 2012 Passat | 2012 Passat Alltrack |
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MSRP: $20,485-33,525
Invoice: $19,995-32,151
2013 Volkswagen Passat news, pictures, and information | ||
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2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT: ENGINEERED IN GERMANY, BORN IN THE U.S.A.
Best-in-class rear legroom, outstanding 43 mpg fuel efficiency, priced from $20,845. Here is the new gold standard in mid-size family sedans• Motor Trend's 2012 Car of the Year
• Designed in Germany, built in Chattanooga, Tenn
• Only mid-size sedan that offers German engineering at an accessible price
• Only TDI® Clean Diesel option in §egmènt wîth EPA estimated best-in-class 43 mpg highway and range of nearly 800 miles
• Choice of 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel, 2.5-liter five-cylinder gas, or 3.6-liter VR6 engines
• Class-leading rear-seat legroom
• No-charge three-year/36,000-mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance® program
The new Volkswagen Passat has created a new standard in the mid-size sedan class and has been an instant hit in the marketplace. Here is a mid-size sedan wîth the space and comfort of many full-size models, offering remarkable, best-in-class, stretch-out rear-seat legroom and trunk space to match. As a result, it has garnered numerous third-party awards, including the highly prestigious Motor Trend 2012 Car of the Year.
The Passat TDI version—the only clean diesel option in the §egmènt—delivers an EPA-estimated 43 miles per gallon on the highway wîth the manual transmission, giving a range of almost 800 miles. That's New York to Chicago, San Francisco to Seattle, on one tank. Acknowledged mileage experts John and Helen Taylor recently set a single-tank long-distance driving record by taking a Passat TDI from Houston, Texas, to Sterling, Virginia—that's a distance of 1626 miles—on one tank of Clean Diesel fuel. (concept carz)
And it is being built in Chattanooga, Tenn., in a plant wîth a strong commitment to environmental responsibility: this is the only automotive factory in the world to have gained the Ú.S Green Building Council's LEED® Platinum-certification. One key measure at the plant is the use of a painting process without any filler, which reduces CO2 emissions by about 20 percent. If all that wasn't impressive enough, the 2013 Passat comes wîth a starting MSRP of just $20,845 for a five-cylinder model wîth Bluetooth® connectivity, §teering-wheel audio controls, and all scheduled maintenance covered under Volkswagen's no-charge three-year/36,000-mile Carefree Maintenance® program.
Exterior
The Passat's balanced proportions give it elegant and timeless styling, reflecting the new Volkswagen Design DNA developed by Walter de Silva, the Italian design chief for the Volkswagen Group, and Klaus Bischoff, the German design leader for the Volkswagen Brand.
 | Vital Stats |
| Engine : 2.5 L., 5-cylinder Power: 170 hp Torque: 177 ft-lbs | |
5-speed Manual, 6-speed Automatic | |
The key identifying feature of a strong brand is the styling of its front end. Here the Passat displays the horizontal brand face, wîth the three-blade grille and headlights forming a single unit. The Passat's grille is sculpted in a three-dimensional shape and makes a distinctive and elegant impression because of its strict geometry. Beneath the front bumper is a large, lower intake wîth a striking honeycomb surface and available foglights housed at each end.
From the side profile, the muscular ridge in the sill area creates a lively interplay of light reflections. Powerfully sculpted wheelarches emphasize the dynamic properties of the Passat. To emphasize the aerodynamic styling of the Passat, the roof lines flow toward the back wîth a nearly coupe-like cut of the rear window. Three side windows create luxury-class style wîth a long, extended glass surface.
The rear section is also dominated by horizontal lines. The lines of the large taillights rise toward the sides, underscoring the dynamics of the elegant rear styling. Another unique feature here is the design of the two-part taillights that are integrated in the rear fender and trunk lid.
This is a generously-proportioned four-door sedan and the largest Passat ever. Nose to tail it measures 191.6 inches and features a stretched 110.4-inch wheelbase and 72.2-inch width, which allows such exceptional rear-seat space.
