2012 Volkswagen Passat Sedan

Compared to its predecessor, the new Passat is very different and bigger, and shares little more than a name and its European counterpart. The changes will also continue underhood, and in total, VW believes it has found the right formula for a successful midsize sedan in the American market.

Part of the formula is based on VW to spend a bit of metal from a range of new engines which avoids the use of a traditional four-cylinder engine in base model a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, followed by a 2.0-liter TDI clean diesel and covered with a sporty 3.6-liter VR6 engine.

The base 2.5-liter will be good for 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque and comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission. For those who prefer not to row their own gears, VW also has an option six-speed automatic transmission available.

For those who are willing to give a little more for fuel economy, the 2.0-liter TDI is definitely the engine of choice in the Passat. The only diesel in its segment, the Passat TDI is estimated to net 31 miles per gallon city and 43 mpg on the highway. Combined with a fuel tank just under 20 gallons, VW said it should have no problem driving 800 miles on one tank of fuel. Rated at 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft. pair, four-cylinder diesel engine is apparently ubiquitous in the VW range. A six-speed stick is standard, while a clutch six-speed DSG will be optional double.

Most likely Passat comes with four or five cylinders, but VW will also offer a 3.6-liter VR6 estimated at 280 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. VW fuel economy estimates of 28 mpg on the highway. The VR6 is only mated to a VW DSG automatic transmission.

Although it may look and feel more a Jetta, VW promises that the Passat is a premium offer. Its wide doors reveals a particularly spacious interior, including a large area of ​​the back seat.

Three trim levels are available - S, SE and SEL. For more information, come closer to launch, but the volume of the SE models are wrapped in vinyl skin like the VW, and the instrumentation used in the Jetta. Soft and hard plastic surfaces, rich, even richer Sels in looking for leather, suede and synthetic wood trim true.

Standard 17-inch wheels can be upgraded for the 18S and the Passat is among the first manufacturer to offer VWS is a new development of the Fender sound system.