2012 Volkswagen Passat FWD

• 17 Sonoma alloy wheels
• 215/55HR17 all-season tires
• Body-color bumpers
• Body-color door handles
• Body-color heated pwr rearview mirrors
• Chrome window surrounds
• Halogen automatic headlights -inc: coming home function
• Intermittent windshield wipers -inc: heated washer nozzles

• Aluminum inlays
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Center console
• Climatronic automatic dual-zone climate control
• Cruise control
• Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors
• Front/rear cupholders
• Front/rear reading lights
• Heated front bucket seats -inc: 8-way pwr driver seat, pwr driver lumbar
• Highline instrument cluster -inc: multi-function display, compass
• Keyless entry
• Leather-wrapped handbrake grip & shift knob
• Leather-wrapped multi-function adjustable steering wheel w/audio & phone controls
• Leatherette side & door panel trim
• Premium VIII AM/FM stereo w/6-disc in-dash CD/MP3 changer -inc: touchscreen, (8) speakers, aux input
• Pwr door locks -inc: central locking, key-integrated remote
• Pwr windows
• Rear bench seat -inc: rear center armrest w/storage
• Rear window defroster
• Satellite radio
• Sliding Front Center Armrest
• Trip Computer
• V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces

• 2.5L MPFI DOHC 20-valve I5 engine
• Chrome driver-side exhaust tip
• Four-link independent rear suspension -inc: telescopic shock absorbers, weight-optimized anti-roll bar, acoustic axle decoupling
• Front wheel drive
• Hydraulic rack & pinion pwr steering
• MacPherson strut front suspension -inc: coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
• Vented front/solid rear pwr disc brakes

• 3-point safety belts for all seating positions -inc: pretensioners
• 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Child safety rear door locks
• Daytime running lights
• Dual front airbags
• Dual front side-impact airbags
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Emergency trunk release
• Front/rear side curtain airbags

Model Highlights

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat lineup has been completely configured compared to last year's model. It's now offered in three different trims: S, SE and SEL. Among those trims, there are three different powertrains. Base 2.5 S, 2.5 SE and 2.5 SEL models come with a 177-horsepower, 2.5L 5-cylinder engine, offered either with a standard 5-speed manual gearbox or optional 6-speed automatic. TDI SE and TDI SEL Premium models add the 140-hp, 2.0L TDI diesel 4-cylinder engine, while top-of-the-range 3.6 SE and 3.6 SEL models step up to a 280-horsepower, 3.6L 'VR6' 6-cylinder engine. Both the TDI and VR6 engines come only with a 6-speed dual clutch DSG automatic transmission that can pull of remarkably quick shifts. Base Passats move quickly enough, and the 5-cylinder engine is quite smooth. The VR6 is the performance pick of the lineup; it's especially strong, smooth and responsive. But the TDI might put a smile on a lot of faces; with an EPA highway fuel economy rating of 43 mpg and a meaty 236 pound-feet of peak torque, this engine has more power than you might think and can move up to speed on the highway--or up long grades--without strain. The rack-and-pinion power steering is rather light in parking but well-weighted on the highway, and the Passat has a pretty nimble feel for a mid-size sedan. The new Passat's larger cabin is now truly mid-size, if not larger, with a spacious, airy feel to the interior, enhanced by an instrument panel that doesn't swoop around but rather helps yield the most space in front of driver and passenger. The backseat is very generously sized--with enough headroom and legroom for most adults--and getting in and out is easy. Across the model line, the Passat comes with a 60/40-split folding rear seatback. The 2.5 S model, which starts at $19,995, comes better equipped than most base models; a Bluetooth hands-free interface, air conditioning, remote locking, power accessories, a trip computer, steering-wheel controls and a 6-speaker CD sound system. The SE model adds leatherette upholstery, a power driver's seat, heated front seats, power heated side mirrors, an upgraded sound system with touch screen, and 17-inch alloy wheels. 2.5 SEL models bring a much more upscale look and feel with footwell lighting, added chrome trim, sport seats, a backseat ski pass-through and a navigation system. The SEL Premium model gets fog lamps, seat memory settings, push-button start and full leather upholstery. Appointments are similar in TDI models, only the SEL Premium Package includes 18-inch alloys and woodgrain trim. Top 3.6 SE and SEL models also get a sunroof and chrome-tipped dual exhaust system in addition to the SEL Premium equipment. All Passat models include six standard airbags--including side-curtain airbags that cover front and rear occupants--plus standard electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and hydraulic brake assist.