What's New for 2012
The 2012 Volkswagen Passat has been fully redesigned. Highlights include a lower price, a roomier interior and a newly available turbodiesel engine.Introduction
If you've always wanted to drive a classy European sedan but have been put off by that nagging voice in your head telling you it's your patriotic duty to buy something built in America, you'll want to check out the 2012 Volkswagen Passat.This all-new midsize sedan combines many of the qualities that likely drew you to German cars in the first place, including elegant styling and a more sporting driving character. But it's also the first vehicle to roll out from VW's brand-new assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Compared to the previous Passat (which, incidentally, continues to be sold elsewhere in the world), it's meant to better appeal to American tastes, with a roomier interior, a new selection of engines and (most important) a significantly lower price.
As for the engine lineup, last year's gutsy 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is no more. Instead, VW gives you a choice of three engines: a 2.5-liter inline-5 we've come to know in the Jetta, a 2.0-liter inline-4 diesel (the TDI, also from the Jetta and Golf) or a 280-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. All of them offer some form of six-speed automatic transmission, while the two smaller engines are offered with manual gearboxes as well. The TDI diesel is certainly the most interesting, as it promises more than 40 mpg on the highway and a maximum cruising range of nearly 800 miles.
We suspect some prior owners of VW's mainstream sedan will lament the change in direction for the Passat, as it used to be a distinct bridge between regular family sedans and entry-level luxury cars. But the fact is VW's entry in the crowded family sedan category is now a better fit for the majority of consumers. It's priced right, drives well and finally holds a family of five comfortably. And thankfully, it still has its German roots.
There are some minor downsides to the new Passat package, notably the underachieving base engine. And given the state of the midsize segment, we certainly recommend buyers compare the Passat back-to-back with top choices like the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima. Those interested in a somewhat sportier driving experience may also want to consider the Mazda 6 and Nissan Altima. But for all that, the 2012 Volkswagen Passat remains uniquely positioned to satisfy your desire to drive European and own American.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2012 Volkswagen Passat sedan is offered in three broad models broken down by engine (2.5L, TDI and 3.6L), which are further subdivided into a trio of different trim levels (S, SE and SEL).The lineup starts with the "S" base model (2.5L only), which comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, full power accessories, automatic dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, an eight-way manual driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, steering wheel audio controls, and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio input. An available Appearance package adds a six-speed automatic transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels and a rear-seat center armrest.
Move up to the SE trim level and you get 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim, a six-way power driver seat, heated front seats, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, a sliding front armrest and a touchscreen audio interface. Options on SE models include a sunroof and a navigation system, while TDI SE buyers can add 18-inch alloy wheels and foglights as well. The 3.6L SE comes standard with these options, except the navigation system, which remains optional. A nine-speaker Fender audio system is also included.
The 2.5L SEL adds upgraded front seats, the Fender sound system and an upgraded navigation system. The SEL Premium package adds keyless ignition/entry, remote ignition, foglights, a power passenger seat, driver memory functions and leather/faux suede upholstery. Both the TDI and 3.6L can also be had in SEL guise, but the Premium package is mandatory.
Powertrains and Performance
If there's one thing the front-wheel-drive 2012 Volkswagen Passat has plenty of, it's powertrain choices. Entry-level 2.5L models get a 2.5-liter inline-5 engine rated at 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices here include a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. EPA estimated fuel economy for the manual transmission stands at 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. The automatic drops slightly to 22/31/25.Those looking for maximum miles per gallon and better acceleration can opt for the TDI model's fuel-efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel, which produces 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. It comes mated to either the six-speed manual or a six-speed automated manual transmission (known as DSG). The EPA-estimated fuel economy is an excellent 31/43/35 for the manual and 30/40/34 with the DSG.
If maximum thrust is what you're after, look no farther than the 3.6L's 3.6-liter V6, which puts out 280 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. VW's six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission is standard. In Edmunds performance testing, this engine was able to bring the Passat from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds -- very quick for this class. Fuel economy stands at 20/28/23 mpg.
Safety
The 2012 Volkswagen Passat's list of standard safety features includes antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. In the event of a crash, a new feature called Intelligent Crash Response automatically cuts off the fuel supply, unlocks the doors and turns on the hazard flashers.In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the Passat earned a top score of "Good" for its performance in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests. In Edmunds brake testing, a Passat 3.6 SEL came to a stop from 60 mph in 131 feet, which is longer than average.
Interior Design and Special Features
The first thing you notice about the passenger cabin of this new, larger Passat is the sense of spaciousness. Space up front is good; however, the driver seat only adjusts in six ways (minus lumbar), lacking the seat bottom tilting ability of most competitors. There are no complaints in back, though, as this new Passat gets an additional 3 inches of rear seat legroom that makes it possible for even good-size adults to stretch out. Seriously, the Passat is verging on a full-size sedan now. An equally spacious trunk can swallow 15.9 cubic feet of cargo -- a number that bests many of the Passat's competitors -- and is made more flexible by 60/40-split-folding rear seatbacks.Once underway, you'll notice the interior is also relatively quiet compared to some other midsize family sedans. The quality of interior materials may not be as high as they were in the outgoing Passat, but they remain tops for the class, while the design architecture adds an upscale feel. The layout of gauges and controls is also refreshingly simple. Finally, the new, premium Fender audio system has been tuned to the acoustics of the interior and will please even hard-core audiophiles.
