passat

Volkswagen Reveals Passat Performance Concept

January 16, 2013 by Tom Williams

Yes. it is January, and that means the 2013 North American International Auto Show is underway in Detroit. Of particular interest to this VW devotee was the Passat Performance Concept. The Garage has sampled the latest Passat, and is our pick for best mid-size sedan available in North America. And there is no denying the success of the new Passat ,which has shattered prior sales records in the US . Why? Well, VW wanted to appeal to a wider audience here, so we get the ‘American’ Passat, as opposed past generations of Passats, which was the European idea of what a mid-size car should be. Sure, the auto media heaped praise on past Passats, but the car met with limited appeal here in the States.

Volkswagen’s ambitious, and so far successful attempt to dramatically increase sales here has, inevitably, left many of the brand’s fiercely loyal buyers out in the cold. We have not been forgotten. As much as the new Jetta disappointed me, the Jetta GLI gave some assurance VW hadn’t completely lost the script.

Which leaves us with the Passat Performance Concept. Those of you thinking this signals a return to the halcyon days of W-8 Passats, think again. No, this sporty Passat sports a drivetrain much more in tune with today’s market, namely a 1.8L turbocharged, direct injected four cylinder rated at 250hp paired to a six-speed automatic. Other upgrades include dual exhaust, 19″ alloys, bi-xenon headlights, LED taillights, and carbon mirror caps. Inside, the concept features carbon accents and a two color leather interior. Finally, a lowered sport suspension and revised steering promise an improved driving experience.

Yes, the Passat Performance Concept is, of course, just that-a concept. Surely, VW is using the auto show to get a feel of how the car buying public would receive a more buttoned-down Passat. Also, it is a nod to the VW faithful. In my opinion, building this car is a no brainer. The modifications are slight, and VW already offers the same engine in foreign markets, so why not? Not to mention plenty of the Passat’s direct competition already offer turbocharged four cylinder engines (Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion). Stay tuned to see in concept becomes reality.

Filed Under: Auto Shows, concept cars, detroit auto show, In The Garage, News, passat, Passat Performance Concept, Volkswagen Passat, Volkswagen Passat Performance Concept, vw, VW Passat, VW Passat Performance Concept

VW Sets Pricing for 2013 Passat CC

March 1, 2012 by

Volkswagen has redesigned its stylish four door ‘coupe’ for the 2013 model year. And by ‘redesigned’, it’s strictly cosmetic-mechanically, the cars are carryover. Which is not a bad thing. Passat CC buyers can again choose from a 2.oL turbocharged four rated at 200hp mated to either a six speed manual or dual-clutch DSG, or a 3.6L VR6 rated at 280hp with a six-speed automatic and the option of front or all-wheel drive. I reviewed the 2010 Passat CC, and two years later I still believe it is the finest mid-size sedan Volkswagen has ever crafted. The 2013 Passat CC hits the showroom floor this Spring, and you can be sure The Garage will be eager to review the latest CC. For now, we’ve broken down models and pricing for the Passat CC.

2.oT Sport: $30,250USD

VW notes the base Passat CC is available by order only, so in other words, the least expensive CC will not be sitting on dealer lots. The Sport is also the only model available with a manual transmission. Standard equipment includes 17″ alloys, bi-xenon headlights, LED taillights, heated power front seats, auto climate control and an eight speaker HD radio.

2.0T Sport Plus: $32,850

The least expensive Passat CC you will actually see on a dealer’s lot. Additional standard features include 18″ alloys and navigation.

2.oT Lux: $35,355

The top-spec four cylinder CC adds brushed aluminum trim, power sunroof and ambient lighting.

VR6 Lux: $37,730

We’ve now graduated to the the six cylinder Passat CC. The DSG is replaced by a conventional six-speed automatic. Additional features on the VR6 Lux include heated headlight washers, a rearview camera, and leather seating.

VR6 4Motion Executive: $41,420

The top of the food chain for the Passat CC, and VW’s flagship sedan in North America. Building up from the VR6 Lux, you now get all-wheel drive, paddle shifters, driver’s seat massage, Park Distance Control, premium Dynaudio sound, and a power rear sunshade.

I’ll admit, there are plenty of people out there who get a bit antsy at the notion of a $40,000 VW. But as far as swanky German four door coupes are concerned, the Passat CC is the steal of the century once you compare it to the Mercedes-Benz CLS. Be sure to watch this space as we await a review of the new Passat CC.

