Autos Craze – Autos Blog

Volkswagen redesigned its 2012 Passat by adding a bit more luxury and style in their midsize family vehicle, and it will make a debut on 2011 Detroit Auto Show, with costs starting below $20,000. The price is $19,995 for the base 2.5L model with a manual transmission while automatic transmission adds another $2,700 to the MSRP.

The Passat was built by Volkswagen through six design generations since 1973 the 2012 Volkswagen Passat fit in the gap between the normal boring family cars and the more expensive ‘out of reach’ luxury brands.

The new Passat is designed specifically for the U.S. market and is different vehicle from the European Passat, unveiled last fall at the Paris auto show. Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. said

“The 2012 Passat is a true Volkswagen, offering German engineering, class-leading standard features, and superior fuel economy, all for a remarkable value. Demonstrating our commitment to the American market, the car will be produced at one of the newest, most advanced, and environmentally responsible auto assembly plants in the world in Chattanooga, Tennessee.”

The U.S. car features include

• Four-wheel independent suspension.
• A front-wheel-drive version
• The base engine is VW’s 2.5-liter inline-5, rated at 170 horsepower and mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.
• Two up level engines are offered: a 280-hp 3.6-liter narrow-angle V6 with a six-speed automated manual direct-shift gearbox and a 140-hp 2.0 TDI coupled with either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG.

The all-new Passat offers three drive train options:

1. A responsive 2.5L gasoline engine
2. A remarkably eco-friendly 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel
3. A powerful 3.6L VR6.

1. A responsive 2.5L gasoline engine

The 2.5L model with manual transmission and 170 horsepower has a starting MSRP of $19,995 and is available in eight equipment levels. Standard features include

• Automatic dual-zone climate control
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Steering wheel audio controls
• The 2.5L five cylinder engine
• Volkswagen’s no-charge three-year/36,000 mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance Program.

2. A remarkably eco-friendly 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel

The 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel model offers three trim levels and starts at $25,995. The quiet, four cylinder 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel (140 hp/236 lb.-ft.)

• Has the power of a six cylinder gasoline engine
• Is expected to deliver 43 miles per gallon on the highway, with a range of approximately 800 miles.

3. A powerful 3.6L VR6

The 3.6L VR6 with 280 horsepower and six-speed automatic DSG transmission is offered in three trim levels and has a starting MSRP of $28,995. 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
• European-type restraint in its fuel consumption — estimated at 28 mpg on the highway.

Passat’s Exterior

This car looks much more expensive than it actually is. ‘Design DNA’  is developed by Walter de Silva, the Italian design chief for the Volkswagen Group and Klaus Bischoff, the German design leader for the Volkswagen Brand The key feature is the styling of its front end.

Passat displays the new horizontal brand face, with the grille and headlights forming a single unit. The Passat’s grille stands more upright and is sculpted in a three-dimensional shape. Three side windows create luxury class style with a long, extended glass surface. Another unique feature here is the design of the two-part taillights.

Passat’s Interior

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. Controls are attractive and easy to operate. 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. The seats are exceptionally comfortable. Even in the base version, the driver’s seat is adjustable eight ways, including lumbar support.

Standard features

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
• A standard 6-speed DSG controlled gear shifting
• Dual-zone climate control
• Keyless/push-button start, remote start and 18-inch wheels and tires.

Premium Features

The Passat will be offered in three trim levels, S SE and SEL, with a total of 16 equipment levels. The Passat’s safety features include

• Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response Systems
• 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
• 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 Passat sets new standards for comfort, with well-designed controls, superior touring properties and a cut down in prices. So, hurry and reserve your 2012 Volkswagen Passat now.