reasons. At times they were offered to celebrate a milestone or special event, such as the Bicentennial Beetle that commemorated our country's 200th birthday. At other times they were offered to further accent a specific model's image, such as the currently available Fahrenheit GTI. More often, special edition models have been offered to deliver an even greater value to the customer—something Volkswagen has consistently achieved with the Wolfsburg Editions.

The Wolfsburg Edition Passat continues the tradition of offering value priced special editions. This edition features a 2.0L, 200-horsepower turbo-charged engine with a standard six-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission. Each special edition Passat sedan includes unique "Wolfsburg Edition" badging on the driver and passenger front quarter panels. The Wolfsburg Edition Passat also features 17-inch alloy wheels, a four-spoke leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel, leather wrapped gearshift knob and boot, 12-way full power adjustable driver seat, six-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, heated front seats, power sunroof, fog lights, heated windshield washer nozzles and Sirius satellite radio.

Like the rest of the Passat model line, the Wolfsburg Edition also hosts a plethora of safety features. Including no less than six airbags—all standard, and for additional safety two rear side airbags are available as an option. The Wolfsburg Edition Passat also comes with an array of vehicle control safety features. These features include a four-wheel ABS anti-lock braking system with four-wheel disc brakes and Brake Assist. The ABS system includes a brake-wiping feature that keeps the brakes clean and dry. An Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) is also standard. Volkswagen uses ESP with Anti-Slip Regulation and Electronic Differential Locking for even greater effect. The Wolfsburg Edition Passat also comes standard with an electro-mechanical (electrically assisted) power steering system.

This special edition Passat offers greater value at $26,990 when compared to a similarly equipped non Wolfsburg Edition Passat.

The Wolfsburg Edition Passat, like all new Volkswagens, comes with a 24-hour Roadside Assistance for four years with unlimited mileage, and new vehicle warranty, including:

Five-year/60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty

Four-year/50,000 mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty with wear and tear items and adjustments excluded after the initial 12 months/12,000 miles

12 year unlimited distance Limited Warranty against corrosion perforation.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

# # #

One may recall Stanley, the robo-Touareg that won the 2nd DARPA Grand Challenge. Well, now the boffins in Paly are working a successor to the SUV, based on a Passat known as Junior. Junior's designed to navigate an urban environment, rather than a desert off-road course. DARPA plans to announce the location of the next race, to be held November 3rd, sometime in October. Meanwhile we're still waiting for information on the atomic-powered Saab 96 entry from Venture Industries. – Davey G. Johnson

Urban road race to test limits of robotic cars [Reuters]

Related:
Next DARPA Grand Challenge to be Held on City Streets [Internal]

Volkswagen Audi Group can feel a bit slighted not to be the first port of call on the Essen show, but even a four-wheel drive, 300 hp battle wagon can't make a huge impression in this company. Still, the Passat R36 is a serious piece of kit in its own right, and should be an enticing alternative for those who want the performance but not the price premium that goes with Audi S4 ownership. It's a near-perfect Q car, especially in Touring form. Only the deep airdams, dinner-plate brake discs and mildly revised aero kit give away the violence held within. There are faster cars in the world, but no faster VW, this one will hit 60mph in 5.6s and go on to the standard 155mph top end.

Audi bought the 3.2-litre TT Roadster, as well as taking the R8 on its world tour, and a second look at the most eagerly anticipated supercar for many a year reveals an "unresolved" front end, as the clever mags like to call it.

It would have only taken carbon-fiber swords, optional extras on the rest of the lineup, to turn the R8 into a butch monster. The cheap matte-black numbers under those evil daytime running lights ruin the entire face of the car, though. It's like a beautiful girl with a thick mustache — you can't help staring at this massive flaw. If you've ordered one, please take note.

Annoyingly for Audi, the Abt TT-R next door looked an even more radical achievement, with duel-fuel and 355bhp — and that's not bad. There are no electric motors here, it's a combined petrol and LP-gas unit that falls under Abt's rather glamorous sounding iF-technology. This increases its range by up to 250 miles, apparently, and Abt claims no discernible difference in performance between the modes.

