Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com
The new Volkswagen Passat has created a new standard in the mid-size sedan class. Here is a mid-size sedan with the space and comfort of many full-size models, offering remarkable, best-in-class, stretch-out rear-seat legroom and trunk space to match.
Passat’s balanced proportions give it elegant and timeless styling, the clean design, with a predominance of horizontal body elements, reinforces the Passat’s position as the sophisticated choice in the mid-size segment. The bottom line is that the car looks a lot more expensive than it actually is.
The key identifying feature of a strong brand is the styling of its front end. Here the Passat displays the horizontal brand face, with the three-blade grille and headlights forming a single unit. The grille is sculpted in a three-dimensional shape and makes a distinctive and elegant impression because of its strict geometry.
Beneath the front bumper is a large, lower intake with a striking honeycomb surface and available fog lights housed at each end. From the side profile, the muscular ridge in the sill area creates a lively interplay of light reflections. Powerfully sculpted wheel arches emphasize the dynamic properties of the Passat. To emphasize the aerodynamic styling the roof lines flow toward the back with a nearly coupe-like cut of the rear window. Three side windows create luxury-class style with a long, extended glass surface.
The rear section is also dominated by horizontal lines. The lines of the large taillights rise toward the sides, underscoring the dynamics of the elegant rear styling. Another unique feature here is the design of the two-part taillights that are integrated in the rear fender and trunk lid. Passat was designed and specifically tailored for American tastes and American lifestyles. So the cabin delivers space, and plenty of it. There’s room for five adults to really stretch out in comfort.
And with four large, wide-opening doors, getting in and out is a cinch. The instrument panel is similar to that of Volkswagen’s flagship model, the Touareg. Available chrome-trimmed gauges surround a digital multifunction display. A high-end chrome look is also applied to the air vents in the cockpit, and to the surrounds of the radio, navigation system and the climate control panels. The rotary light switch and parking brake handle button are also treated in chrome. For 2013, Passat SE and SEL models receive a new center console that incorporates rear air vents, a new cup holder design, and a revised front stowage area that has a hinged cover. All SEL trim models now have a rearview backup camera.
Under the hood, the 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel inline four-cylinder engine produces 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. It delivers an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 43 mpg on the highway when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, giving a range of 795 miles on one tank of ultra-low-sulfur clean diesel. The TDI engine is equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction System that fulfills emissions requirements in all 50 states.
Optional on the Passat TDI Clean Diesel is Volkswagen’s DSG six-speed automatic. This dual-clutch transmission is considered the most-efficient automatic in the world. It incorporates a 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. It’s the perfect choice for drivers who want the performance of a traditional manual transmission with the precision of an automatic.
Passat has been designed to feature the kind of dynamic, involved handling and precise steering drivers have come to expect of a Volkswagen. Its front suspension features the proven Volkswagen formula of damper struts with robust lower control arms, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, there’s a sophisticated four-link independent layout with telescopic dampers and an anti-roll bar.
Every new Passat comes with Electronic Stability Control that helps compensate for oversteer or understeer by applying individual corrective forces to each of the wheels. Also standard is an Anti-lock Braking System, Hydraulic Brake Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring, and Volkswagen’s acclaimed Intelligent Crash Response System. In the event of a collision it automatically unlocks the doors, shuts off the fuel pump, and even turns on the hazard warning lights.
My driving impression the 2013 VW Passat TDI SEL Premium, I really like the clean lines as well as the standard features, plus the interior is quite roomy. The diesel engine produced linear power delivery with little of the surge sensation common with a turbocharger, the dashboard layout is attractive and the large simple gauges make life easy.
The manufacturer’ suggested retail price is $32,915.00. The EPA fuel economy estimates 30 MPG city and 40 MPG highway; key competitors’ Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. mlezcano@carsntravel.com
