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Model Overview of The Volkswagen Passat's For Sale in Middletown, CT

2016 Volkswagen Passat Information

2016 Volkswagen Passat

The 2016 Volkswagen Passat is freshened with styling and technology updates that help to make it one of the more appealing sedans in its class.

Passat is a nameplate that goes back to the early 1970s, when Volkswagen moved to expand its product range beyond the beloved Beetle. Over the course of eight generations Passats have appeared in sedan and wagon body styles, generally falling into the midsize category. Never spectacular, always solidly Teutonic in character, Passats have weathered times when quality problems plagued Volkswagens in general.

Introduced for 2012 and freshened for 2016, this Passat differs from previous generations in that its unique to the U.S. market: bigger than the European version, assembled at a U.S. plant (Chattanooga, Tennessee), and attuned to what VW product planners perceive to be American tastes in terms of vehicle dynamics. What that means is suspension components a bit softer than Passats sold elsewhere in the world.

The 2016 Passat updates make it more eye-catching, its infotainment systems have been enhanced, and safety updates strengthen its ratings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. But its strong suits continue to be those that made it a leading player in the midsize sedan derby when it made its debut four years ago: exceptionally solid structure, excellent build quality, autobahn genetics, and full-size sedan roominess.

There are two engine options: a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder (170 horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque), and VWs unique narrow angle V6 (VR6, in Volkswagen-speak) with 280 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque. Both engines send power to the front wheels via 6-speed automatic transmissions. The four-cylinder is paired with a conventional torque converter automatic, while the VR6 is paired with Volkswagens excellent dual-clutch design, featuring paddle shifters for manual operation.

EPA fuel economy ratings are 25/38 mpg City/Highway for the four-cylinder, 20/28 mpg for the VR6.

At this writing, VW still had not come up with a fix for its 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine, the center of an emissions-cheating scandal affecting some half-million cars in the U.S. Thus the Passat TDI option is off the table until further notice.

Passat 1.8T S is exceptionally well appointed for a base model.

2014 Volkswagen Passat Information

2014 Volkswagen Passat

The Volkswagen Passat is a four-door midsize sedan designed to compete with the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, and Hyundai Sonata. Volkswagen's goal was to make the Passat the most American of any car VW builds. It was designed for Americans, launched as a 2012 model, and is built at a sparkling new assembly plant at Chattanooga, Tennessee.

A new turbocharged engine is available for the 2014 Passat, bringing the number of engine choices to four: the new 1.8-liter turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder, the original 2.5-liter five-cylinder, a 3.6-liter V6, and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel. The five-cylinder is being phased out and replaced by the more efficient 1.8-liter turbo four.

The new 1.8-liter turbocharged gasoline engine makes 170 horsepower (same as the five-cylinder) and 184 pound-feet of torque (an increase of 7 foot-pounds), all delivered at lower rpm than that of the five-cylinder. With manual shift, the turbo Passat gets an EPA fuel-economy estimate of 24/34 mpg City/Highway, 2-3 mpg better than the outgoing five-cylinder.

Passat 2.5L models come with the 170-horspower, 2.5-liter inline-5 mated with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The TDI turbocharged diesel, which is unique in the market segment delivers an EPA fuel-economy estimate of 31/43 mpg City/Highway with manual transmission. The Passat TDI can be fitted with VW's slick direct-shift gearbox, or DSG, which is a twin-clutch, 6-speed manual transmission that shifts electronically, sans clutch pedal.

The top-of-the-line Passat 3.6L comes standard with the DSG and a VW-exclusive, 400-watt Fender sound system. Leather, navigation, a sunroof and keyless push button start/stop, along with other semi-luxury features, are available.

We found Passat ride quality comfortable without being soft, well tuned for American interstates. Handling is what most drivers expect from a mainstream, midsize sedan: predictable and forgiving, properly suited for the ins and outs of the daily commute.

Fit and finish has that Teutonic feel, with tight tolerances and quality materials. Nothing flashy, just solid, functional controls and easy-to-read gauges communicating the essential data. The optional wood grain looks better than the real wood in some higher-priced cars. Visibility is good, although there's a bit of blockage out the rear due to the three head restraints.

Also new for the 2014 Volkswagen Passat is a six-month, no-charge trial of VW Car-Net connected services, initially included on the Wolfsburg edition. Security/convenience features include automatic crash notification, roadside assistance, and stolen vehicle location assistance, as well as remote vehicle access and boundary/speed alerts.