Volkswagen does not modify its vehicles for media evaluation, the German automaker told Leftlane in response to allegations last week by Consumer Reports.
“We certainly have no reason to misrepresent our product or provide the media a vehicle that isn’t representative of production standards,” Volkswagen product communications representative Corey Profitt told us.
The consumer-oriented magazine mentioned in a blog posting that it discovered that production versions of the 2012 VW Passat featured decorative trunk hinge covers on both hinges, not just one. Passats loaned to members of the media for evaluation featured two hinge covers. The magazine suggested that the up-contenting of Passats was potentially indicative of more serious “modifications” designed to give the media a more favorable impression of their vehicles.
But Proffitt explained to us that, while the press Passats do indeed feature a few differences from those available to the public, the items are more along the lines of running changes.
“Due to the timing of the Passats being needed for initial press programs and drives, those that are in the fleet now were built prior to some final specifications and before some parts were readily available,” he told us in an email. “Some of these parts, including trunk hinge covers, may make it to prime time and be seen on final production cars in the future, others may not.”
Leftlane recently received a 2012 Passat TDI SE that features hinge covers on both sides (pictured). But our Passat was built in March, about three months prior to when Passats ready for dealer lots were first assembled.
Our Passat was also built with an option combination that VW does not currently offer: It features the low-rung (by TDI standards) SE trim package, but it has been upgraded with a Fender audio package and VW’s uplevel RNS510 navigation system. The closest actual production Passat trim level is the TDI SE with Sunroof and Navigation (which also adds the Fender-branded speakers). But our Passat doesn’t have a sunroof and its RNS510 navigation should instead be the simpler Premium VIII system. The RNS510 setup, which features map panning and other upgrades, is reserved exclusively for the range-topping SEL trim level.
It is unusual for Leftlane to sample such an early-production vehicle that it actually differs from those available to consumers (for the record, we once sampled a Suzuki Kizashi with a VIN that ended in 00003). However, as is the case with our Passat, the differences weren’t mechanical and didn’t affect drivability. While we would prefer to have the opportunity to test out vehicles that are identical to those available to consumers, we understand the limitations of early production models. We’ll be sure to note any known changes when we publish a full review.