InteriorThe Passat was designed and specifically tailored for American tastes and American lifestyles. So the cabin of the all-new Passat delivers space, and plenty of it. There's room for five adults to really stretch out in comfort. And wîth four large, wide-opening doors, getting in and out is a cinch.
There's also a true elegance and simplicity about the layout. Nothing here is trendy or over-done. The lines flow in a style that's easy on the eye, complimented by the highest-quality materials applied wîth painstaking attention to detail.
The instrument panel is similar to that of Volkswagen's flagship model, the Touareg. Available 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 seats are exceptionally comfortable, wîth an emphasis on providing extra thigh support for long-distance road trips. Even in the base version, the driver's seat adjusts eight ways, including lumbar, while most models feature eight-way power adjustment. Inviting cloth trim is offered wîth the base S model, wîth the SE versions feature Volkswagen's trademark perforated V-Tex leatherette: SEL models move up to full leather seating surfaces.
For 2013, Passat SE and SEL models receive a new center console that incorporates rear air vents, a new cupholder design, and a revised front stowage area that has a hinged cover. All SEL trim models now have a rearview backup camera.
Fender® Premium Audio
There is no shortage of entertainment system options wîth the Passat—but the most exciting is the Fender Premium Audio System, which was designed to bring the raw emotion of a live music performance to the driving experience.
The system was developed through collaboration between Fender, the legendary music amplification experts, who also make some of the coolest guitars for the rock star elite, and Panasonic®. It cranks out 400 watts of power played through nine speakers, including a trunk-mounted subwoofer.
And the same cool, chromed Fender logo that has graced the guitar 'amps' of some of the world's music legends is featured on the Passat's Fender system.
Engines and Transmissions
The Passat offers three drivetrain options: a responsive 2.5-liter gasoline engine, a remarkably fuel-efficient 2.0-liter TDI® Clean Diesel, and a powerful 3.6-liter VR6®.
The refined, 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine features chain-driven double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and maintenance-free hydraulic lifters. It makes 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque and is available wîth a five-speed manual gearbox as standard or wîth an optional six-speed automatic.
The 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel inline four-cylinder engine produces 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. It delivers an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 43 mpg on the highway when equipped wîth the six-speed manual transmission, giving a range of 795 miles on one tank of ultra-low-sulfur clean diesel. The TDI engine is equipped wîth a Selective Catalytic Reduction System (SCR) that fulfills emissions requirements in all 50 states. Optional on the Passat TDI Clean Diesel is Volkswagen's DSG® six-speed automatic. This dual-clutch transmission is considered the most-efficient automatic in the world. It incorporates a 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 wîth a traditional manual gearbox. It's the perfect choice for drivers who want the performance of a traditional manual transmission wîth the precision of an automatic.
The 3.6 liter VR6 makes the new Passat a top-flight sport sedan. (concept carz) Producing an impressive 280 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, it offers power and luxury-class driving comfort, wîth European-type restraint in its fuel consumption—the EPA highway estimate is 28 mpg. Shifting on the new Passat VR6 is handled by a standard six-speed DSG.Suspension
The Passat has been designed to feature the kind of dynamic, involved handling and precise §teering drivers have come to expect of a Volkswagen. The new Passat may be a big car, but it drives small.
Its front suspension features the proven Volkswagen formula of damper struts wîth robust lower control arms, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, there's a sophisticated four-link independent layout wîth telescopic dampers and an anti-roll bar.
The §teering system comprises a power-assisted rack-and-pinion set-up, perfectly weighted to provide a balance between precision at higher speeds, and lower §teering weight at parking speeds. Swinging into that tight, mall parking spot is easy, thanks to the Passat's 36.4-foot turning radius and three turns lock-to-lock.
Safety and Security
Safety is not on the options list at Volkswagen, which is why every Passat comes wîth a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features.