Driving Impressions
On the road, the 2012 Volkswagen Passat's character depends a great deal on which engine is under the hood. Performance from the 2.5-liter five-cylinder is adequate and should be an acceptable choice for most buyers, but fuel economy and performance are nowhere near best-in-class. The alternative, the 2.0-liter turbodiesel in TDI models, offers significantly better fuel economy and livelier low-end power, but highway passing can be a challenge due to its modest horsepower output.For those not satisfied with the above, the 3.6-liter V6 engine delivers much more enthusiastic acceleration. The DSG automated manual transmission that's available with the turbodiesel engine and standard with the V6 works very well, and its regular and manual-shift modes mean the Passat is well suited both for commuting and more spirited driving.
On the move, the Passat is an engaging sedan to drive thanks to its well-sorted suspension tuning, precise steering feel and strong brakes. The car also manages to earn high marks for ride comfort, which is ultimately more important considering the fact that most buyers will be far more concerned with schlepping kids to school or co-workers to lunch than burning up winding back roads. One area of potential concern, however, might be the location of the pedals: we've found that they are located too far to the right, resulting in an occasional brushing of the brake when going for the accelerator. It's probably something you'd get accustomed to, but something to be wary of during a test-drive.
Colors
Exterior
Interior
Exterior
Tires and Wheels- Steel wheels
- 16 x 7.5 in. wheels
- Steel spare wheel
- 215/60R16 95T tires
- All season tires
- Inside mounted spare tire
- Full wheel covers
- Temporary spare tire
- Variable intermittent wipers
- Rear defogger
- Cargo tie downs
- Width: 72.2 in.
- Height: 58.5 in.
- Length: 191.6 in.
- Ground clearance: 5.4 in.
- Front track: 62.1 in.
- Rear track: 61.0 in.
- Wheel base: 110.4 in.
- Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 15.9 cu.ft.
- EPA interior volume: 117.9 cu.ft.
- Curb weight: 3166 lbs.
- Passat Lip Spoiler
Mechanical
Engine & Performance- Base engine size: 2.5 L
- Cam type: Double overhead cam (DOHC)
- Cylinders: inline 5
- Valves: 20
- Torque: 177 ft-lbs. @ 4250 rpm
- Horsepower: 170 hp @ 5700 rpm
- Turning circle: 36.4 ft.
- Base engine type: gas
- Drive type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Brake hill holder
- MacPherson strut front suspension
- Multi-link rear suspension
- Four-wheel independent suspension
- Front and rear stabilizer bar
- Fuel type: gas
- Fuel type: regular unleaded
- Fuel tank capacity: 18.5 gal.
- Range in miles (cty/hwy): 407.0/592.0 mi.
- EPA mileage est. (cty/hwy): 22/32 mpg
Safety
Safety & Security- 4-wheel ABS
- Front and rear head airbags
- Dual front side-mounted airbags
- Child seat anchors
- Remote anti-theft alarm system
- Emergency braking assist
- Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
- Rear door child safety locks
- Daytime running lights
- Engine immobilizer
- Auto delay off headlamps
- Dusk sensing headlamps
- 2 front headrests
- 3 rear headrests
- Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
- Rear center 3-point belt
- Front and rear seatbelt pretensioners
- Turn signal mirrors
- Stability control
- Traction control
- Electronic brakeforce distribution
- Emergency interior trunk release
- Front height adjustable headrests
- Rear height adjustable headrests
- Post-collision safety system
- Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
- Driver head restraint whiplash protection system
- Tire pressure monitoring
Warranty
- Basic: 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
- Drivetrain: 5 yr./ 60000 mi.
- Free Maintenance: 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
- Roadside: 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Interior
Front Seats- Front head room: 38.3 in.
- Front leg room: 42.4 in.
- Front shoulder room: 56.9 in.
- Driver seat with manual adjustable lumbar support
- Height adjustable driver seat
- Cloth
- Bucket front seats
- Rear head room: 37.8 in.
- Rear leg room: 39.1 in.
- Rear shoulder room: 57.0 in.
- Split-folding rear seatback
- Remote power door locks
- Power mirrors
- 2 one-touch power windows
- Cruise control
- Front console with storage
- Front and rear cupholders
- Front and rear door pockets
- Overhead console with storage
- Remote trunk release
- Retained accessory power
- Front seatback storage
- Power steering
- 12V front, 12V rear and 12V cargo area power outlet(s)
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
- Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
- Interior air filtration
- Dual zone climate controls - driver and passenger
- Trunk light
- Front and rear reading lights
- Turn signal in mirrors
- Dual vanity mirrors
- Clock
- Tachometer
- Trip computer
- External temperature display
- Low fuel level warning
- Diversity antenna
- 6 total speakers
- AM/FM in-dash single CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo
- Auxiliary MP3 audio input
- Pre-wired for phone
- Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone
- Passat Carpeted Mats
- Passat Mat Kit
- Passat Luggage Net
- Passat Trunk Liner
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