Volkswagen Passat and Mazda MX-5 Miata

The guys here at WheelsTV have been working very hard to get you our next round of TOP 200 material. And trust me, you've got some great programming coming your way from our two producers, Greg Fulcher and Mike Brigida.

WheelsTV's most recent new vehicle profile is that of the brand new 2006 Volkswagen Volkswagen Passat 5

Passat. The Passat is a German-engineered sedan that has been around for many years in some form. In this new iteration, the Passat

comes standard with a 200hp 2.0L I-4 with direct fuel injection (i.e. the gas is injected directly into the cylinder) and has an available 3.6L narrow angle V-6 with 280 hp, making a direct competitor with other performance sedans like the Acura TL and the BMW 3-Series. To enhance this feel of sportiness, two different sport packages are offered though they are not cheap. For those of us who prefer a soft, coddling ride to slicing apexes, two luxury packages are also offered. Inside, a coddling interior invites you to sit down and drive into the horizon. Either cloth or soft leather seats are available depending on which model you choose. You can take the Value Edition, with an in-dash CD player and trip computer. Or you can step up to the 2.0 model with the same 4-cylinder engine and a few more features. Finally, at the top of the line there is the 3.6 (pictured here) and 3.6 with 4motion all wheel drive. VW truly has a winner on it's hands. Now they just have to make people get over the reliability woes of previous models.

We're also now working on a WheelsTV TOP 200 profile of the brand new from the ground up Mazda MX-5 Miata. Since 1990, the Miata has forged a path being the only inexpensive and fun roadster since the small British roadsters of the 70's. Mazda decided to test the waters with the original Miata and it was immediately a smash success. But as the years have passed the Miata started fall behind as new entries joined the segment. So for 2006, the Miata is all-new. It starts with a new frame taking cues from the RX-8 and a new, more powerful engine with 177hp. With new competitors like the Ponitac Solstice, more 5Mazda MX-5 Miata

was needed. Because of the new stiffer frame and revised suspension system, this Miata will be even more fun when you happen across a few curvy mountain roads.

Also, the Miata has one of the very few tops that can be raised and lowered from the seat. Mazda has kept the feeling of the original 1990 Miata but in an overall package with more amenities and power to please those looking for sport and comfort. This car has been a perennial favorite of many magazines and it does not look to disappoint.

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In response to comments we've received, our material is not available on any other website except for the videos which are on www.vehix.com. WheelsTV has also now decided to put our responses to you comment in the comment page. Our entries will have WheelsTV at the beginning so you can identify them. And don't forget to drop us your thoughts as well as advice and information about your lifestyle involving cars and the automotive

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Ben