Unlike the previous Passat midsize sedan, which occupied a niche in terms of sophistication and price between mass-market and luxury models, the latest version is aimed right at the heart of the market and priced far more modestly. While that lower MSRP entails a few sacrifices, the Passat is still a smart buy thanks to an attractive and generously sized interior, capable handling and an available class-exclusive diesel motor that returns 43 mpg on the highway.
Stylistically, the Passat features an understated, slightly bland look characterized by Volkswagen's horizontal corporate "face." Underneath its clean but conservative exterior, the Passat boasts a comfortable and commodious cabin. Passengers in the back seats benefit from best-in-class legroom, and up front the dashboard is simple and elegant.
While there are more cheap plastics to be found than in the previous-generation model (particularly in the bottom-half of the interior), there are still enough soft-touch materials to impart a high-rent feel. One quirk is a steering wheel that is curiously offset slightly to the right.
The suspension is composed of struts up front and a multilink setup at the rear, and the handling is responsive and composed.
Buyers have the choice of three different engines, with the entry-level mill being a 2.5-liter inline-five with 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a standard five-speed manual, the motor is good for 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, while an optional six-speed automatic returns the same city mileage but saps one mpg on the highway.
For those willing to drop a little more coin for a lot more fuel economy, the 2.0-liter TDI turbodiesel four-cylinder is certainly the engine of choice in the Passat. The only diesel in its segment, the TDI is rated to net 31 miles per gallon in the city and 43 mpg on the highway when equipped with a six-speed manual. A six-speed DSG dual clutch automatic is also available, although it lowers mileage to 30/40 mpg. Rated at 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque, the four-cylinder diesel engine is seemingly ubiquitous in VW's lineup.
While most buyers opt for the four or five-cylinder engines, VW also offers a 3.6-liter VR6 rated at 280 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. The VR6 is exclusively mated to VW's DSG automatic transmission, and fuel economy checks in at 20/28 mpg.
Trim Level Breakdown
The Passat offers a small galaxy of trim levels - S, SE and SEL all of which break down into sub-trim levels as well. While the five-cylinder engine is available with all trim levels, the TDI and VR6 can't be had in base model "S" form.
The Passat offers a small galaxy of trim levels - S, SE and SEL all of which break down into sub-trim levels as well. While the five-cylinder engine is available with all trim levels, the TDI and VR6 can't be had in base model "S" form.
The entry-level S model includes dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows and locks, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, an AM/FM/CD stereo with an AUX-in jack, cruise control, an anti-theft system and 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps. The S with appearance package adds 16-inch "San Jose" alloy wheels, a foldable rear armrest, front visor vanity mirrors and a standard automatic transmission.
The SE includes the S' features and adds a leatherette upholstery, premium touchscreen-activated sound system, a leather wrapped height-adjustable steering wheel, Sirius satellite radio and 17-inch "Sonoma" alloy wheels. The SE with Sunroof adds - wait for it - a sunroof. Proving that there is truth in advertising, the SE with Sunroof and Navigation adds a navigation system.
To those features, the SEL adds a premium Fender-branded sound system, a rearview Camera a folding rear seat with a pass-through, chrome exterior accents and 17-inch "Salamanca" wheels. The SEL Premium brings Keyless access with push-button start, remote start, leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats and foglamps.
Occupant Safety
All Passat models feature dual front, front side and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems. Also included is an intelligent crash response system, which automatically unlocks all doors, disconnects the battery terminal from the alternator cable, shuts off the fuel supply and turns on the warning hazards and interior lights in the event of a crash.
All Passat models feature dual front, front side and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems. Also included is an intelligent crash response system, which automatically unlocks all doors, disconnects the battery terminal from the alternator cable, shuts off the fuel supply and turns on the warning hazards and interior lights in the event of a crash.
Key Competitors
The Passat's rivals include the oft-lauded Honda Accord, the winter-ready AWDSubaru Legacy and the recently revamped and newly stylish Chrysler 200. Other mid-size sedan options include the fine driving Ford Fusion and the ever-popularToyota Camry.
The Passat's rivals include the oft-lauded Honda Accord, the winter-ready AWDSubaru Legacy and the recently revamped and newly stylish Chrysler 200. Other mid-size sedan options include the fine driving Ford Fusion and the ever-popularToyota Camry.
Available styles for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat
| Style | Original MSRP / Invoice | Engine | Horse Power | City MPG / Hwy. MPG | Trans. | Drive |
| 4dr Sdn 2.5L Manual S | $20,590.00 / $19,746.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 170 | 22 / 32 | 5-Speed M/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.0L DSG TDI SEL Premium | $32,195.00 / $30,876.00 | Diesel Fuel | 140 | 30 / 40 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.5L Manual SE | $23,725.00 / $22,752.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 170 | 22 / 32 | 5-Speed M/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.5L Auto S w/Appearance | $22,690.00 / $21,760.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 170 | 22 / 31 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.5L Manual S PZEV | $20,590.00 / $19,746.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 170 | 22 / 32 | 5-Speed M/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.5L Auto SEL Premium | $29,895.00 / $28,670.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 170 | 22 / 31 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.5L Auto SEL | $28,395.00 / $27,230.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 170 | 22 / 31 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.5L Auto S | $21,690.00 / $20,802.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 170 | 22 / 31 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.5L Auto S PZEV | $21,690.00 / $20,802.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 170 | 22 / 31 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.0L Manual TDI SE | $25,995.00 / $24,929.00 | Diesel Fuel | 140 | 31 / 43 | 6-Speed M/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 3.6L V6 DSG SEL Premium | $32,950.00 / $31,600.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 280 | 20 / 28 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 3.6L V6 DSG SE w/Sunroof | $28,995.00 / $27,806.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 280 | 20 / 28 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.5L Auto S w/Appearance PZEV | $22,690.00 / $21,760.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 170 | 22 / 31 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.5L Auto SE w/Sunroof PZEV | $25,625.00 / $24,575.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 170 | 22 / 31 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.0L DSG TDI SE w/Sunroof | $27,895.00 / $26,752.00 | Diesel Fuel | 140 | 30 / 40 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.5L Manual SE PZEV | $23,725.00 / $22,752.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 170 | 22 / 32 | 5-Speed M/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 3.6L V6 DSG SE w/Sunroof & Nav | $30,595.00 / $29,341.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 280 | 20 / 28 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.0L DSG TDI SE w/Sunroof & Nav | $29,495.00 / $28,286.00 | Diesel Fuel | 140 | 30 / 40 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.5L Auto SE | $24,825.00 / $23,808.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 170 | 22 / 31 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.5L Auto SEL Premium PZEV | $29,895.00 / $28,670.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 170 | 22 / 31 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.5L Auto SE w/Sunroof | $25,625.00 / $24,575.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 170 | 22 / 31 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.5L Auto SE w/Sunroof & Nav PZEV | $26,795.00 / $25,696.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 170 | 22 / 31 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.5L Auto SE PZEV | $24,825.00 / $23,808.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 170 | 22 / 31 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.5L Auto SE w/Sunroof & Nav | $26,795.00 / $25,696.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 170 | 22 / 31 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
| 4dr Sdn 2.5L Auto SEL PZEV | $28,395.00 / $27,230.00 | Gasoline Fuel | 170 | 22 / 31 | 6-Speed A/T | FWD |
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