2018 Volkswagen Passat in Melbourne, FL - $13,995

The Volkswagen Passat sedan was redesigned in 2016 with fresh sheet metal, a revised interior and new connectivity and available driver assistance systems. Available in S, R-Line, SE, and SEL Premium trim levels, the Passat features the styling upgrades that were introduced for the 2016 model’s facelift. Slimmer headlights, a more substantial fully chromed four-bar grille, and the muscular hood all work together to give the Passat a wide, planted stance from the front. Standard chrome window surrounds and trim on the doors add to the premium nature of the design, as do available LED headlights and LED taillights. At the rear, the bumper and trunk lid help to shape the Passat sedan’s look. The car has a premium European-style flush rear license plate area and a chrome strip on the trunk that connects the trunk lid to the taillights, making the rear lights appear lower and enhancing the grounded appearance.

The R-Line trim level is the most sporting variant, featuring unique rocker panels, a stylized front bumper with contrasting black accents, a modified rear diffuser, and anthracite-color Salvador aluminum-alloy 19-inch wheels shod with 235/40 all-season tires.

Power is generated by a Gen 3 EA888 1.8L four-cylinder turbocharged engine joined to a six-speed automatic transmission. The available 3.6L VR6 prime mover is bolted to the standard six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, which features steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters on the SEL Premium.

Control hardware consists of a front suspension that features damper struts with robust lower control arms, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, there’s a sophisticated four-link independent layout with telescopic dampers and an anti-roll bar.

With a combination of structural and technological advancements, the 2017 Passat has been engineered to meet or exceed all existing safety standards, and additional structure was added in order to meet the strictures of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s small overlap test. Additional sheetmetal has been added to the sills, crash rail, and footwell, featuring high-strength steel for extra rigidity without adding weight.

Inside the passenger cabin, the Passat delivers plenty of space for five adults. Ingress and egress is nearly effortless with large, wide-opening doors, with a large trunk. The dashboard and center console, along with integrated two-tone decor panels, are first to catch the eye. The top of the dashboard is structured with sharp contours and a sculpture line, acting to frame the elements underneath. The instrument cluster features two large dial faces and a display screen set between them, while a frameless rearview mirror (available on the SE with Technology trim and above) provides an understated touch of elegance.

Chrome trim pieces—including the bezels around the air vents, upper door trim, cup holders, and shift lever—help to add to the premium feel of the interior. The R-Line adds stainless steel pedal caps, a multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters and R-Line specific door sill plates and décor.

The seats are exceptionally comfortable: even in the base version, the driver’s seat adjusts eight ways, including lumbar. Eight-way power adjustable front seats are standard for R-Line models and up. Cloth trim is standard on the base S model, while the R-Line and SE trim feature Volkswagen’s perforated V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces as standard, with contrast piping on Cornsilk Beige and Moonrock Grey interiors. SEL Premium models receive Vienna leather seating surfaces.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 110.4; overall length: 191.9; width: 72.2; height: 58.5
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 1.8L four-cylinder turbo – 170 hp at 6200 rpm and 184 lbs-ft of torque at 1500 rpm; 3.6L VR6 – 280 hp at 6200 rpm and 258 lbs-ft of torque at 2500 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 1.8L four-cylinder – 23 city/34 hwy.; 3.6L VR6 – 20 city/28 hwy.
Cargo capacity: 15.9 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, hydraulic brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, anti-slip regulation, electronic stability control, anti-intrusion side beams, automatic headlamps, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitoring, rear view camera, Bluetooth hands free phone system, automatic post-collision braking system, and intelligent crash response system. 1.8T R-Line adds blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert. 1.8T SE adds keyless access with push-button engine start, and VW Car-Net security and service. 1.8T SE with Technology adds automatic LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights with static cornering lights, adaptive cruise control, remote engine start, hands-free “Easy Open” trunk, park distance control, automatic front windshield wipers with rain sensor and HomeLink universal garage door opener.

Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 12-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat sedan starts from $22,440 for the 1.8T S upto $$33,995 for the V6 SEL Premium. Destination charges add $820.