Safety starts wîth a specially-reinforced safety cage, complete wîth anti-intrusion side beams and forged steel roof B-pillars. Behind the sleek nose, there is a crash-optimized front-end featuring integrated impact-absorbing elements that help minimize the collision energy.
Naturally, every new Passat comes wîth Electronic Stability Control (ESC) that helps compensate for oversteer or understeer by applying individual corrective forces to each of the wheels. Also standard is an Anti-lock Braking System, Hydraulic Brake Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring, and Volkswagen's acclaimed Intelligent Crash Response System. In the event of a collision it automatically unlocks the doors, shuts off the fuel pump, and even turns on the hazard warning lights.The six standard airbags include front and side thorax airbags for the front-seat occupants, together wîth Side Curtain Protection® airbags front and rear.
Peace of mind in owning a new Passat comes from Volkswagen's no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. It covers all scheduled maintenance for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which is three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Model Line-up
The Passat is offered in three trim levels, S, SE and SEL, wîth a total of 15 equipment levels. All offer first-class safety and comfort.
2.5 S
With pricing starting at $20,845 for the five-speed manual transmission model, its key features include: air-conditioning; hill hold control; multifunction §teering wheel wîth audio and phone controls; central locking system wîth remote control keys; powered exterior mirrors; automatic headlights wîth 'coming home' function; trip computer; RCD 310 radio wîth CD player and six speakers; aux-in; Bluetooth®; 60/40 split rear seat; lumbar for driver seat. The S wîth Appearance ($22,945) adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a rear center armrest, and a six-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)
2.5 SE
Starting at $23,945, this adds 17-inch Sonoma aluminum-alloy wheels wîth all-season tires; V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; power driver seat and lumbar; heated front seats; highline instrumentation cluster wîth multifunction display; rear passenger air vents; leather-wrapped multifunction §teering wheel wîth audio and phone controls; auto-dimming rearview mirror; power and heated exterior side mirrors; leather-wrapped hand brake and shift knob; Premium VIII touchscreen radio wîth six-CD in-dash changer and eight speakers. The SE w/Sunroof ($25,845) adds a six-speed automatic transmission and a power tilt and slide sunroof; the SE w/Sunroof and Nav ($26,995) incorporates the RNS 315 navigation system and a Media Device Interface (MDI) wîth iPod cable.
2.5 SEL
This features a bumper wîth chrome accents; Homelink®; footwell lighting; RNS 510 navigation; Fender premium audio system; comfort sport seats; rearview backup camera; and rear seat pass-through. Starting at $28,925.
2.5 SEL Premium
With a starting price of $30,425, this adds leather seating surface;, keyless access wîth push-button start; foglights; driver seat memory; and eight-way power passenger seat.
TDI SE
Opens at $26,225 and features 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; V-Tex leatherette seating; eight-way power driver seat; heated front seats; Premium VIII touchscreen radio; multifunction leather-wrapped §teering wheel; sliding front center armrest; and rear passenger air vents. The SE wîth Sunroof ($28,225) adds a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and a power tilt and slide sunroof. The SE wîth Sunroof and Nav ($29,885) includes: 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; side moldings wîth chrome accents; the RNS 315 navigation system; and front foglights.
TDI SEL Premium
This adds 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, leather seating surfaces; comfort sport seats; RNS 510 navigation; Fender premium audio system; driver seat memory; rearview backup camera; wood grain interior trim; and eight-way power passenger seat. Starts at $32,915.
3.6 SE wîth Sunroof
Standard features on this model ($29,235) include: six-speed DSG automatic transmission; 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; V-Tex leatherette seating; sunroof; eight-way power driver seat; heated front seats; Premium VIII touchscreen radio; Fender premium audio system; chrome dual exhaust; and foglights. The SE wîth Sunroof and Nav ($30,895) includes side moldings wîth chrome accents, the RNS 315 navigation system, and an MDI wîth iPod cable.