As well as the carbon-fiber bonnet, bodykit and interior trim that tip the relatively androgynous new TT shape into pure masculinity. No longer is the TT a "girl's car," especially with the vicious supercharger kit installed that should push the chassis to the limits of its almighty potential. The new 0-60mph time of 5.1s is far from shabby, too.

Back in the tuned throng, Mansory's on a mission to offend with a Continental GT Widebody so garish in full black-and-orange people actually plucked out their eyes to avoid staring in the face of pure evil. Actually they didn't, they just left in a bewildered, confused state.

But before dismissing it as dog vomit on wheels, check out the lines. If the car was all black, it would look pretty damned fine. The deep front spoiler, wild extended flanks and that rear wing provide a level of muscularity that would make the folks at Crewe a little hot under the collar. And the power hike will do the same to the driver, as Mansory's tinkering under the bonnet produces more than 630bhp of projectile force that helps the GT storm to 60mph in 4.5s and all the way up to 203mph. – Nick Hall

Related:
Car Hack's Notebook: Reporting on Porsches from the Essen Show [internal]

Volkswagen Individual, the company's in-house accessories shop for European tweakers, revealed its R line models at the Essen show last week, with such packages planned for the Golf, Touran minivan, Passat and Touareg SUV. Some might say the company is irreparably diluting its R performance brand (whither the new R32 in the US, huh?) by associating it with mainly cosmetic treatments, just as Audi does with its S line packs. But VW cares not for such talk, and will move ahead with the R line models for Europe in 2007. They'll include alloy wheels, body kits and interior upgrades, but no engine tuning. We hear the company's plotting something similar for the US market, but no word yet. – Mike Spinelli

Press Release:

In a world premiere Volkswagen Individual GmbH is presenting in Essen newly designed R line packages for the Golf, Touran, Passat and Touareg model ranges. They will first be coming out in Germany in 2007.

So far "R" has exclusively stood for high-performance cars such as the Golf R32 (250 hp), or the new Passat R36 (300 hp), which is also being shown in a world premiere in Essen. Thanks to the new R line models now for the first time exterior and interior equipment can be exclusively customized for sportiness, for the most part independently from the type of engine. The idea behind it: all R line products take up on the characteristic design elements that also distinguish the Golf R32 or the Passat R36. The entry into the world of sporty Volkswagens is becoming significantly more economical. In their implementation the differentiation to these top-notch athletes is however large enough that the independence and exclusivity of each model is maintained.

R line for the Golf

Volkswagen Individual has designed three different R line options for the Golf. For the first upgrade stage starting with the Golf Trendline an R line package is available consisting of sporty 17-inch alloy wheels (of type "Omanyt") with wide tires, a sport leather steering wheel (three spokes, perforated leather, R32-style steering wheel clip), parking brake lever and gearshift knob in leather, R-style pedals, door trims and an identifying R logo on the outside of the car.

Volkswagen put together the "Plus" R line package for the next upgrade level. In addition to the features in the first package, here top sport seats in front ("Monte Carlo" fabric with R embossed headrests) refine the interior. The "Plus" package also enters the scene with its own "Engine Spin dark" d cor.
New car buyers can order the "Exterior" R line package separately from these two packages. The package adds a dynamic look to the already powerfully designed Golf. And these are the ingredients: the protective radiator grill in dual fin design with a matte chrome surface familiar from the R32, air inlets in slatted look, 17-inch alloy wheels (of type "Omanyt"), roof edge spoiler, painted spoiler lower sections (front and back), a black diffusor, R logos on the sides of the front fenders and interior door trim.

For all Golf R line packages Volkswagen Individual offers optional 18-inch alloy wheels including sport chassis. "Vienna" leather equipment and a sporty dark rooflining can also be added to the "Plus" package.

