VW Passat: A mom`s view!

Kristin Varela is taking a look at the VW Passat from a mom`s perspective!

The 2006 VW Passat arrives just in time for me to jump in and pick my kids up from school. Admittedly, I'm running a tad late, but what's new? I jump in, adjust the seat (which I'll get to a little later) and mirrors and try to start the car. Just how do I start this thing?

There's no key, just a key fob and a slot that it seems to fit in. It doesn't turn however. Okay, I'm running way too late now to fuss with it, so out comes the owner's manual. Let's see — insert the key fob, and press in to start. Whatever happened to turning a key to start a car's engine? It's a little strange at first, but I quickly adapt and am soon running errands like a champ in the '06 Passat.

The 2006 VW Passat comes equipped with some family-friendly safety features, and what's even better is that they're standard equipment, so budget-conscious families need not be left out: Driver and front passenger front airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, Side Curtain Protection® head airbags for front and rear passengers, pinch protection on the power windows and a tire pressure monitoring system (after a recent cold spell, the system is telling me my tire pressure is too low).

The rear seat of the Passat features an armrest that folds down to reveal a pass-through to the trunk, perfect for storing long, skinny items like skiis. And, although we don't get much rain in the middle of winter in my neck of the woods, I'm thrilled to find a secret compartment in the driver's door storing an emergency umbrella complete with the VW logo. How thoughtful!

The 2006 VW Passat is a budget-conscious vehicle that, although marketed to a young crowd, can last well into the young family years. Just know in advance that when you have 2.5 kids, you'll have to move onto to something roomier.

Nice and different report!

GermanCarBlog, VW Passat

Source: ABC News

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