German Mid-size Sedan Finds a New American Home

A true Volkswagen gen-next in the recently popular mid-size car section, the Volkswagen Passat 2012 seems to target both the budget buyer of cars and luxury car savvy American consumers. Automakers of Chattanooga, Tennessee are the first to assemble this European sedan in a way that is customized to the likes of the average American auto-buyer. One of the prominent features of this car that is visibly 4 inches longer than its European version is the immense legroom and headroom at the front and the rear, thus distinguishing it from the others in the mid-size sedan market. The Passat engine of VW features in three different configurations as follows

2.5L 170-hp engine, 31 mpg highway and 573 miles/tank
3.6L 280-hp engine, 28 mpg highway and 518 miles/tank
2.0L TDI Clean Diesel, 43 mpg highway and 795 miles/tank (170 HP with 6 speed transmission)

With 2011’s VW Jetta, this German automobile company entered the mid-size sedan market but the Passat seems to overtake the Jetta in significantly improvised interiors and a reduced price. The family car did undergo some cut down in certain VW features in order to attract the masses but they are not too prominent and certainly does justify the massive difference of $8000 from the older much expensive Passat. Let’s have a look at some key features of this incredibly long mid-size sedan:

• The styling is aggressive and very sporty. The design features a uniform crease that initiates at the headlight down to the edge of the trunk at the rear. Body panels and hood match perfectly with no gaps as they are laser cut with some of the most advanced auto engineering technologies. The front grill with 3 horizontal bars, a dark textured lower tack and sharp headlight settings en masse for a red-blooded luxury front ensemble.

• VW has stood up to its promise to deliver better interiors with leather steering, soft-touch dashboard, faux wood-grain car flooring high quality seating and of course the generous interior spacing. The vehicle touch points are a highlight and a far cry from that in the Jetta.

• 3 options of tires, from 16 inches to 18 inches.

• The trunk space is astonishingly enormous, you would have to see it to believe it

• A digital information station between the tachometer and speedometer allows for the new age steering experience.

• Audio system by Fender, most iconic amplifier and music system manufacturers in the world. Need we say more?

The American experience in the German design is defined by the following factors:

• Longer and more spacious interiors

• 170HP engine as opposed to the 120HP German engine

• Integrated car cup holders

• Automatic climate control, as opposed to manual air conditioning on its native counterpart

• Cruise control, which is otherwise absent in German Passat

• Bluetooth, which isn’t present in the German versio

The car has a lot that does not meet the eye but sure is much to ask for in the mid-size segment. Oh did I miss out on the price of this incredible car. Well would you believe it when I say that the Passat 2012 is priced at just $20,000? You better believe it!