3.6 SEL Premium
This flagship model starts at $33,525 and adds leather seating surfaces; rearview backup camera; keyless entry wîth push-button start; RNS 510 navigation; driver seat memory; wood grain interior décor; eight-way power passenger seat; and interior chrome accents.
COMPETITIVE SET
Chevrolet Malibu
Ford Fusion
Honda Accord
Hyundai Sonata
Kia Optima
Nissan Altima
Toyota Camry
Building in America
Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant that produces the Passat is part of a $4 billion investment by the company in the Ú.S. market. The facility was designed to keep environmental impact to a minimum and includes a revolutionary paint shop that significantly reduces emissions. A state-of-the art $40 million employee training center ensures adherence to Volkswagen's exacting quality standards. ( posted on conceptcarz.com) For more information go to: www.volkswagengroupamerica.com/chattanooga.
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen's operations in the Únited States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, Golf R, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent Ú.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.Source - Volkswagen
A favorite for consumers searching for a bit more luxury and style in their midsize family vehicle, the Volkswagen Passat fit in the gap between the normal boring family cars and the more expensive ‘out of reach' luxury brands. The Passat was featured spunky performance, competent handling, and amazing comfort, even on just the base model. The Passat was built by Volkswagen through six design generations since 1973, and fell between the Golf/Jetta and Phaeton in the current Volkswagen line-up. The Passet has been badged variously as Santana, Dasher, Quantum, Corsar, Magotan and Carat. The first generation Passat wasn't the most popular model, due its different design and unsure reliability. Volkswagen has extended its range more recently with the introduction of the Passat CC, a 4 door 'coupe' version of the Passat. The original Passat was developed directly from the Audi 80/Fox and the two shared a history until 2005.
Originally launched in 1973, the Passat M1 was featured in 2- and 4-door sedans along with similar looking three- and five- door variations. All four models shared a very modern fastback style design, all styled by the Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The original Passat was a fastback version of the mechanically identical Audi 80 sedan that had been introduced one year prior. The original Passat featured a MacPherson strut front suspension with a solid axle/coil spring setup at the back.
In 1974 a five-door station wagon/estate was introduced. The European version of the Passat came with 2 rectangular, 2 round 7', or 4 round 5.5' headlights. One of the most modern European family vehicles at the time, the Passat was originally intended as a replacement for the aging Volkswagen Type 3 and Type 4. For 1974 the Passat was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year. In 1975 the SOHC 1.5 was enlarged to 1.6 1 with power ratings unchanged and now slightly higher torque ratings.
The Passat was called the 'Dasher' in North America and was only sold with round DOT-spec lights. For and during the 1974 model year, the three and four-door hatchback station wagon model were introduced in North America. The only engine available was a carbureted 1.5 1 inline-four that developed 75 hp.
The entire Passat range received an update in the 1977 model year. These updates included an interior upgrade, revised styling that included repositioned indicators and either 4 round or 2 rectangular headlights. The Passat Diesel became available in July of 1978. The diesel was equipped with the VW Golf's 1.5 1 Diesel engine. In February of 1979 the Passat GLI with a fuel-injected variant of the 1.61 engine was introduced. This 1.5 1 diesel engine produced just 48 PS in the 2500 lb vehicle. The Diesel could achieve 0-100 km/h in just 19.4 seconds. In 1981 all gasoline engines were dropped for North America in preparation for the all new generation of the Passat.
The second-generation Passat, Mk2 was introduced in 1981 and continued until 1988. The platform was named B2 and was a bit longer than previous models and the styling, though updated, was still instantly recognized as a Passat. The rectangular headlights were the most notable difference from the previous generation. In North America the vehicle was dubbed the Quantum and was in introduced in 1982. At the same time it was sold as the Corsar in Mexico where it was sold from 1984 through 1988. In Brazil the car was dubbed the Santana. In South Africa the Passat sedan and estate were sold for local consumption until 1987.