These three R line packages - with some car-specific variations - are also being offered by Volkswagen Individual for the Touran (Trendline and Highline), Passat and Passat Variant (Sportline and Highline) and Touareg model series. All of them are also related, among other things, by the R line "Omanyt" wheels, developed for different sizes (up to 20 inches for the Touareg) and loads. R line versions for other Volkswagen models are also entirely conceivable. The R line equipment packages for the Touran, Passat and Touareg in detail:

R line for the Touran

Volkswagen Individual is showing an R line equipment program for the latest generation Touran just now introduced at the Essen Motor Show. Similar to the Golf, new car buyers can also directly customize the Touran (in Trendline and Highline versions) with the R line package. This is available for all engine types (with the exception of the Touran EcoFuel and Touran TDI with 66 kW).

With the R line package the Touran is enhanced with 18-inch alloy wheels (of type Omanyt), a sport chassis, multifunctional leather steering wheel (with R line logo in the vertical spoke), R pedals, R design door trim and matching R line logo on the outside. In addition the package includes an R line front section with painted bumper and radiator grill (also chrome dual fins) and a rear bumper that is also painted. R line logos on the right and left fenders designate this equipment line.

R line for the Passat

The Passat is among the most successful cars in the world. This Volkswagen (as a sedan and Variant) will also be available with the new R line package in the course of the coming year. Passat buyers choosing the "Sportline" and "Highline" equipment lines can also go for an "Interior" or "Exterior" package (available for all engine types).

The "Interior" R line package includes top sport seats (front) with electric 12-way adjustment including electrically adjustable lumbar support and a memory function on the driver's side ("Monte Carlo" fabric design, black on seating strip with R logo in the backrests of the front seats, "Highline" in leather equipment). Also included in this package are d cor inlays in "Engine Spin dark" style, a multifunctional leather steering wheel with R logo and control buttons for the optional DSG direct shift gearbox, the Plus multifunctional display, a gearshift knob in leather and R design pedal caps. As with all other models this equipment also includes R line door trims and 17-inch alloy wheels (of type "Omanyt").

The "Exterior" R line package, available separately or additionally, includes custom bumpers (completely in car color plus black diffusor in back), crest radiator grill with dual fin design, sport chassis, R line interior door trim and 17-inch alloy wheels (of type "Omanyt"), developed independently for the R line versions. The V6 versions come standard equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels of the same type (optionally available for all other Passat R line versions).

R line for the Touareg

The new Touareg generation will be offered with three R line packages in the future. They can be ordered for all engine versions starting from 165 kW (V6 TDI). In the first upgrade stage here the R line program offers extras including 20-inch alloy wheels (of type "Omanyt"), sport chassis, a four-spoke leather steering wheel, selector lever with R line logo, interior door trim in front with R line logo and pedal caps in R line design. Volkswagen offers "Casablanca" 20-inch alloy wheels as an alternative.

The "Plus" R line package provides an even higher degree of customization. It additionally includes a sport seating system in leather ("Nappa") with R line logos in the front headrests as well as very high-quality R line "Engine Spin dark" interior applications.

The "Exterior" R line package is also available for the Touareg. Included in this program of refinement are a matte chrome finish radiator grill with dual fins, custom bumpers also with front transverse web and rear diffusor in chrome (matte) design, special side running board and interior door trim as well as 20-inch alloy wheels of type "Omanyt".

Related:
Volkswagen Passat R36 Shots Leaked [internal]

Shots of VW's upcoming hotter Passat, the R36, somehow made it through the company's air-tight press-relations establishment. From what we see and hear, the R36 will come in both sedan and wagon variants and get a 280-hp version of the corporate 3.6-liter V6, fitted with the sublime DSG automanual and 4Motion all-wheel drive. The Geneva show, next March, will likely host the official unveiling. [Thanks to Dave for the tip.] – Mike Spinelli

Related:
Volkswagen Building a Hot Passat [internal]

We're a few clicks late to the party on this one, but we had to put it down for the record, considering it's been the talk of the blogosphere of late. VW this week confirmed its intention to bring a Mazdaspeed6 killer to the states, in the form of a Passat R36. Word is, the hot Passat will get a 280-hp version of V-dub's 3.6-liter V6 along with DSG and a body kit and accessory package developed by the company's Malibu Beach House squad (aka Project Moonraker). Expect to see an introduction later this year, possibly at the SEMA show, with a launch in 2007.

