It almost seems ridiculous to think that minivans and sedans have much in common. One is, by definition, a van that can accommodate a Utah husband with all seven wives or a percentage of his 32 children, while the other is often marginally comfortable for a maximum of five carpoolers sucking in each other’s stale morning breath and afternoon ripeness on the Monday – Friday slog. These vehicles are different in many respects, but typically purchased on the basis of practicality. True, there are those buyers who just love the look of a Dodge Caravan or the handling of a Subaru WRX, but dig deeper and there’s usually an underlying appreciation for the vehicle’s utility. Thankfully, there are examples like the Honda Odyssey, a spacious and capable people hauler that borders on fun to drive, and the sexy Volkswagen Passat, a five-passenger sedan that provides an inviting, useful interior as well as an engaging driving demeanor. It’s no longer an either-or scenario with practical and desirable, a point clearly proven by the latest family sedan from VW.

Buyers considering a five-passenger 2006 Volkswagen Passat can choose from two engines: a turbocharged 2.0-liter, dual overhead cam, 16-valve four-cylinder pushing 200 horsepower at 5,100 rpm and 207 lb.-ft. of torque at only 1,800 rpm; or a 3.6-liter, dual overhead cam, 24-valve V6 offering 280 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 265 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,750 rpm. The four is mated to a six-speed manual or a Tiptronic six-speed automatic transmission, whereas the V6 always lacks a clutch pedal. Power is delivered to the front wheels or all four via VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, and the whole package, weighing in between 3,305 and 3,829 pounds, rides on a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link setup in the rear. Handling is aided by standard traction and stability control systems, while antilock disc brakes are bolstered by electronic brake assistance. Rack-and-pinion steering keeps things headed in the right direction.

Starting at $23,580 including a $630 destination charge, the 2006 Volkswagen Passat Value Edition is a nicely equipped model that makes it easy to get into a fine German sedan. Among the standard features are the turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission, heated and signaling rearview mirrors, 16-inch steel wheels and 215/55 tires, keyless entry, an MP3 player, front-side and side-curtain airbags, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and a host of power features. The automatic transmission is optional. For $950 more shoppers can get the 2.0T trim that adds 16-inch alloy wheels with locks, a rear seat pass-through, interior reading lights, and a power driver’s seat. Available extras include XM or Sirius satellite radio, a power moonroof, a navigation system, leather upholstery, heated seats, a Dynaudio sound system, rear-side airbags, and more.

Next up is the $30,580 3.6L Passat which, oddly enough, features the 3.6-liter V6 and Tiptronic transmission. Standard equipment includes a power moonroof, 17-inch alloy wheels rolling on 235/17 rubber, a premium sound system with a six-disc CD changer, and a complimentary 90-day satellite radio subscription. The 3.6L can be outfitted with a $2,750 luxury package that adds leather seats, steering wheel controls, front power heated seats, a memory function for the mirrors and seats, rear sunshades, burl walnut trim, heated washers, automatic climate control, and fog lights. Another luxury package packs on a rear parking aid, high-intensity discharge headlights, and a Dynaudio sound system; while sport packages that include the basics of the luxury packages plus a performance-tuned suspension and alloy interior trim are also available. A 3.6L 4Motion model sells for $32,530 and incorporates VW’s all-wheel-drive technology.

This test revolved around a Granite Green 2006 Volkswagen Passat 3.6L with a window sticker reading $36,415. That started with a $29,950 base price to which was added the $615 destination charge (since raised to $630), a $3,050 sport package, a $1,000 Dynaudio package, and a $1,800 navigation system. We took turns putting the redesigned Passat through its paces all around southern California and recorded an average fuel economy of 20.3 mpg.