In June of 1984 the Santana was introduced; the second generation Passat for Brazil. Launched in July of 1985, the Brazilian Santana was marketed in 4-door sedan, 2door sedan and station wagon. Both the Santana and Quantum were powered by a mixture of 1.8L Petrol and 1.8L Ethanol. In 1989 the engine range was increased with the additional capacity 2.0L Petrol or Ethanol variant. These models were called the Quantum 2000 and Santana 2000.
In 1986 the Passat range received a minor facelift. The sedan was now known as the Passat and it shared the same front end as the estate and hatchback. The US version received the European-style composite headlamps. The engine range was much more extensive and now included a 5-cylinder Audi 2.0 L petrol, 1.9 L system utilized in the Passat and sharing the same mechanics of the Audi 80 quattro and not the VW Golf syncro. The syncro was available in the U.S. market, but only with the 5 cylinder engine and only on the wagon.
Introduced in 1996, the Passat Mk5 was launched in Europe in 1996 and North America in 1998. This fifth generation shared a platform with the Audi A4 and it utilized the classic 'overhung' longitudinally mounted engine with front-wheel drive. This design was reminiscent of the first and second generation Passats, which had been based on the Audi 80. This all-new generation featured curvy lines, smooth underpinnings that gave the B5 Passat an incredibly low coefficient of drag, rated at 0.27, and heavily raked windscreens.
This model featured four-link front suspension that was designed to eliminate torque steering, and varying on trim levels it came with either a solid or independent rear suspensions. In 1997, four wheel drive was introduced as an option for the 1.8, 2.8 V6, 1.9TDI and 2.5 V6 TDI engines. From 2000 to 2004 the Passat sedan and wagon were Edmunds.com Editors Most Wanted award winners. In 2001 the Volkswagen Passat received a facelift that included a slight update in styling and mechanical alterations, commonly known as the B5.5. This model had new projector-optic headlights, tail lights, bumpers and chrome trim.
The following year a 4.0 L W8 engine that produced 202 kW and was placed in an upmarket version of the car that included standard all-wheel drive. Though the engine was dropped in 2004, this engine was intended to be a test bed for VW's new W engine technology, which would later make an appearance on the W12 in the Phaeton and A8, and the W16 in the Bugatti Veyron.
A very powerful 2.0 L turbocharged diesel TDI engine was introduced in 2004 that produced 136 PS. This variant was sold from 2004 through 2005 and a very rare engine that was barely found on the used market.
For 2006, the current-generation Passat was introduced. Before the 2008 model year, the Passat featured a different trim level structure and fewer standard features within each trim. Today, the current Passat is available in either wagon or sedan body styles. The lineup includes four trim levels, the Turbo, Komfort, Lux and VR6. The base Turbo model comes basically well equipped, while the Lux and Komfort models feature more luxury-oriented features. Powered by a 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, these three trim levels have power sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.
In March, 2005 the most current Passat was displayed at the Geneva Motor Show and was launched in Europe in the summer of 2005. The Volkswagen Passat Mk6 was built on the PQ46 platform and was based on the Golf Mk5. This model is occasionally dubbed the 'B6' Passat, despite its lack of commonality with the 'B6' Audi A4.
This newest generation followed much of the styling of the Volkswagen Phaeton luxury vehicle, and was a distinct departure from the styling of the B5.5 Passat. The design was somewhat controversial, but fortunately the sales were improved from the previous year model. 4motion was used on the four-wheel drive version, and the transverse-engine platform dictated a switch from the Torsen centre differential of the B5, to the Haldex Traction multi-plate clutch. The handling was also now closer to a front-wheel drive car with much better fuel economy and a much more roomy interior.
