2012 Volkswagen Passat: Made in America

Although the Wolfsburg-based manufacturer had a great deal of success in North America in the fifties and sixties, its popularity declined continually thereafter. The Volkwagen’s management didn’t really sweat it though, since they were more concerned with remaining number one in Europe. Nowadays, its goals are loftier and VW is eyeing the world number one ranking. To achieve that goal however, success in North America is essential.

The saying goes, “the end justifies the means” and this time, the means lives up to aspirations. No half measures here, like with the sad experiment of manufacturing the Rabbit in a miniscule plant in Pennsylvania. Building an ultra-modern mega-plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee is proof that the company means business. They want to succeed and they aren’t doing anything half way. The production capacity is 150,000 units per year and could reach 250,000 without major modifications. It will be possible to assemble other models there, too.

But something else has changed: this automobile was designed with the tastes and needs of North American drivers in mind. The philosophy used to be that if it was good for Volkswagen, it’s good for the rest of the world. After several decades of stubbornly following this policy, goals have changed and a car made to measure for North America was created. The American Passat is very different from its European sister.

Simple and classic

The German number one’s stylists are not known for outlandishness. The timeless design, the clean lines and mass balance take precedent over flash and dash, and this car is no different. When the Passat was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2011, it was called dull and they said its body lacked punch. True, its shape doesn’t necessarily turn heads, but it’s just one of those cars that, over time, will end up winning you over because of its elegance and balance.

This car is all about harmony and refinement. The car’s dimensions are imposing, somewhere between the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry, but its lines make it appear smaller than it actually is. That’s my opinion, but I must mention that several colleagues said exactly the opposite. Judge for yourselves...

Volkswagen has never been known for showy dashboards and the Passat is no exception. Everything is where it should be, the colours range from black to brushed aluminum and the controls are easy to use. The two main instrument dials are easy to read with their white numbers on a black background. The small clock located on the upper part of the dashboard surrounded by the air vents is the one bit of whimsy that the stylists allowed themselves. As with other VW products, the navigation system has a display screen bordered on each side by multiple buttons.

Despite a relatively low base price, the materials in the passenger compartment are top-notch. The dashboard features a soft covering and the assembly is impeccable. As you’d expect, the seats are comfortable, although they seem a little soft compared to other seats offered by this company. But the highlight of the passenger compartment is the very large rear bench, which offers legroom worthy of a limousine. The 60/40 seatback folds down to increase the already generous cargo area.

The audio system is by Fender and VW would have been hard pressed to choose a more iconic American symbol than this company that is known worldwide. However, although the sound was good in the test model, I would have liked it better if the low notes had more bite.

Good things come in threes

While the engineers developed an exclusive platform for this model, it was derived from the Golf’s platform, which everyone agrees is excellent. Of course, the front and rear suspensions are independent. It has a multi-link rear axle and front and rear disc brakes. As for the engine, there are three choices in the catalogue. They are used in other models and are proven.

The base model is equipped with a 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine producing 170 horses. It’s paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. The optional automatic is a six-speed. On the more luxurious models, there’s a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI. This turbo diesel features 140 horsepower and both the manual and automatic gearboxes are six-speeds. On the other hand, unlike the automatic transmission used with the 2.5-litre engine, it’s a twin-clutch DSG gearbox. It can also come with a third engine, a 3.6-litre 280-hp V6, but it’s available only with an automatic transmission in the most luxurious model in the line, the Highline.

Despite its larger size, the new Passat with the 2.5-litre engine is 67 kg lighter, and the version with the V6 has slimmed down by 113 kg. The weight of the model with the diesel engine is unchanged.

Shhh... We’re driving

I had the opportunity to drive two versions during the launch. The first was powered by the diesel engine. Yet again, I was won over by this engine whose torque helps deliver excellent pick up and good accelerations, while still being ready for whatever you ask of it, regardless of the engine gear. Thanks to soundproofing in the hood, it’s exceptionally quiet for a diesel. The other version was equipped with a 2.5 five-cylinder, which was just as interesting. You’ll immediately notice the growl that is so characteristic of five-cylinder engines and its performances are decent. However, if you want sport performances, you’ll have to master the stick shift.

The Passat’s overall balance is what’s most impressive. This U.S.-assembled German has almost perfect soundproofing, the seats offer excellent lateral support, the driving position is easy to find thanks to a height-adjustable and telescopic steering wheel, and visibility is good. Add to that its relatively precise steering, a suspension that seems impervious to the road’s imperfections and a linear stability that will make you think the car is on rails. In turns, you turn the wheel and the Passat takes care of the rest. Sure, Volswagen purists would have appreciated a little more feedback from the road, but it won’t lull you to sleep like a Camry either. They found a way to build a car that responds to the needs and tastes of North American buyers without taking away from the pleasure. And this model’s extreme spaciousness adds something else to the mix.

So Volkswagen is giving us a car that offers something with a little different ride, which those who need a vehicle with larger dimensions but who still want a Volkswagen will appreciate.

Price list :
2.5-litre engine

Trendline         $23,975
Trendline +      $24,875
Comfortline      $27,975
Highline           $31,000

TDI engine

Trendline         $27,475
Comfortline     $30,575
Highline          $33,775

V6 engine

Comfortline      $33,575
Highline           $37,475