New User? Sign Up | Log In Home Service & Repair Car Prices Parts & Accessories Reviews & Advice My Garage Need Help? 2012 Volkswagen Passat S 4dr Sedan 2.5L Manual PZEV Trim Info: Front Wheel Drive, 4 Door Sdn, Mid-Size 21 (Est) mpg city / 32 (Est) mpg hwy Other Trims Do you own this car? Estimated Mileage Miles Enter current mileage for most accurate info about this vehicle Recently Viewed Cars 2012 Volkswagen Passat S 4dr Sedan 2.5L Manual PZEV Track Your Service Records Get Recall Alerts Get Updated Value Estimates on Your Car. Pricing & Features Vehicle Overview Car Prices and Values Technical Specs Warranty Maintenance & Repairs Diagnose Your Problem Repair Cost Calculator Servicing Your Car See Safety Recalls Find a Mechanic Your Service Schedule Common Car Problems Auto Parts & Accessories Community Q & A Reviews Expert Reviews User Reviews Quality Ratings User Reviews | All Reviews Expert Reviews June 14, 2011 by Alison Lakin 2012 Volkswagen Passat Toyota’s Camry and Honda’s Accord have been the standout favorites in the hotly contested mid-size sedan segment for years - a segment that requires a car to have a near-perfect combination of factors to stand out from the crowd. Last year, the Hyundai Sonata made waves by offering a new level of design and technology componentry, and Volkswagen is also looking to make a statement (albeit a different one) with the 2012 Passat. Its complete overhaul has seen the Passat grow four inches in length, offer more features, and – perhaps most importantly – drop thousands in price to a sub-$20,000 starting MSRP. New to the Passat as well is a segment-first turbo-diesel engine (TDI), which returns 43 mpg highway and is offered alongside 2.5-liter and V-6 engines. While the engineering is all German, this Passat is the first to be built at Volkswagen’s new Chattanooga, Tennessee plant. And the automaker took particular steps to create a Volkswagen specific to the American buyer. Case in point: Europe’s Passat is nearly entirely different; our Passat has more room and a unique look. All of this seems to herald the start of a different direction for Volkswagen, but with the Accord and Camry expecting redesigns for 2012 and 2013, it’s still up in the air whether it’s the right one. What's to Like Leg- and headroom in the rear is spacious and accommodates most passengers comfortably. The addition of a TDI engine is great for those who may not want a hybrid but are concerned with fuel economy. The trunk is cavernous, and the touchscreen interface is fantastically easy to use and intuitive. Pricing is on par with the rest of the segment. Three years or 36,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance sweetens the pot. What's Not to Like Drive quality is not up to Volkswagen standards, especially concerning is the steering and handling. Exterior design is ho-hum – and it looks a little too similar to the Jetta, and while the interior quality is high, it’s nothing special to look at. A power driver’s seat and USB port should be standard. The Drive: Driving Impressions Mid-size sedans on the market aren’t known for their cornering abilities, and that’s an expected trait of the segment. So like most, the new Passat has focused on comfort, softening the ride to make it more forgiving over the road’s imperfections. It results in a smooth journey, but one that tends to have plenty of body roll in corners. Vague, indirect steering doesn’t help anything either. Still, the Passat has an engine for every type of driver. The TDI is torquey and fun, giving you plenty of low-end power, while the 2.5-liter is a less robust engine that does a good job of getting you up hills efficiently – especially when you throw it in to manual or sport mode (available with the automatic transmission). The V-6 will be perfect for those who demand more power in their drive. Actually sitting behind the wheel, you’ll notice the cabin is quiet and spacious. The seats are supportive enough to be comfortable on long journeys, and visibility is largely clear. Engine and Drivetrain Volkswagen offers three engine choices with the Passat. The first, a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder delivers 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. A 3.6-liter V-6 produces 280 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the clean diesel TDI engine will net you 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. All are front-wheel drive. The V-6 has a standard DSG automatic transmission for super smooth shifts, but the TDI and 2.5 also give you the option of a six-speed manual so you can swap gears yourself. Interesting Vehicle Features and Options There are a few standard features in the Passat S (the base trim), such as Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls, but you’ll find the bulk of the more interesting features in the SE and SEL trims. With them you’ll get power and heated seats, a sunroof, and even a DSG gearbox. We’d recommend checking out the Fender audio system. With its 400 watts, nine speakers, and USB connector it delivers smooth, crisp sound throughout the cabin. 1 2 Next Similar Articles 2011 Nissan Sentra Read More The Six Best Driver Seats for ... 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