Volkswagen of Germany revamps sedans in 2006 with a larger mid-size Passat plus best-seller Jetta in brash style packing a sparky engine. Also, the roly-poly New Beetle -- VW's most recognized car -- scores a new standard five-cylinder plant as Touareg the SUV boosts output from a new direct-injection V6.

The full-size Volkswagen sedan amounts to an ultra-premium limousine on a stretched wheelbase with luxury gear aboard. VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is standard, along with an air suspension, xenon high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights, automatic interior climate system with four-zone temperature controls, plus a navigation system and deluxe digital audio package with 12 speakers in a leather-lined cabin.

Phaeton brings two powertrain options as model nomenclature follows engine patterns -- Phaeton V8 and Phaeton W12. Phaeton V8 contains a 4.2-liter V8 producing 335 hp and connecting to a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic clutch-less shifter. Phaeton W12 carries VW's W-shaped 12-cylinder engine at 6.0 liters and this year with a 24-point power boost to 444 hp through a five-speed Tiptronic automatic. Also new for 2006 is the option of Active Cruise Control (ACC) on either V8 or W12 model, along with Bluetooth cell phone preparation.

The SUV from VW is a five-door model with a tight unibody structure. It's sleek in style, large in scale for the mid-size class and provides a spacious cabin with seats for five plus plush appointments. Touareg employs VW's four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction device labeled 4XMotion, which provides uncanny stick-it-down traction for all wheels, plus optional locking rear differential and an air suspension. Engines contain six, eight or even ten cylinders.

For 2006, the base plant is new -- a 3.6-liter VR6 with direct injection and output of 276 hp, which marks a 36-point improvement over the previous 3.2-liter VR6. Optional is a 4.2-liter V8 worth 310 hp or a massive turbo-diesel 5.0-liter V10 that knocks out 310 hp. Touareg V10 TDI also has a six-speed automatic transmission, electronic stabilization program (ESP) and a device called Hill Descent and Climb Assist to keep wheels tethered to a steep grade.

VW's compact two-door coupe and convertible show styling changes for 2006 featuring revised fascias, fenders and side sills with keen lines drawn around wheelwells and a bold face set with large oval headlamps and a mesh grille. The standard engine this year is also new -- a 2.5-liter five-cylinder rig which achieves 150 hp through a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic shifter.

Equipment upgrades consist of a traction control system (TCS) with ESP added to all models. New Beetle Cabriolet amounts to a convertible conversion worked out by Karmann Coachworks in Germany. The fabric-lined top has three layers for insulation plus a rear window constructed from glass and imbedded with a defroster element. The top opens and closes by manual mode or optional semi-automatic power controls. Gecko Green and Salsa Red are fresh paint shades for '06. (CONTINUED...)