Filed Under: Featured Stories, New cars, News, passat, Passat CC, volkswagen, Volkswagen Passat CC, vw

Review: 2012 Volkswagen Passat

January 4, 2012 by

As a hard-core Vee-Dub fan, and owner, 2011 was a rough year. The all-new, made for America Jetta left me bitter, but the Jetta GLI made me feel much better about my beloved VW. With the all-new Passat, I was again nervous about what to expect. VW’s ambitious plan to seriously increase sales in North America has found the venerable brand literally repositioning itself in the market. In addition to being an all-new car built with the American buyer in mind, the Passat is also made in America, at VW’s brand spanking new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. With VW’s sights aimed squarely at the heavy hitters in the mid-size sedan market, the question is, has VW managed to maintain a German accent with this new, American-made Passat, or have they gone vanilla on us? Read on to find out.

I have always been an admirer of the Passat, chiefly because the car was unique, and stood so far apart from the competition. With the new Passat, VW wants to be a major player, not the default sedan for the slightly off-beat. The 2012 Passat is more homogenized than previous generations, which may disappoint some of the VW faithful. During my week with the Passat, I kept reminding myself of VW’s mission-compete head on with the Camry, Fusion, and Accord. In that light, the Passat seen here makes sense. it comes off classier and more serious in appearance than its competition. In other words, it’s German heritage shows. The Passat is a big car, and has a suitably bold grill, oversize (but not gaudy) VW emblem, and enough chrome to not shout bargain basement. It’s not exciting, but the Passat is a fairly handsome car from any angle.

With the cabin, I held my breath, bracing myself for lousy materials and a cheap appearance. Thankfully, that was not the case. The Passat sports a handsome cabin, and where your hands touch, the materials feel of good quality. Roam around though, and the hard plastics are there. The fake bark on the dash, doors and console do a lot to warm up the atmosphere of our otherwise all-black interior. The seats are comfortable, if not rather flat for a German sedan, but again, VW is asking us to shift our perception of the Passat. Gauges are easy to read, and the controls for audio, climate control and navigation are pretty intuitive. Our Passat was equipped with a Fender premium audio system that delivered fantastic sound. Another stand-out feature of the Passat was its class-leading rear seat legroom. I’m 6′ 1″, and sitting in the rear felt like I was in a full-size car.

In the engine room, buyers have plenty of choices. You can opt for the standard 2.5L inline-five, rated at 170hp, with a choice of a six-speed manual or automatic. Unique for this class, a 2.0L TDI diesel engine is also available, with the option of a six-speed manual or DSG automated manual. At the top of the food-chain in a 3.6L V-6, rated at 280hp. The 6-speed DSG is the only tranny available here. Some Passat loyalists will be disappointed that 4Motion all-wheel drive is no longer available. Speaking of availability, the Passat wagon has also been dropped. It’s front-wheel drive, four door sedan only, folks. Our test car was equipped with the 2.5L I-5 with the automatic. As the owner of a 2010 Jetta with the same drivetrain, I was skeptical how a car of this size and weight would get around, but I was pleasantly surprised. The Passat is no sports sedan, but I found the ride and handling to be competent, if not sportier and better sorted than its rivals.

The most basic Passat rings in at $19,995USD. Although the Passat line has been simplified greatly from last year, there are still multiple configurations. Our Passat was an automatic 2.5 SEL Premium, the top of the line trim level. Standard features included dual-zone auto climate control, Bluetooth, 17″ alloys, sunroof, power heated front seats, Fender audio, and Navigation. Including destination, the total MSRP comes to $30,665. That’s a good chunk of change for a car with only 170hp, but similarly equipped four cylinder Accord and Camrys are priced about the same. If it were me, I’d spend an extra $100 for the base SE V-6, although I’d lose the leather , interior accents and navigation, but hey, that’s what smartphones are for, and that extra 110hp more than makes up for what you are giving up.

There is a minor controversy stirring around the Passat. Consumer Reports sampled a Passat from VW’s press fleet. I should add that Consumer Reports is based in Connecticut, as am I, so the cars I review here are the same cars Consumer Reports samples. The story is, after sampling a press car Passat, CR went out and purchased three Passats, and noticed something different. The press car’s trunk had two plastic covers on its hinges, while the Passats bought from the dealer had only once plastic cover to protect wiring, the other hinge was bare metal. Minor? Yes, but Consumer Reports raises the question if this minor difference was spotted between a media car and a car sold to the public, is VW making any other changes the naked eye cannot see? We may never know.

I feared the worst with the new Passat. As a car enthusiast, nothing strikes fear in my soul more than when a respected German automaker says ‘we’ve tailored it specifically for the American market’, which is a direct translation to “We are giving you a watered-down, dumbed-down product.” Overall I am pleased with the new Passat, and before you accuse me of going soft, hear me out. To understand the new Passat, you need to understand what VW is doing here. For generations, the Passat has appealed to a tiny sliver of the market, with a reputation of providing a fun driving experience and an interior that rivaled luxury car makers. Yet a car packing that much charisma found a very tiny audience here in North America, where compared to its nearest rivals, the Passat was simply smaller in size and higher in price, two huge turn-offs in the mass market.

