With so many changes and so much new technology, the new Passat will be slightly more expensive than the current model. Savings from moving the Passat onto the Jetta/Golf platform - see shared parts -- will keep the cost down, however, so don't expect to see much of a bump. All in all, the 2006 VW Passat is a much improved midsize sedan that may well make a run to Best Buy glory - though that exterior may well make it a tough sell in the ultra-competitive US family sedan market.

Photos courtesy of VW