Volkswagen's North American-market Passat was designed with consumers in this region in mind, but the automaker apparently isn't satisfied with the way it designed the ever-important cupholders into the sedan's center console.
For 2013, the Passat will get cupholders that are said to be "better integrated" into its center console.
No photos of the new center console, which will also include rear air vents on SE and SEL models, have been released. A VW spokesman
told the
Chattanooga Times Free Press that 2013 Passats with the new design will arrive in dealers in August or September. The 2012 Passat's console included a retractable cover for two cupholders lined up next to the parking brake.
In addition, the range-topping SEL trim level will now include a backup camera that will display images through the radio's screen.
To cover the upgrades, VW is hiking the Passat's base price by $850 to $20,845. The bump isn't quite as big for higher-spec models, although all Passat prices increase at least $230 for the new model year.
