Interior
The Volkswagen Passat shows the look of considerably
more expensive cars. The new, larger Passat is 191.7 inches long and has a 110.4
inch wheelbase, which translates into a noticeable increase in rear seating
space.
Like the exterior, the interior is also marked by a clean and
geometric formal structure. Interior styling consistently follows the maxims of
functionality. Controls are attractive and easy to operate.
The
instrument panel is similar to that of Volkswagen's flagship vehicle, the
all-new Touareg. Chrome trimmed gauges surround a digital multifunction display.
A high-end chrome look is also applied to the air vents in the cockpit, and to
the surrounds of the radio, navigation system and the climate control panels.
The rotary light switch and parking brake handle button are also treated in
chrome. Except for the base version, all other Passat trims have chrome interior
accents on the window, mirror adjustment and trunk opening switches.
The
upper and lower instrument areas are visually distinguished by various
decorative accents, depending on the equipment version. Decorative elements in
"Titan" design are used in the S version; the elegant "Titan Silver Printed"
decor is used in the SE version, wood décor "Autumn Nut Burl" is featured in the
exclusive SEL version. The accents not only upgrade the instruments, but also
the center console as well as the door trim panels.
The seats are
exceptionally comfortable. Even in the base version, the driver's seat is
adjustable eight ways, including lumbar support.
The new Passat and the
all-new Jetta are expected to be the sales leaders in Volkswagen's plan to
significantly increase market share in the United States. The company's strategy
is built on a broad portfolio of products that offers cars accessible to the
majority as well as vehicles for car enthusiasts.
Engine and
Transmission
The all-new 2012 Volkswagen Passat offers three
drivetrain options: a responsive 2.5L gasoline engine, a remarkably eco-friendly
2.0L TDI Clean Diesel and a powerful 3.6L VR6.
The 2.5L five cylinder
engine (170 hp/177 lb-ft), which is being offered in the Passat for the first
time, will be mated to a standard 5 speed manual transmission. As an
alternative, the 2.5 multi port injection engine may be paired with a 6-speed
automatic.
The quiet, four cylinder 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel (140 hp/236
lb-ft) has the power of a six cylinder gasoline engine and the fuel economy of a
hybrid. The Passat TDI is expected to deliver 43 miles per gallon on the
highway, with a range of approximately 800 miles. Volkswagen's TDI clean diesel
engines, which come with a NOx storage catalytic converter, are among the
cleanest engines in the world, fulfilling emissions requirements in all 50
states. Optional on the Passat TDI will be Volkswagen's legendary 6-speed DSG
transmission.
The 3.6 liter VR6 (280 hp/258 lb-ft) makes the new Passat a
top-flight sport sedan. It offers power and luxury-class driving comfort, with
European-type restraint in its fuel consumption - estimated at 28 mpg on the
highway.
Gear shifting on the new Passat VR6 is handled by a standard
6-speed DSG; the dual-clutch transmission is considered the most efficient
automatic in the world. This technologically advanced six-speed transmission
incorporates an automatic dual-clutch system that instantly engages and
disengages gears without the need for a clutch pedal. With a special computer
controlling the process, one clutch is engaged on the next gear while the clutch
from the previous gear is released. The results are crisp, quick shifts, without
the loss of power that is experienced with a traditional manual gearbox.
2012 Volkswagen Passat Offered in Three Trim Levels: S SE and SEL
The Volkswagen Passat will be offered in three trim levels, S SE and SEL, with a
total of 16 equipment levels. All will offer first-in-class safety and comfort.
The Volkswagen Passat's safety features include Volkswagen's advanced
Intelligent Crash Response Systems, which initiates automatic safety protections
in a collision - the fuel supply and high consumption electronic equipment shuts
off; the doors unlock; the battery terminal disconnects from the alternator
cable; the hazard lights switch on.
The 2012 Passat also comes with a
tire pressure monitoring system, ESP electronic stabilization program, ABS with
braking assistant, Hill Climb Assist (with manual transmission), six airbags and
an extremely rigid body structure to protect the driver and passengers.
The Volkswagen Passat sets new standards for comfort, with a significantly
larger rear seating area, best-in-class rear seat legroom, well-designed
controls and superior touring properties.
Other standard features include
automatic climate control, power windows all around, air conditioning,
insulating glass, a distinctive analog clock at the center of the instrument
panel, cruise control, outside temperature display with frost warning, radio-CD
system (MP3-capable, plus external audio input) and Bluetooth connectivity.
Premium options include 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels, power seat adjustment,
leather, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, a touchscreen satellite
radio, a choice of Volkswagen's RNS 510 or RNS 315 navigation systems, front fog
lights with static cornering lights, wood decor, new ambiance lighting, memory
driver's seat, power passenger seat, and keyless access with push button start.
The Passat
will also offer the new Fender premium audio system, designed exclusively for
Volkswagen. In a partnership that combined quality automotive engineering and
quality sound engineering, Volkswagen and Fender teamed up to bring the raw
emotion of live music to the driving experience.
Volkswagen Passat 3.6 SEL: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications