Chattanooga Tennessee is a long way from Germany but driving around this picturesque city, one notices more VW cars on the road than expected. The reason is Volkswagen's shining new $1.1 Billion dollar manufacturing and training facility, capable of pumping out 250,000 units a year. After retreating from American manufacturing years ago, VW is back and using Chattanooga as their beachhead. The theory is simple-- and one that has been adopted by most ''import'' manufacturers-- build high volume products close to the market they will be consumed. In this case, that all-new VW Passat production is being ramped up for dealer delivery in October. Forget everything you have come to know about the Passat, this all-new car is different and part of VW's philosophy of tailoring their products to meet North American tastes.
The Skin
Last fall VW introduced a larger and cheaper Jetta model, which has been a huge hit, outselling VW's estimates and keeping their Mexico facility humming to meet demand. In fact, 47 percent of all VW Canada's sales have been Jetta's. The Passat follows a similar theme by growing substantially in size and dropping in price. Longer by 10.4 cm (4.1 inches), the VW engineers were able to stretch the wheelbase by 9.1 cm (3.6 inches) and increased the rear legroom by an amazing 7.6 cm (3 inches). The longer design gives the car substance and moves it squarely into the mix with other high volume cars like the Honda Accord. The new starting price is $23,975 is a $7000 drop from the Passat's 2008 price and on par with many of its competitors. Styling is instantly recognizable as a VW but the larger design certainly looks more North American.
I'm trading my Acura Tsx (09) in very soon and thinking of (3) other options which are:
VW Passat (2012) TDI Honda Accord (2012) Nissan Altima (2013) not test driven yet
Which model would you suggest to be the best purchase? I'm thinking of everything from best resale, gas mileage and overall performance.
Thank you!
Carole
Motormouth.ca says: 4:16 PM on June 18, 2012 I have not driven the Altima yet but it will be better on fuel and more responsive. If it was me, I'd get the VW based on amazing fuel consumption and fantastic resale on the diesel products. The Accord will be all new this fall.
robert 9:04 PM on June 3, 2012 Great to see that a deisel version is coming back to the Passat. Having owned previous deisel Jetta's and a Rabbit the deisel is the way to go if you have any mileage concerns. On the down side for all my previous VW's would be the poor electrical with lights constantly burning out.
Motormouth.ca says: 10:18 AM on June 8, 2012 I think you will find that the newer VW's are experiencing better reliability.
Diesel 11:41 AM on June 3, 2012 Why is it that for the last several months diesel fuel has been several cents per litre more than gasoline and now the reverse has happened .I have been told by numerous people that diesel is much cheaper to produce .
Motormouth.ca says: 10:38 AM on June 8, 2012 The price of both fluctuates depending on the amount of fuel they need to refine and the demand. The good news is that diesel will still save money evn with it being a few cents more.
Daryel Gough 8:22 PM on April 17, 2012 Is VW considering the 2.0L TDI Diesel model EA288 that has been featured in Europe for the North American Passat? I think its a perfect match for the bigger Passat model. Better torque, better fuel economy and better horsepower make it a clear winner in my book.
Motormouth.ca says: 1:52 PM on April 23, 2012 The Passat does get the European 2.0L diesel for 2012. It has been modified to meet our stricter emissions, which is why it has Urea injection
Fran Ipsen 4:00 PM on February 23, 2012 Hi Zack I am considering buying a 2007 VW Passat Highline 2 liter Turbo. It has 50,000 kilometers. It also has a 2 year warranty. Now here is my problem I cannot drive so my husband is the principal driver. He likes this car but I have been reading some reviews and they are not favourable. Having read these reviews I am a bit concerned so I need an opinion from a 3rd party. As such I have come to you. Could you please give me your opinion before I commit myself Thanks kindly (love listening to your show even though I don't drive) Regards Fran
Motormouth.ca says: 8:44 AM on February 27, 2012 The Passat is a great handling and performing German car but they can require more maintenance so if you should continue with the purchase an extended warranty is a great idea. On the driving side, it is an enjoyable car to drive. If you can afford buying the new 2012 Passat, it is a much better value and features a better interior.
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