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Basic Specs
| Base Price | TBA |
| Drivetrain | Front Wheel Drive |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3166 |
| City (MPG) | 22 |
| Hwy (MPG) | 32 |
| Horsepower | 170@5700 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 177@4250 |
| Wheelbase | 110.4 |
| Length (in.) | 191.6 |
| Width (in.) | 72.2 |
| Height (in.) | 58.5 |
Volkswagen continues to apply an all-new approach to selling cars in North America with the latest Passat. The latest Passat sedan is Volkswagen's definitive entry-luxury vehicle, but in North America it is actually unique to the region with a downscale approach and price compared to the models that preceded it, much like the updated Jetta.
What VW has decided is that it is better off designing a car that is suited to American tastes - which differ from those of Europeans - rather than try and force Americans to spend more money on content they don't necessarily want. The result? A car that still serves as the introductory luxury model for the VW brand in North America, but with slightly less expensive materials, less complex engineering, and, most importantly, a $7,000 lower base price.
The base Passat will for example take a step or two backwards from the standard 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and direct-shift gearbox (DSG) that came as standard equipment for the previous generation, instead starting with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter five-cylinder that churns out just 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, matched to a five-speed manual transmission.
While a directly comparable current-gen model cannot be specced out due to the total removal of the 2.0T engine, the next-closest option would come from the mid-level 2.5-liter TDI good for 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, which starts slightly higher than a comparable last-gen model.
Models range from a 2.5 S base model with a manual transmission and a sticker price of around $21,000 (add $2,695 for an automatic), to about $31,000 for the SEL Premium automatic which still has the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine.
Stepping up to the TDI will put the base price at about $27,000 for a manual, rising to nearly $33,000 for the SEL Premium TDI. The Passat range is topped by a 3.6-liter V6, also known as the VR6, which boasts 280 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, starting just under $30,000, and topping out at around $34,000 before individual options.
All told, Passat is available in 15 different preset package/engine combinations. VW says that the main reason it was able to bring the price down was not the change to packaging or features, but rather the switch to local production at VW's new assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Other changes that count
Compared to the outgoing model, the new Passat is considerably different and larger and it shares little more than a name with its European counterpart. The changes also continue underhood, and in total, VW believes it has found the right formula for a successful midsize sedan in the American market.
Styling
Looking much like a larger, wider Jetta, the Passat was penned by VW designer Walter de Silva. It measures in at 191.7 inches long and rides on a 110.4 inch wheelbase.
Uplevel models feature chrome accents throughout.
It’s what is under the hood that counts
Part of the formula that VW is banking on to move some metal comes from a new engine lineup that eschews the traditional use of a four-cylinder engine as the base models for a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, followed by a 2.0-liter TDI clean diesel and topped off with a sporty 3.6-liter VR6 engine.
The base 2.5-liter will be good for 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, and comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission. For those who prefer not to row their own gears, VW also has an optional six-speed automatic available.
For those willing to drop a little more coin for a lot more fuel economy, the 2.0-liter TDI is certainly the engine of choice in the Passat. The only diesel in its segment, the Passat TDI is rated to net 31 miles per gallon in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. Combined with a fuel tank just short of 20 gallons, VW says it should have no problem driving 800 miles on a single tank of fuel. Rated at 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. of torque, the four-cylinder diesel engine is seemingly ubiquitous in VW’s lineup. A six-speed stick will be standard, while a six-speed DSG dual clutch automatic will be optional.
Most Passats will probably be delivered with four or five-cylinder engines, but VW will also offer a 3.6-liter VR6 rated at 280 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. VW estimates fuel economy at 28 mpg on the highway. The VR6 will be exclusively mated to VW’s DSG automatic transmission.
Equipment content
Although it might look and feel like a larger Jetta, VW promises that the Passat is a premium offering. Its wide doors reveal an especially spacious interior, including a huge rear seat area.
Three trim levels will be on offer – S, SE and SEL. Look for more details to arrive closer to launch, but volume SE models will be swathed in VW’s leather-like vinyl and come with switchgear used in the Jetta. Soft touch and hard plastic surfaces abound, although SELs come with richer-looking leather, synthetic suede and real wood trim.
Standard 17-inch wheels can be upgraded to 18s and the Passat will be among the first VWs to offer the automaker’s new Fender-developed audio system.
Key Competitors
The Passat's rivals include the oft-lauded Honda Accord, the winter-ready AWD Subaru Legacy and the recently revamped and newly stylish Chrysler 200. Other mid-size sedan options include the fine driving Ford Fusion and the ever-popular Toyota Camry.
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- General
- Body Style: Sedan
- Size: Midsize
- Market Segment: Standard
- Weight: 3166 lbs
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- Exterior
- Length: 191.6 in.
- Width: 72.2 in.
- Height: 58.5 in.
- Wheelbase: 110.4 in.
- Ground Clearance: 5.4 in.
- Front Track: 62.1 in.
- Rear Track: 61.0 in.
- Weight Distribution: TBD
- Drag Coefficient: 0.29
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- Interior - General
- Seats: 5
- Passenger Volume: 102.0 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume: 15.9 cu. ft.
- Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
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- Interior - Front Row
- Volume: 53.5 cu. ft.
- Leg Room: 42.4 in.
- Head Room: 38.3 in.
- Shoulder Room: 56.9 in.
- Hip Room: TBD
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- Interior - Second Row
- Volume: 48.8 cu. ft.
- Leg Room: 39.1 in.
- Head Room: 37.8 in.
- Shoulder Room: 57.0 in.
- Hip Room: TBD
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- Propulsion
- Fuel Type: Gas
- Engine Type: 2.5L I5
- Power: 170 hp @ 5700 rpm
- Torque: 177 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
- Highway Fuel Economy: 32 mpg
- City Fuel Economy: 22 mpg
- Forced Induction: None
- Direct Injection: No
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- Chassis
- Layout: Front Wheel Drive
- Front Suspension: Strut-Type
- Rear Suspension: Multi-Link
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- Wheels
- Front: 16" Steel
- Front Tires: 215/60 R16 95T
- Rear: 16" Steel
- Rear Tires: 215/60 R16 95T
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- Trailering & Hauling
- Trailer Weight: TBD
- Payload: N/A
- Tongue Weight: TBD
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