The 2.0 FSI was replaced with the new 1.8TSI Engine and 6speed automatic transmission in February of 2008. The 1.8T achieved 158 hp/118 kW, 180 ft/lb of torque and could reach 0-10 km/h in barely 8.6 seconds and had a top speed of 137 mph. For 2008 the Passat Estate won overall winner of Practical Caravans Towcar of the Year Awards 2008 for its plethora of towing features such as its Trailer Stability Program. Debuting at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit was the CC 'Comfort Coupe', a 4-door coupe version of the Passat.
The VR6 model featured a 280-hp V6 joined with the automatic, along with various luxurious features even more opulent than the Lux trim. The Passat VR6 also featured Volkswagen's all-wheel-drive system, 4Motion as an optional feature.By Jessica Donaldson
For more information and related vehicles, click hereOriginally launched in 1973, the Passat M1 was featured in 2- and 4-door sedans along with similar looking three- and five- door variations. All four models shared a very modern fastback style design, all styled by the Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The original Passat was a fastback version of the mechanically identical Audi 80 sedan that had been introduced one year prior. The original Passat featured a MacPherson strut front suspension with a solid axle/coil spring setup at the back.
In 1974 a five-door station wagon/estate was introduced. The European version of the Passat came with 2 rectangular, 2 round 7', or 4 round 5.5' headlights. One of the most modern European family vehicles at the time, the Passat was originally intended as a replacement for the aging Volkswagen Type 3 and Type 4. For 1974 the Passat was Wheels magazine's Car of the Year. In 1975 the SOHC 1.5 was enlarged to 1.6 1 with power ratings unchanged and now slightly higher torque ratings.
The Passat was called the 'Dasher' in North America and was only sold with round DOT-spec lights. For and during the 1974 model year, the three and four-door hatchback station wagon model were introduced in North America. The only engine available was a carbureted 1.5 1 inline-four that developed 75 hp.
The entire Passat range received an update in the 1977 model year. These updates included an interior upgrade, revised styling that included repositioned indicators and either 4 round or 2 rectangular headlights. The Passat Diesel became available in July of 1978. The diesel was equipped with the VW Golf's 1.5 1 Diesel engine. In February of 1979 the Passat GLI with a fuel-injected variant of the 1.61 engine was introduced. This 1.5 1 diesel engine produced just 48 PS in the 2500 lb vehicle. The Diesel could achieve 0-100 km/h in just 19.4 seconds. In 1981 all gasoline engines were dropped for North America in preparation for the all new generation of the Passat.
The second-generation Passat, Mk2 was introduced in 1981 and continued until 1988. The platform was named B2 and was a bit longer than previous models and the styling, though updated, was still instantly recognized as a Passat. The rectangular headlights were the most notable difference from the previous generation. In North America the vehicle was dubbed the Quantum and was in introduced in 1982. At the same time it was sold as the Corsar in Mexico where it was sold from 1984 through 1988. In Brazil the car was dubbed the Santana. In South Africa the Passat sedan and estate were sold for local consumption until 1987.
In June of 1984 the Santana was introduced; the second generation Passat for Brazil. Launched in July of 1985, the Brazilian Santana was marketed in 4-door sedan, 2door sedan and station wagon. Both the Santana and Quantum were powered by a mixture of 1.8L Petrol and 1.8L Ethanol. In 1989 the engine range was increased with the additional capacity 2.0L Petrol or Ethanol variant. These models were called the Quantum 2000 and Santana 2000.
In 1986 the Passat range received a minor facelift. The sedan was now known as the Passat and it shared the same front end as the estate and hatchback. The US version received the European-style composite headlamps. The engine range was much more extensive and now included a 5-cylinder Audi 2.0 L petrol, 1.9 L system utilized in the Passat and sharing the same mechanics of the Audi 80 quattro and not the VW Golf syncro. The syncro was available in the U.S. market, but only with the 5 cylinder engine and only on the wagon.
