2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT: MORE STANDARD EQUIPMENT MAKES FOR THE BEST PASSAT YET

• Pricing starts at $22,440 for the 1.8T S model, including 6-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission

• Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) now standard across all trims

• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert now standard on R-Line® and SE trims

• New V6 SE with Technology model joins lineup

• Improvement in standard equipment on R-Line and SE with Technology trims

• Available Volkswagen Car-Net® App-Connect offers compatible smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®

• Built in America, at the world's only LEED® Platinum-certified manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Herndon, VA – The 2017 Volkswagen Passat is a midsize sedan that is designed for the American lifestyle and built in Volkswagen's state-of-the-art factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It features a winning combination of interior and exterior design, advanced technology, available driver assistance features, and a powerful and highly efficient base engine.

New for 2017

Redesigned in 2016 with fresh sheetmetal, a revised interior and new connectivity and available driver assistance systems, the Passat sees relatively minor changes for 2017. However, the trim structure has been repositioned, with driver assistance, connectivity, and convenience features being moved into lower trim lines, thus offering a great value story.

The R-Line model takes a step up with features that include: Composition Media touchscreen radio with USB connectivity, voice control, SiriusXM Satellite Radio® 3-month trial, and Volkswagen Car-Net® App-Connect technology; Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert; a power driver seat; V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; and heatable front seats. An available Lighting Package adds LED headlamps with LED DRLs and LED taillights.

The SE adds KESSY® keyless access with push-button start and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, as well as an available Lighting Package that takes the R-Line lighting package features and adds foglights. The SE with Technology model, available with either the 1.8T or VR6 engine, adds remote start, Park Distance Control (Park Pilot), 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and LED headlamps and taillights. Pricing for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat with standard 6-speed automatic transmission starts at $22,440 (plus $820 destination).

Exterior

The 2017 Passat features the styling upgrades that were introduced for the 2016 model's facelift. Slimmer headlights, a more substantial fully chromed four-bar grille, and the muscular hood all work together to give the Passat a wide, planted stance from the front. Standard chrome window surrounds and trim on the doors add to the premium nature of the design, as do available LED headlights and LED taillights.

At the rear, the bumper and trunk lid help to shape the 2017 Passat's look. The car has a premium European-style flush rear license plate area and a chrome strip on the trunk that connects the trunk lid to the taillights, making the rear lights appear lower and enhancing the grounded appearance.

The 2017 Passat remains a generously-proportioned four-door sedan. Nose to tail it measures 191.9 inches and features a stretched 110.4-inch wheelbase and 72.2-inch width, which allows for an exceptional 39.1 inches of rear-seat legroom. The Passat can be had in 8 colors, including Urano Gray, which is available exclusively for the 2017 Passat R-Line.

The 2017 Passat R-Line is the most sporting variant, featuring unique rocker panels, a stylized front bumper with contrasting black accents, a modified rear diffuser, and anthracite-color Salvador aluminum-alloy 19-inch wheels shod with 235/40 all-season tires.

Select 2017 Passat models have an Easy Open trunk, which allows the driver to sweep their foot under the rear bumper to activate a sensor near the rear of the vehicle, opening the trunk hands-free. The driver's key must be within three feet of the trunk to use the Easy Open feature.

Interior

Designed and specifically tailored for the U.S. market, the Passat delivers plenty of space for five adults. Ingress and egress is nearly effortless with large, wide-opening doors, and the large trunk can accommodate 15.9 cubic feet of luggage.

Inside the 2017 Passat, the dashboard and center console, along with integrated two-tone decor panels, are first to catch the eye. The top of the dashboard is structured with sharp contours and a sculpture line, acting to frame the elements underneath. The instrument cluster features two large dial faces and a display screen set between them, while a frameless rearview mirror (available on the SE with Technology trim and above) provides an understated touch of elegance. Chrome trim pieces—including the bezels around the air vents, upper door trim, cupholders, and shift lever—help to add to the premium feel of the interior. The R-Line adds stainless steel pedal caps, a multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters and R-Line specific door sill plates and décor.