Related:
Moonraker Speaks: Volkswagen Passat to Be Offered with R-GT Package [internal]

Why you should buy this car: It's exactly what the car you need, even though you think you need a midsize SUV. That, and you've had an attachment to Volkswagens ever since that weird guy who hung around your high school parking lot offered you a ride home in his microbus.

Why you shouldn't buy this car: You are single and lack the requisite number of mountain biking or kayaking racks and stickers to make a wagon look like anything less than a family truckster. Or, you're not really a fan of extra visits to the dealer service center.

Suitability Parameters:
· Speed Merchants: No
· Fashion Victims: Yes
· Treehuggers: Yes
· Mack Daddies: No
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: Yes
· Penny Pinchers: Yes
· Euro Snobs: Yes
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: No
· Poseurs: No
· Soccer Moms: Yes
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: No

Also Consider:
· Mazda 6 Sportwagon
· Subaru Legacy 2.5i Wagon
· Dodge Magnum SXT

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Volkswagen
· Model tested: Passat Wagon 2.0T
· Model year: 2007
· Base Price: $26,175
· Price as Tested: $26,805
· Engine type: Turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve inline four
· Horsepower: 200 hp @ 5100 rpm
· Torque: 207 ft.-lbs. @ 1800 - 5000 rpm
· Transmission: 6-speed manumatic
· Curb Weight: 3512 lbs
· LxWxH: 188.0 x 71.7 x 59.7 in
· Wheelbase: 106.7 in
· Tires: P215/55R16 Continental ContiProContact
· Drive type: front-wheel-drive
· 0 - 60 mph: 7.5 sec.
· Fuel economy city/highway: 22 / 31
· NHTSA crash test rating: front: 4/4 (driver/passenger); side: no info; rollover: 4

[by Mike Austin]

Jalopnik Reviews: 2007 Volkwagen Passat Wagon 2.0L, Part 1, Part 2 [internal]

Exterior Design: ***
Wagons usually come off as either nerd-chic or mom's baby-hauler. Neither option is very cool. The Passat Wagon is a shapely thing, and like we said it looks better than the sedan, but in the end it's a little too bland and vague in form. Chrome is technically more of a styling accent than actual styling, but VW doesn't seem to know that and thus gets negative points for overkill.

Acceleration: ***
If you lower your expectations, you will never be disappointed, and it was never more true in this case. How could a mere 200 horsepower be enough for the 3500-pound Passat Wagon? On second thought, 3500 pounds isn't too heavy these days for a family car. At any rate, the Passat is surprisingly quick. The only problem is that the power is like an on/off switch, which can be annoying.

Braking ****
There's nothing wrong with the brakes, but there's nothing special about them either. Pedal feel is solid, but slightly grabby at first touch. In other words, they feel very German. In the German car sense, not in the German people sense — we haven't been feeling any Germans lately to make the latter judgment.

Ride ****
It's soft, but on some Michigan roads the pavement quality is third-world (or at least British), and the Passat seems to be just soft enough to handle bumps and potholes without riding like a bouncing Buick.

Handling ***
There are no less than fourteen handles on the inside and outside of the Passat Wagon, which means it handles better than a Mecedes SLR. Sorry, bad joke. Anyway, the Passat drives exactly like the old "European handling" stereotype, which is a lot better than you would think a wagon handles. If only the seats weren't so flat, we might have been able to drive the wheels off.

Gearbox **
A shame, really. This six-speed auto is great in other applications — the Jetta 2.5, for example — but just doesn't match up well at all with the power characteristics of the turbo. The gearing is well matched, but the sudden acceleration and downshifting that occurs should be better managed. The 2.0T and DSG gearbox combination found in the GTI, Jetta GLI, and Audi A3 is far preferable.