Introduced in 1996, the Passat Mk5 was launched in Europe in 1996 and North America in 1998. This fifth generation shared a platform with the Audi A4 and it utilized the classic 'overhung' longitudinally mounted engine with front-wheel drive. This design was reminiscent of the first and second generation Passats, which had been based on the Audi 80. This all-new generation featured curvy lines, smooth underpinnings that gave the B5 Passat an incredibly low coefficient of drag, rated at 0.27, and heavily raked windscreens.
This model featured four-link front suspension that was designed to eliminate torque steering, and varying on trim levels it came with either a solid or independent rear suspensions. In 1997, four wheel drive was introduced as an option for the 1.8, 2.8 V6, 1.9TDI and 2.5 V6 TDI engines. From 2000 to 2004 the Passat sedan and wagon were Edmunds.com Editors Most Wanted award winners. In 2001 the Volkswagen Passat received a facelift that included a slight update in styling and mechanical alterations, commonly known as the B5.5. This model had new projector-optic headlights, tail lights, bumpers and chrome trim.
The following year a 4.0 L W8 engine that produced 202 kW and was placed in an upmarket version of the car that included standard all-wheel drive. Though the engine was dropped in 2004, this engine was intended to be a test bed for VW's new W engine technology, which would later make an appearance on the W12 in the Phaeton and A8, and the W16 in the Bugatti Veyron.
A very powerful 2.0 L turbocharged diesel TDI engine was introduced in 2004 that produced 136 PS. This variant was sold from 2004 through 2005 and a very rare engine that was barely found on the used market.
For 2006, the current-generation Passat was introduced. Before the 2008 model year, the Passat featured a different trim level structure and fewer standard features within each trim. Today, the current Passat is available in either wagon or sedan body styles. The lineup includes four trim levels, the Turbo, Komfort, Lux and VR6. The base Turbo model comes basically well equipped, while the Lux and Komfort models feature more luxury-oriented features. Powered by a 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, these three trim levels have power sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.
In March, 2005 the most current Passat was displayed at the Geneva Motor Show and was launched in Europe in the summer of 2005. The Volkswagen Passat Mk6 was built on the PQ46 platform and was based on the Golf Mk5. This model is occasionally dubbed the 'B6' Passat, despite its lack of commonality with the 'B6' Audi A4.
This newest generation followed much of the styling of the Volkswagen Phaeton luxury vehicle, and was a distinct departure from the styling of the B5.5 Passat. The design was somewhat controversial, but fortunately the sales were improved from the previous year model. 4motion was used on the four-wheel drive version, and the transverse-engine platform dictated a switch from the Torsen centre differential of the B5, to the Haldex Traction multi-plate clutch. The handling was also now closer to a front-wheel drive car with much better fuel economy and a much more roomy interior.
The 2.0 FSI was replaced with the new 1.8TSI Engine and 6speed automatic transmission in February of 2008. The 1.8T achieved 158 hp/118 kW, 180 ft/lb of torque and could reach 0-10 km/h in barely 8.6 seconds and had a top speed of 137 mph. For 2008 the Passat Estate won overall winner of Practical Caravans Towcar of the Year Awards 2008 for its plethora of towing features such as its Trailer Stability Program. Debuting at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit was the CC 'Comfort Coupe', a 4-door coupe version of the Passat.