The seats are exceptionally comfortable: even in the base version, the driver's seat adjusts eight ways, including lumbar. Eight-way power adjustable front seats are standard for R-Line models and up. Cloth trim is standard on the base S model, while the R-Line and SE trim feature Volkswagen's perforated V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces as standard, with contrast piping on Cornsilk Beige and Moonrock Grey interiors. SEL Premium models receive Vienna leather seating surfaces.

Infotainment Systems

The 2017 Passat features MIB II, the latest generation of Volkswagen infotainment systems. With touchscreens as standard equipment on all models, MIB II is available with either a 5- or 6.33-inch display across three trim head units (Composition Color, Composition Media, and Discover Media), all offering an impressive range of features. On most models, the display utilizes a capacitive touch sensor (similar to smartphone and tablet technology) that enables gesture controls like swiping and pinch-zooming, as opposed to resistive touchscreens that require pressure and have slightly longer response times. MIB II also features a proximity sensor, which can detect when a hand is nearby and automatically switches its display to allow easier selection of specific features. USB and Bluetooth® connectivity for compatible devices are standard on all 2017 Passat models. Two phones can connect at the same time and occupants are able to make and receive calls on each.

The MIB II system also serves as the foundation for Volkswagen's available Car-Net®, one of the most comprehensive suites of connected vehicle services and features available in the automotive industry. Car-Net features include App-Connect technology which allows integration with three major smartphone platforms—Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®—allowing integration for compatible smartphones.

With Car-Net Security & Service features, available on the SE models and above, you can use your laptop or compatible smartphone to locate your parked car, access a vehicle health report, make service appointments, load destination information before leaving the house (or get information while on the go), and much more. Security & Service also has Family Guardian capabilities: owners can set boundary or speed alerts for their Volkswagen models, and receive a text or email message if their set speed limit or approved area is exceeded. Automatic crash notification, manual emergency calling, and Roadside Assistance features are also included. Remote door locks are also accessible through the Car-Net Security & Service mobile app.

On SE w/Technology models and above, Car-Net Guide & Inform features include a 4-year trial of traffic updates with SiriusXM Traffic. A three-month trial of SiriusXM Travel Link, which provides weather, sports, news, ski resort and movie information, and gas prices, is available as well. The built-in navigation system that is fitted to this trim can learn your most frequent destinations so you can quickly choose a location rather than enter the same details over and over. The destination interface can predict and auto-complete search requests as you enter a location.

Powertrains

The 2017 Passat lineup features two engine options: the 1.8-liter TSI® turbocharged four-cylinder or a powerful 3.6-liter VR6®.

The four-cylinder Gen 3 EA888 turbocharged and direct-injection engine is made in Silao, Mexico. This 1.8-liter engine produces 170 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 rpm on regular gasoline. The EPA estimated fuel economy is 23 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. Passat models equipped with the 1.8-liter engine are offered with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The 3.6-liter VR6 makes the 2017 Passat a true sport sedan. Producing an impressive 280 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm with premium fuel, it offers power and luxury-class driving comfort with surprising fuel economy—EPA estimated highway mileage is 28 mpg. The VR6 is capable of running on regular gasoline. Shifting on the Passat VR6 is handled by a standard 6-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, which features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters on the SEL Premium.

Chassis

The Passat has been designed to feature the kind of dynamic handling and precise steering that drivers have come to expect of a Volkswagen. Its front suspension features damper struts with robust lower control arms, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, there's a sophisticated four-link independent layout with telescopic dampers and an anti-roll bar. The electro-mechanical power steering is weighted to provide a balance between precision at highway speeds and lower steering weight at parking speeds.

Safety

With a combination of structural and technological advancements, the 2017 Passat has been engineered to meet or exceed all existing safety standards, and additional structure was added in order to meet the strictures of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's small overlap test. Additional sheetmetal has been added to the sills, crash rail, and footwell, featuring high-strength steel for extra rigidity without adding weight.

Volkswagen's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, first launched on the 2015 Golf, comes standard on every Passat for 2017. The system builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact—which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System helps address this by applying the brakes after a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus helping to reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, reduce the chance of additional damage.

Driver Assistance

Every 2017 Passat model is equipped with a standard rearview camera, to aid drivers while in reverse. The camera image is projected on the touchscreen in the center stack and the MIB II units allow the brightness of the camera image to be adjusted independently of the rest of the display.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses forward facing radar to maintain a set speed while helping maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. The driver sets the speed and the desired spacing via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and can use the accelerator, brake pedal, or a steering wheel button to cancel or override the ACC function. All system messages appear in the central multifunction display.

