2012 Volkswagen Passat Diesel (TDI): “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble …”

Are you familiar with the boxing announcer Michael Buffer’s energetic and emphatic “Let’s get ready to rumble” exhortation before a highly anticipated boxing match?

In the past, the same phase went well with Volkswagen diesels. However, not only does the new 2012 Volkswagen Passat offer more car at a lower price, but the diesel model hardly rumbles at all. So what does the car have to offer?

To start, the 2012 model is made exclusively for the American market (the car is built at Volkswagen’s recently opened Chattanooga, TN plant). The Passats sold in Europe differs from the American car. However, it is my hunch that the ‘American’ version of the Passat might actually end up going to Europe!

The Passet diesel is a mid-size five passenger four-door sedan that is available in three trim levels (base- S, SE and Premium). The S level is priced at $25,995 and includes 17 inch wheels, heated front seats, a touch screen radio, and a six-speed manual transmission.

The SE level adds a sunroof, a direct shift automatic (DSG), 18 inch alloy wheels, a navigation system, Volkswagen’s Mobile Device interface (MDI), fog lights, and exterior chrome accents for $$29,495.

At the top of the line the SEL is priced at $32,195 which adds leather sport seats, keyless entry, remote engine start, an upgraded navigation system, driver seat memory, interior wood grain, 8-way power passenger seat, and a Fender audio system.

Ok, now that the weigh-in is done, what else does the Passat diesel bring to the street?

The engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder providing 140 hp and 236 ft. lb. of torque. The car’s 0-60 mph time is in 8.7 seconds. The Passat is extremely suited for long distance highway travel as it has no problem passing slower traffic. In town, with its extra sound deadening insulation, the diesel engine cannot be detected. And as for diesel fumes, there are none!

And why have an exclusive article on the ‘diesel’ Passat? Well, it gets 31 city and 43 mpg on the highway. The result is about 800 miles before the car needing a fill-up! These mpg figures are better than the Toyota Camry Hybrid (31/35), Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (35/40), and the Ford Fusion (41/36).

The exterior of the Passat has clean styling, crisp lines and a solid stance. At the front it has a three bar chrome edge grille and wrap-around headlights. The side view is suggestive of an Audi profile. The rear is well proportioned with trapezoid shaped taillights that are integrated in the fenders and trunk. Overall, this Paast looks like it could cost several thousands more. The car’s wheelbase measures 110.4 inches.

The interior of the Passat diesel is larger than the last model. The car is much more upscale and elegant. The seats are comfortable and supportive. The controls are laid out for easy use and operate with quality. The rear seat room is described as limousine like and the headroom is also good.

The brakes are discs at all four corners measuring 12.3 inches at the front (vented) and 10.7 inches at the rear (solid). The car’s 60-0 mph stopping distance is in 124 feet. The tires measure 216 55 17 inch. Larger 18 inch tires are also available.

The suspension consists of MacPherson struts, double wishbones, gas shock absorbers, coil springs and anti roll bar at the front. The rear components include four-links, gas shock absorbers, coil springs and anti roll bar.

Standard features on even the base Passat diesel include Bluetooth interface, steering wheel audio controls, duel-zone automatic climate control, USB port for iPods, power door locks, windows and mirrors, cruise control, cupholders in the front and back, many storage pockets, two 12 volt power outlets, a full size spare tire, and more.

Safety equipment includes Volkswagen’s ICRS system which cuts off the fuel, engine power, unlocks the doors and turns on the hazard lights after a collision. Moreover, it has front, side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes, stability and traction control, electronic brake force and hill hold

On the road the 2012 Passat provides precision German handling and good ride quality. Thus it is easy to hustle the car along on twisty back roads. Furthermore, it can knock off hundreds of miles per day on the highway without taxing the driver or passengers while keeping fuel costs reasonable.

Regarding the cons for Passat diesel, one source said that the seats are only available in leatherette or real leather rather than cloth that is ‘easies to clean.’ If such is the only negative, the Passat diesel is quite impressive! Impressive enough that Michael Buffer could get excited and say: “Let’s get ready to …”

View the slideshow to see the 2012 Volkswagen Passat diesel inside and out!

Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save money.” He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.cartown1.com. Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.


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