Audio/Video **
The sound is decent, and it's got knobs for volume and tuning. Our test car had zero options, which means it came with the cheapest radio Volkswagen could get away with. And they do get away it, but only barely.

Toys ****
Normally it's easier to just throw small bags in the back seat than open up the cargo compartment. Not so in the Passat Wagon, where the power liftgate makes you look for excuses to use the trunk. The "hold" feature, which applies the brakes for you after you've come to a stop, is nifty as well.

Trunk ****
Carpet, folding seats, and the aforementioned power liftgate makes this a good place for your groceries to be. And do we need to mention it's got more cargo space than a Touareg?

Value *****
Compared to other options-heavy Passat, this is a screaming deal. We were so used to 4Motion and the 3.6 engine that we didn't think you could really buy a Passat for much less than $30K anymore. But it's a good price compared to other family wagons as well, none of which have the power liftgate that we miss so much and won't stop mentioning.

Overall ****
Volkswagen fans, and especially previous Passat owners, will love this Passat Wagon. But anybody else that's looking in the wagon segment should give the Passat a serious look. Heck, anybody in the small SUV segment should drive the Passat, and they'll understand why car enthusiasts prefer wagons to trucks.

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2007 Volkwagen Passat Wagon 2.0L, Part 1 [internal]

Once upon a time, Volkswagen was known as the affordable-German-car company. It built sensible but well-engineered cars, like the Rabbit, and even if they fell apart like anything touched by Isiah Thomas, it wasn't so bad because they were as easy as making toast to fix. Over time, Volkwagens grew more luxurious, expensive, and complex. Sure the new ones were nice cars, but the old Volkswagen simplicity was gone. They still fell apart, but now you had to pay someone to fix them.

But there's a light shining back to the better times of the past, and it's the almost-base Passat Wagon. If you're really shaving dimes, there's a "Value Edition" that goes for less, but the 2.0L (or 2.0T, depending on either our window sticker or vw.com) throws in a few extras that are worth a few months of ramen to pay for the difference. It's still got gratuitous amounts of chrome too, so the untrained eye won't tell the difference between this bargain edition and the high-line V6 version.

Anyway, those extras are things like stability control, and a power liftgate. If you've never had a power liftgate, it might be just enough to convert you to the wagon sect (we already think the Passat looks better in wagon form). It's like having your very own Mini-me to do all your hatch opening- and closing-related business. Sadly, it will not kick other motorists in the junk for you (we tried). The Passat also has a "hold" feature on the transmission that, when activated, automatically applies the parking brake at stops so your left foot can be left free for important things like tapping along to the beat of your Phish bootlegs.

And standard on every Passat are lots and lots of storage bins, including two slide-out drawers above the radio and a big compartment near the driver's left knee. There's even a seemingly secret door inside the map pockets. Could this be a special consideration for the aging Deadhead demographic?

Of course it's not all good. The plastic is cheap. Not quite Korean-cheap, but well below VW's reputation for beautiful interiors. And the radio, while functional, almost mocks you with its lack of features. The leatherette-covered seats are so flat, presumably to fit Taco Bell-widened American asses, that clutching the steering wheel is the driver's last resort to keep from falling sideways in turns.

Then there's the engine, which is same turbocharged two-liter found in the GTI, Jetta GLI, A4, TT, and just about every other car VW/Audi makes. It's hard to believe the Passat moves so well with a mere 200 horsepower, but it does, even at highway passing speeds. But without the turbo boost, the Passat feels like it makes seven horsepower, and the turbo spools suddenly, like a post-White Castle trip to the bathroom. Neither mashing the throttle or dealing with the after effects of a Sack of Ten are pleasant experiences, but at least White Castle feeds you.

