Overview

What's New for 2012:
- Totally redesigned for 2012
- New available TDI clean-diesel engine

Exterior Features
The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is a midsize 4-door sedan offered in three different trims (based on different engines). Sixteen-inch alloy wheels are standard on base models.

Interior Features
The 2012 Volkswagen Passat seats 5 passengers and provides 15.9 cubic feet of trunk space. Standard amenities include full power accessories, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 8-speaker audio system. The Passat SE trim offers heated front seats, power driver seat, and a premium touch-screen sound system with satellite radio. Stepping up to the SEL trim level adds upgraded front seats, upgraded navigation system, and a Fender premium sound system.

Optional Features
Volkswagen groups many of the Passat's available options into packages. The Premium package adds fog lights, keyless entry/ignition, remote ignition, power passenger seat, and leather seating. The Sunroof and Navigation package adds a touch-screen navigation system, Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPod connectivity, and a sunroof.

Under the Hood
The base Passat 2.5L is fitted with a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine rated at 170 horsepower, while the Passat TDI is fitted with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo-diesel rated at 140 horsepower. Passat V6 models are equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that generates 280 horsepower. All Passats are front-wheel-drive. The 2.5L comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and has an available 6-speed automatic, while the TDI has an optional dual-clutch 6-speed automated manual transmission (DSG). Passat's V-6 models are only available with the DSG transmission.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2012 Volkswagen Passat are:
- Passat 2.5L: 22/31-32/25-26 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- Passat TDI: 30-31/40-43/34-35 mpg
- Passat V6: 20/28/23 mpg

Safety
Standard safety features on the 2012 Volkswagen Passat include front-seat side air bags, side curtain air bags, and Intelligent Crash Response technology.

In government tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Passat received 5 (out of 5) stars in all crash protection tests. In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Passat received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--for both frontal-offset and side-impact crash protection, and was named a "Top Safety Pick" for 2012.