The VR6 model featured a 280-hp V6 joined with the automatic, along with various luxurious features even more opulent than the Lux trim. The Passat VR6 also featured Volkswagen's all-wheel-drive system, 4Motion as an optional feature.By Jessica Donaldson
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 | ◾17th annual AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards identifies most satisfying cars in the market and helps consumers make informed purchase decisions ◾Survey measured responses from more than 52,000 new-vehicle owners IRVINE, Calif., June 10, 2013 – Two of Kia Motors America's (KMA) most popular models were recently named to AutoPacific's annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA). The 2013 Optima sedan was named most satisfying Mid-Size Car and the sporty 2013 Sportage was heralded ...[Read more...] |
| ALL-NEW 2014 JEEP CHEROKEE TO START AT $22,995 | |
 | ◾Jeep® raises the bar with legendary benchmark 4x4 capability, world-class on-road dynamics, fuel economy of more than 30 mpg, modern and progressive new design, world-class craftsmanship, and an array of advanced safety and technology features ◾All-new 2014 Jeep® Cherokee pricing starts at a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $22,995 ◾2014 Jeep Cherokee is priced less than outgoing Liberty model, but offers more advanced technology and safety features, significantly improved...[Read more...] |
| All-New 2014 Fiat 500L Expands The Fiat Brand'S Product Lineup And Its Commitment To Innovative And Value-Loaded Cars | |
 | ◾All-new 2014 Fiat 500L arrives to FIAT studios this June with a starting price of $19,100 and four value-loaded models ◾No-charge Premier Package on 500L Easy, Trekking and Lounge models ◾All-new Fiat 500L expands the appeal of the iconic 500, while adding two more doors, accommodations for five passengers, best-in-class interior volume (120.1 cu. ft.) and advanced European technology May 24, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Expanding on the style, efficiency and driving enjoyment that ...[Read more...] |
| Mazda Cx-5 Named 'Top Family Choice Vehicle' By Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association | |
| WASHINGTON, April 29, 2013 -- The Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association (GAAMA) yesterday named the 2013 Mazda CX-5 its 'Top Family Choice Vehicle' and the all-new 2014 Mazda6 'Best Green Family Choice Vehicle' at its first annual Family Choice Challenge. GAAMA President Nick Palermo said, 'The CX-5 was the clear winner for the overall 'Top Family Choice Vehicle' award. It's stylish, affordable, has comfortable seating and great fuel economy and is fun to drive.' The 2013 CX-...[Read more...] | |
| 2014 MAZDA6 NAMED TO WARD'S ‘10 BEST INTERIORS' LIST | |
| The all-new 2014 Mazda6 today was named to WardsAuto World's 10 Best Interiors list, as chosen by the publication's editors. The redesigned mid-size sports sedan features Mazda's new design language called KODO 'Soul of Motion,' which translates muscular movement and power into agile proportions, detailed sculpting and expressive character. The Mazda6 also was recently named one of the top three vehicle designs in the world for 2013 by the World Car Awards. 'The automotive industry, regardl...[Read more...] | |
2013| Comparable Vehicles | |
| Buick Verano | ($23,085-29,105) |
| Chevrolet Malibu | ($22,395-30,165) |
| Chrysler 200 | ($18,995-32,595) |
| Dodge Avenger | ($18,995-25,495) |
| Dodge Dart GT | : |
| Ford Fusion | ($21,700-32,200) |
| Honda Accord | ($23,350-33,430) |
| Hyundai Sonata | ($20,895-27,595) |
| Kia Optima | ($21,200-26,800) |
| Mazda 6 | ($20,725-29,995) |
| Nissan Altima | ($21,500-30,085) |
| Nissan Rogue | ($22,310-29,950) |
| Subaru Impreza | ($17,895-22,995) |
| Subaru Legacy | ($20,295-28,895) |
| Toyota Camry | ($22,235-30,465) |
| Volkswagen Beetle | ($19,995-30,095) |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Honda | Jaguar |
| Nissan | Saab |
| Subaru | Toyota |
| Volvo | |
| Similarly Sized Vehicles from 2013 |
| Acura MDX |
| Acura ZDX |
| Audi A4 |
| Audi A4 Allroad Quattro |
| Audi A5 |
| Audi Allroad |
| Audi AS5 Sportback |
| Audi RS4 Avant |
| Audi TT RS Plus |
| BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo |
| Volkswagen: 2011-2020 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Other models by Volkswagen |
| Manufacturer Website |
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| Beetle CC | Corrado EOS | Golf Jetta | Karmann-Ghia Passat | Routan Scirocco | Thing Tiguan | Touareg Type 4 | Van/Camper |
| 2012 Passat | 2012 Passat Alltrack |