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat changes all of that. Priced and sized closer to the competition, this is VW’s most serious effort at breaking into the ultra-competitive North American mid-size sedan market. I’ll take the Passat’s more serious demeanor, classier appearance and more sporting nature over the Accord, Camry or Altima. These qualities, along with being the sole automaker offering a diesel engine, superlative rear seat room, and a peerless audio system make the Passat a true alternative to the normal go-to cars, while retaining its German persona (mostly). And the market in the US of A has responded. Compared to 2010, total annual sales for calendar year 2011 for the Passat are up a shattering 124%. Yes, us car guys loved the smaller and pricier Passats of yore, but the masses who outnumber us prefer a larger and inexpensive Passat were heard by VW, and they have answered with their checkbooks. Good for the buyer, good for VW, I would insist anyone in the market for a mid-size car drive a Passat before buying any other car in its class.

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Filed Under: Featured Stories, In The Garage, New car reviews, New cars, passat, Reviews, volkswagen, Volkswagen Passat, vw, VW Passat

2012 VW Passat Pricing Set

June 2, 2011 by

Volkswagen’s push to mainstream themselves into the North American car market continues with the new 2012 Passat. VW is seeking out greater marketshare by tailoring their cars to what they perceive as ‘American’ tastes, the main driving force is cutting the base price to the core, while making a larger car. And, it appears to be working. I readily admit I’m a VW purist, and the 2011 Jetta positively broke my heart, but the numbers do not lie. Sales of the Jetta are up nearly 60% from a year ago. So while I whine about the Jetta losing its mojo, more buyers are opening their wallets.

The 2012 Passat will be built at a brand new facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. At first glance, the Passat simply looks like a larger Jetta. The unique, European flair of prior Passats has been traded in for a more homogenous look to compete with the Accord and Camry. The Passat is not a bad looking car at all, but the panache it once had is gone. Also gone is the Passat wagon, and the option of 4Motion all-wheel drive.

All Passats are front-wheel drive four door sedans, with a choice of three engines. Pricing and features are listed below, is USD.

2.5L $19,995 As expected, VW went under 20k for the base Passat. What you get is the familiar 2.5L inline five, rated at 170hp, paired to a five speed manual. Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, and steering wheel audio controls.

2.5L SE $23,725 The five-cylinder Passat is available in 8 trim levels, but my perception is that VW thinks this trim level will be the bread and butter Passat. The SE adds 17″ alloys, power drivers seat, heated seats, and a touch screen audio system.

2.0L TDI $25,895 VW’s smooth and torquey 140 hp oil burner is available with either a six-speed manual or DSG tranny. 17″ alloys, touch screen audio and heated seats are standard. The Passat is the only mid-size sedan sold in the US with a diesel engine. VW promises 43mpg on the highway, with a tank range of 800 miles.

3.6L VR6 $28,995 The top-spec Passat features a 280hp V-6. The only transmission available is a 6-speed DSG. 18″ alloys, Fender audio system and sunroof come standard.

Filed Under: In The Garage, New cars, News, passat, volkswagen, Volkswagen Passat, vw, VW Passat

VW Previews New Passat

January 10, 2011 by

Volkswagen announced a couple years ago some extremely ambitious sales forecasts for the future, projecting where, as an auto manufacturer, they hoped to be in terms of volume. At the time, no one could understand how these goals were attainable. As time has progressed, we are now seeing how VW plans on reaching these numbers. Homogenization. Of course, VW would never admit to that.

Still, what we have is the largest Passat ever, designed with the “tastes and lifestyles of Americans.” If you are anything like me, I cannot tell if I’ve just been insulted. The car was designed in Germany, but will be built at an all new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Pricing will not be announced until Spring, but VW expects a base Passat to start around $20,000USD. Hit continue for more details of the 2011 Passat!

The new Passat will come in three trim levels: S, SE, and SEL. Three different engines will be offered:

1. VW’s familiar 2.5L inline five cylinder, good for 170hp. Buyers will have a choice of either a 5-speed manual (thanks VW, but it’s 2011, why no 6-speed?) or a six-speed automatic.

2. VW’s 2.o TDI four cylinder diesel, good for 43mpg on the highway. VW will offer its 6-speed twin clutch DSG tranny as an option.

3. Top-spec Passats will be powered by a 3.6L VR6 rated at 280hp, with the 6-speed DSG as the only transmission choice.

Will the new Passat outsell the outgoing car? Likely. Size and price matter to the American buyer, and the incoming Passat has that. Try this. Squint your eyes at the picture of the new Passat. See a little Accord, a little Taurus there? For a brand that once had Mercedes-Benz in their sights, this is a departure for VW. The remaining question is, how will VW loyalists respond to this change?

Filed Under: New cars, passat, volkswagen, Volkswagen Passat, vw, VW Passat