Still, this is a full-fledged family car at an affordable price, a segment we had thought Volkswagen was pricing itself out of. So take it easy on the options and the Passat will be all the car you need. Plus — judging by recent Volkwagen quality numbers — you'll need that extra cash for trips to the shop. [by Mike Austin]

Related:
Ad Watch: The VW Passat — Leading Cause Of Non-Hybrid Smug [internal]

Jalopnik's totally all about the edgy, funny and intelligent stuff — whether it's VDub's GTI MKV Fast ads, or the Safe Happens Passat Jetta commercials. Crispin Porter + Bogusky looks like it may have hit another VDub out of the park with their newest Passat ad dubbed "Low Ego Emissions." We dunno if they're trying to get all up in the whole South Park "smug" thing or what, but the ad is pretty damn good. Interestingly enough, there's already been a change to the creative — apparently it was just a smidge too edgy. We've got the original ad below the jump along with some links to the blog-o-riffic discussion about the changes.

The advertising-centric site This Blog Sits At The has an interesting two-post discussion going on about the changes made to the ad. The first one gives some pretty good analysis on the ad itself — the second post is all about the "controversy" surrounding the ad. But really, how can "because mine is only about yay-big" be objectionable? Everyone knows he's talking about his wallet cause he just dropped so much money on the car and and the premium fuel. We knew Germany had a history of fascism, but this is ridiculous!

The new Passat ad [This Blog Sits At The]
The new Passat ad II [This Blog Sits At The]

Related:
More Ad Watch [internal]

After months of snickering speculation by auto media types, Volkswagen has confirmed it will build an upmarket Passat four-door, front-drive coupe. It'll be a coupe, naturally, in the sense of the low-slung Mercedes CLS, the cause of more more head banging (at least among rear passengers) than 1983-era Judas Priest. The new model, shown above in a spec image by a Jalopnik reader, will hit in 2008, likely after an unveiling at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show. Sources say it'll get four-cylinder, VR6 and turbocharged R36 versions — and possibly a hybrid.

Spy Shots: 08 Passat Coupe [The Car Connection]

Related:
Volkswagen Passat Coupe Coming in 2008 [internal]

Hurtling through canyons in your Passat with Jawbreaker's "Kiss the Bottle" cranked high, jerkily smashing the brakes upon corner entry and generally driving like a complete dipshit, have you ever though, "I wish my Passat had black chrome and a more vibrant, art-faggy interior?" If yes, VW's answered your prayers, assistant creative director. The new Individual package actually looks pretty damn good to us, despite the dorky name.

VW Passat: Enhanced aesthetics edition [The German Car Blog]

Related:
VW Individual Shows Phaeton Limousine at the Dubai Motor Show [Internal]

The German Car Blog points us to an article in Germany's Auto Motor und Sport indicating VW's long-rumored Passat Coup is on the ticket for the 2008 model year. Sowing seeds of confusion among those wondering why it's a four-door, the mag actually means "coupe" in the sense of "coupe-like," like the Mercedes CLS. The new VW, which Photoshop-savvy readers speculated on in a Jalopnik contest earlier this year (one entry, pictured), will get similar engines to the standard-issue Passat.

VW Passat Coup : Coming 2008! [The German Car Blog]

Related:
Jalopnik s Contest of Speculation: Time to Vote [internal]

Volkswagen hopes that, if it can't sell its Passats and Jettas outright, it'll at least be able to loan them out to people for a couple of years. Following a 21.4 percent year-on-year drop in VW brand sales this past October, the company is offering new, subsidized lease deals with the intent to stimulate a pickup in sales. According to AutoWeek it's a change in attitude from "profits first" to move some freaking product, now. The 39-month deals — through January 3 — are no-money-down offers with monthly payments set at $249 for the Jetta and $299 for the Passat.

