Just in case you haven't seen it yet attached are 3 articles from Motor Trend December magazine that compares the Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, and Volkswagen Passat in 3 different trim/engine levels. In each category the Passat came in 1st place? a clean sweep!
The 2012 Volkswagen Passat debuted
January 2011 at the North American International Auto Show and it has been more than well received here at Volkswagen South Burlington!
The hype starts with Volkswagen's all new assembly plant right here the in good ole' USA, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
This will be the production home of the all-new 2012 Volkswagen
Passat. The sales of Volkswagens have risen significantly, as the
community shows they support the city and its ties to VW. Volkswagens
goodwill is shown in the City of Chattanooga through the presentation of
two custom-made Jetta Sportwagen TDI vehicles for the local law
enforcement.
Let's talk about what's new for the 2012 VW Passat:
Keeping the luxurious interior and the affordable German engineering
that we all expect from Volkswagen, the all-new Passat offers a more
spacious cabin, with lots of legroom. This thanks to a wheelbase that
measures 3 inches longer than the previous Passat. There is now a TDI
Clean Diesel engine option, an Integrated Crash Response System (ICRS),
an available remote start, and on certain models, the available Fender®
Premium Audi System (a nine-speaker sound system that will let all the
neighbors and anyone else around you know who your favorite band is)!
"The best seat in the house is now behind the wheel of a Volkswagen," said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group
of America. Our two iconic companies one with a passion for driving,
one with a passion for music are two joining forces to bring the raw
emotion of live music to the driving experience.
"By partnering
with Volkswagen on the Fender® Premium Audi System, we are creating a
unique partnership with a truly innovative company allowing us to
deliver a product that is as unique, expressive and dynamic as the
customers who use it," said Mark Van Vleet, Senior Vice President,
Business Affairs for Fender.
FUEL ECONOMY 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 These
figures are manufacturer estimates. Range based on highway mpg
manufacturer's estimate and an 18.5-gallon tank. Your mileage will vary.
Fuel economy values are based on manufacturer's preliminary testing.
EPA estimates not available at this time.
WARRANTY 12-year/unlimited
mileage limited warranty against corrosion perforation;
5-year/60,000-mile (whichever occurs first) powertrain limited warranty;
3-year/36,000-miles (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited
Warranty; 3-year/36,000-miles (whichever occurs first) The Volkswagen
Carefree Maintenance Program covers the vehicle's scheduled maintenance
for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first on all 2009 or
newer models. Coverage during the term of the new vehicle limited
warranty at no additional charge. Some limitations apply. See Volkswagen South Burlington or vehicle maintenance program booklet for details.
MAINTENANCE No
Charge Carefree Maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles. The
Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program covers the vehicle's scheduled
maintenance for three years or 36,000 mile, whichever occurs first on
all 2009 or newer models. Coverage during the term of the new vehicle
limited warranty at no additional charge. Some limitations apply. See Volkswagen South Burlington or vehicle maintenance program booklet for
details.
ENGINE and TRANSMISSION The all-new 2012 Volkswagen
Passat is offered in three drivetrain options: The first is a responsive
2.5L gasoline engine, second an exciting eco-friendly 2.0L TDI Clean
Diesel, and lastly a powerful 3.6L VR6!
THE 2.5L
The 2.5L
five cylinder engine (170 hp/177 lb.-ft), which is being offered in the
2012 Passat for the first time, will be in conjunction with a standard 5
speed manual transmission. An alternative 2.5 multi-port injection
engine may be paired with a 6-speed automatic. This engine features a
hydraulic steering assist.
The 2.0L TDI
Welcome the quiet,
four cylinder 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel (140 hp/236 lb.-ft) has the power of
a six cylinder gasoline engine and the fuel economy of a hybrid! The
Passat TDI is expected to deliver 43 miles per gallon on the highway,
with a range of approximately 800 miles, WOW. Volkswagen's TDI Clean
Diesel engines, which come with a NOx storage catalytic converter, are
among the cleanest engines in the world, fulfilling emissions
requirements in all of our great 50 states. Also, optional on the 2012
Passat TDI will be Volkswagen's legendary 6-speed DSG transmission. This
engine features electronic steering.
THE 3.6L
The 3.6 liter
VR6 (280 hp/258 lb.-ft) makes the new 2012 Passat a top-flight sport
sedan. This engine offers power and luxury-class driving comfort, along
with European-type restraint in its fuel consumption -- an estimated 28
mpg on highway. Shifting gears on the new 2012 Passat VR6 is handled by a
standard 6-speed DSG; the dual clutch transmission is considered the
most efficient automatic in the world! The technologically advanced
six-speed transmission incorporates an automatic dual-clutch system that
instantly engages and disengages gears without the need for a clutch
pedal. With a special computer controlling the process, one clutch is
engaged on the next gear while the clutch from the previous gear is
released. The results are crisp, quick shifts, without the loss of power
that is experienced with a traditional manual gearbox. This engine
features electronic steering.
SAFETY FEATURES Safety features
include a new steering column that has been designed to help protect the
driver in frontal collisions, along with reinforced door panels that
guard against side impact, plus front and side curtain airbags and VW's
Integrated Crash Response System (ICRS), Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS), Anti-lock brakes (ABS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
TECHNOLOGY We
all know the Volkswagen engineers always think of the coolest options,
so here they are. It starts with the music. The 2012 Passat buyers can
chose from several entertainment systems. The first is the RCD 310 - a
two color display unit with AM/FM radio and CD player. This is standard
on all Passat S models. The Passat SE can have either the RCD 510 and
its full color touch screen display, six disc CD changer, SD card
reader, and an MP3 player, OR the optional RNS 315, which adds a
navigation system, a 5" color display and touch screen and Media Device
Interface (MDI) for MP3 players. Passat SEL buyers upgrade to the RNS
510 and its navigation system with a 6.5" color display and touch
screen, 30 GB hard drive and simultaneous route guidance. Also available
is Sirius Satellite Radio® with a three-month free trial, and, best of
all, the Fender® Premium Audi System, consisting of nine speakers
(including subwoofer). Fender® Premium Audio
is available on certain trims. The all-new 2012 Passat also features
available keyless entry and push button start as well as remote start, a
new feature for the Passat that allows you to heat up the car from
outside the vehicle. Simply press the lock button once followed by the
remote start button twice and the engine starts!!! This feature will
return the car to its previously set temperature. This option is offered
on select trim lines with automatic transmission.
We could go on and on about the all-new 2012 Passat, but we'll keep you waiting with baited breath!!! Stay tuned.
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