When the roadway ahead of the vehicle is clear, the system can maintain the driver's set speed. ACC can match a vehicle's speed in front down to 12 mph, as well as resume ACC control after the driver presses the 'resume' button on the steering wheel when the speed is above 16 mph. ACC is standard on SE w/ Technology models and up.

Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) uses the same radar as ACC to help warn the driver of critical front-end collision situations, visually with a warning symbol in the instrument cluster and acoustically above 31 mph. If the driver fails to brake, Autonomous Emergency Braking is activated to help slow the vehicle. If the brake pedal is applied but the driver brakes too lightly, the brake pressure is increased by the system. In 2017, Front Assist is standard on all trim levels.

The available Blind Spot Monitor system uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the approaching traffic and help warn drivers of vehicles in adjacent lanes. If the driver uses the turn signal to indicate a lane change while a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, or a vehicle is approaching in the adjacent lane, the system utilizes a flashing LED symbol in the outer area of the side mirrors. Blind Spot Monitor is standard on R-line models and up.

The available Rear Traffic Alert system not only helps alert the driver to stationary and moving vehicles directly behind, but also helps to detect vehicles approaching from the side (above 3 mph) that may be difficult for the driver to see while reversing. It offers a sizable range of about 65 feet, and can present a visual and an acoustic warning, before applying the brakes if a potential impending collision is detected. The system is activated by selecting reverse gear. Rear Traffic Alert with braking is standard on R-line models and up.

If the vehicle does not detect steering wheel input for a defined period of time, the available Lane Departure Warning system (Lane Assist) actively counter steers to keep the vehicle in the lane when above 40 mph and lane markings are visible. The system's camera recognizes visible lane markings and, using a special algorithm, determines the vehicle position in the lane. If the vehicle crosses a lane marking without the driver using a turn signal, the system provides a visual signal in the instrument cluster, asking the driver to take over. Lane Assist is standard on SEL Premium models, which are also equipped with the Active Blind Spot Monitor system with corrective steering. If the driver uses the turn signal to indicate a lane change or if the front facing camera senses a lane change, the driver will not only be warned through the flashing LED symbol, but the car will also help actively keep the car in its lane within the limits of Lane Assist.

Available Park Distance Control (Park Pilot) uses ultrasonic sensors located in the front and rear bumpers to monitor a range of up to five feet in front of or behind the vehicle. The system is activated when reverse gear is engaged or below a speed of 9 mph and helps provide guidance when parking or in tight situations. The system provides static and dynamic guidance lines in the camera screen when reversing to assist the driver in assessing distances for parallel and perpendicular parking. It also presents visual warnings when the car starts to approach parked cars or static objects from the front or rear, unless turned off. Park Pilot is standard on SE models equipped with the Technology Package and up.

The available Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist) can automatically steer the car into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces in reverse. After pressing the Park Assist button—once for parallel and twice for perpendicular—the driver needs to actively control the accelerator and brake and gear selection, as Park Assist automatically steers the vehicle into the parking space. The driver can override or deactivate the steering assistance at any time by turning the steering wheel, disengaging reverse gear or pressing the system button. Below 25 mph, the system scans both the left-hand and right-hand sides of the road, for example in a one-way street, for any parking spaces as it drives past. By activating the turn signal, the driver stipulates which side of the road they wish to park on. Park Assist is standard on SEL Premium models.

Model Line-up

1.8T S

$22,440 MSRP (plus $820 destination) with automatic transmission

1.8T R-Line

$23,975 MSRP (plus $820 destination) with automatic transmission.

1.8T SE

$25,495 MSRP (plus $820 destination) with automatic transmission

1.8T SE w/ Technology

$27,995 MSRP (plus $820 destination) with automatic transmission

V6 SE w/ Technology

$29,295 MSRP (plus $820 destination) with automatic transmission

1.8T SEL Premium

$30,995 MSRP (plus $820 destination) with automatic transmission

V6 SEL Premium

$33,995 MSRP (plus $820 destination) with automatic transmission

by 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 Jessican Donaldson