Volkswagen of America subsidizes leases of new Passat, Jetta in effort to help stem sales slide [AutoWeek]

Related:
Is Volkswagen Pulling Phaeton From US Market? [internal]

"WTF!? Those cars aren't Japanese," SEMA said under its breath, as Volkswagen unveiled its Passat, Jetta and Touareg R-GT tuners yesterday. As legend has it, VW holed up its project team in a California hotel room and wouldn't let them leave until they'd mastered the vagaries of the Japanese-American small-car scene. Then, they sent them over to Canada's HPA-Motorsports, which transformed their narrow-angle V6s into 500+hp monsters using twin-turbos, twin-intercoolers and performance exhausts based on the Los Angeles subway system. The result? You're looking at them.

More at VW Vortex.

Related:
VW Launches New Passat Worldwide [internal]

Volkswagen's worldwide coming-out party for its redesigned Passat was held this week at Detroit's Meadow Brook Concours d Elegance — the Alpha debutante being VW's 280hp 3.6-liter VR6 version. It was a fitting venue for the 2006 Passat, the most up-market version in the model's six-generation history, though the company announced the Passat's starting price will remain under $23,000.

The first 2.0-liter Passat will be delivered this month, with the V6 model coming "soon after," according to VW, and wagon and 4motion versions launching some months subsequently.

Details:
Drivetrain:
· Standard 2.0T turbocharged four-cylinder with direct injection, 200hp, 207 ft.-lbs. torque
· Available 3.6L V6, 280 hp, 265 ft.-lbs. torque with standard six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic (4th quarter 2006)
· Six-speed manual transmission, optional six-speed automatic with Tiptronic on 2.0T
· 4Motion available with 3.6L V6 (later in 2006 MY)

Suspension:
· ABS with four-wheel front vented disks standard
· Fully independent four-link rear suspension
· Electronic Stabilization Program with brake assist standard
· EDL, ASR
· 18 wheels optional on 3.6L (delayed introduction)

Size:
· 2.4 more rear legroom than previous generation (37.7 vs. 35.3 )
· 1.5 wider track front and rear (61.1 vs. 59.6 )
· 3.0 wider body width (71.7 vs. 68.7 )
· 106.7 wheelbase (106.7 vs. 106.4 )
· Overall length of 188.2 (188.2 vs. 185.2 )

Audio/Nav:
· Standard Eight-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system that is MP3 format compatible
· Premium sound with in-dash six-disk CD changer optional on 2.0T, standard on 3.6L.
· Optional Dynaudio sound system
· Optional DVD Navigation system, audible with color screen

Safety:
· Front center armrest with cooling storage feature
· Standard crash-active head restraints
· Eight air bags standard with rear side-thorax airbags optional
· Park distance control optional on 3.6L

Other:
· Walnut, or brushed aluminum trim optional on 3.6L
· Available 10-way power driver seat, available 12-way on 3.6L.
· A/C standard on all models
· Dual-zone automatic climate control (Climatronic) optional on 3.6L
· Rear passenger vents for A/C and heat standard
· Electronic parking brake standard
· Tire-pressure monitoring system standard
· Optional multi-functional steering wheel
· Standard tilt and telescoping four-spoke steering wheel
· Leatherette seat trim standard, leather optional
· 60/40 split folding rear seats with folding center armrest and pass-through feature
· Electromechanical power steering
· Bi-Xenon headlights with washers optional on 3.6L

Related:
New Volkswagen Passat Launched in Germany; Volkswagen Reveals New Passat Wagon; Those Dudes in Wolfsburg Can Party [internal]

These are official drawings of the cargo possibilities of VW s new Passat Wagon. In the first, VW shows us the wagon s ability to haul a few tables, two kegs and two large canisters that would be useful in transporting pressurized gas of perhaps an intoxicating nature.

In the second, we think the folks at VW are simply bragging about their green thumbs by showing us this rather large, leafy plant resting comfortably in the back of the all-new wagon. We at Jalopnik do not condone such cargo and are sure that the new Passat would be equally at home hauling mountain bikes, antiques found at a flea market or other such trappings of suburban life. We hear there's even a Prozac dispenser next to the cup holders.

Related:
Volkswagen Reveals New Passat Wagon [internal]