2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI to Start Under $26,000

[xcel]

Could this be the TDI sedan that finally takes out all other highway fuel misers

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - May 29, 2011

2012 VW Passat TDI – Larger in every way and even more efficient with an early estimate 30/43 mpgUS city/highway rating thanks to an SCR based emissions system.

Volkswagen released pricing for its all-new 2012 Passat starting at just $19,995. The 2012 Passat offers premium options in three powertrains and a variety of equipment levels, also with equally impressive pricing.

The TDI

The 2.0L TDI turbo diesel model offers three trim levels and is expected to deliver 43 mpg highway, with a range of nearly 800 miles. The TDI base trim package, the SE, comes standard with features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, Volkswagen’s touchscreen Premium VIII radio and a six-speed manual transmission. Volkswagen’s automatic DSG transmission is optional. This direct-shift gearbox is a technologically advanced six-speed transmission that incorporates an automatic dual-clutch system that instantly engages and disengages gears without the need for a clutch pedal.

Built in the US for the US

Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America:

“Demonstrating our commitment to the American market, the car will be produced at one of the newest, most advanced, and environmentally responsible auto assembly plants in the world in Chattanooga, Tennessee.”

The new Passat was designed specifically for the North American market with premium features unique to the U.S. yet is said to still provide the character of a Volkswagen. The new Passat sets new standards for comfort, with best-in-class rear-seat legroom from a midsize sedan that measures 191.7 inches long and has a 110.4 inch wheelbase.

Premium options include leather seating surfaces, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, wood decor, ambiance lighting, memory driver’s seat, power passenger seat, a choice of Volkswagen’s RNS 315 or RNS 510 navigation systems, front fog lights with static cornering lights, and a proximity key with push button start.

The Passat will also offer the new Fender Premium Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen. In a partnership that combines quality automotive engineering and quality sound engineering, Volkswagen and Fender have teamed up to bring the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience.

Listening to the Fender system at the various Auto Show Press Events, VW is on to something good when it comes to high quality sound. What we are really interested in is the TDI’s new 43 mpg highway rating and how far beyond it is really worth!

2012 VV Passat TDI Pricing

Model	Price	Features
TDI – SE	$25,995	17” alloy wheels, V-Tex leatherette seating, 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, touchscreen Premium VIII radio, Multi-Function leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum trim dash and middle console, exterior chrome window trim, sliding front center armrest.
TDI – SE w Sunroof	$27,895	Adds Six-speed DSG automatic transmission, sunroof.
TDI – SE w Sunroof and Navi	$29,495	Adds 18” alloy wheels, RNS 315 Navigation, Mobile Device Interface (MDI), fog lights, exterior chrome accents.
TDI – SEL Premium	$32,195	Adds Leather seating surfaces, comfort sport seats, keyless access and remote start, RNS 510 Navigation, Fender Premium Audio System, driver seat memory, wood grain interior décor, 8-way power passenger seat, interior chrome accents.

Destination: $770

Bring it on baby as this one might be the one!

[bestmapman]

So am I reading this right. Is the basic package a manual transmission.

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

So, do you have an estimated date for a test drive?

[xcel]

Hi Jud:

Yes, the base is an MT.

Colin, this coming Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Chattanooga and Nashville, TN actually. It should be a fun end to a very busy week.

Wayne

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

Great.

Golf, Jetta and Passat diesels.

I still think there's something missing from that list.

Will you be anywhere near Smyrna at all while you're in Tennessee?

[xcel]

Hi Colin:

I doubt VW will let us near the place

Wayne

[deleond2]

I'm really getting excited with the Sportwagen TDI!!!!! Space to haul the family (at least until we have our 3rd kiddo) and awesome gas mileage! Watching some of the videos available on youtube show that at steady speeds 60-70mpg can be reached! Now that the Passat is coming in 2012, I'm not sure which one to choose. As long as the fit, feel, and test drive is right, I really think the Sportwagen or the Passat is the right car for me.

[herm]

The gas Passat will be popular, a VW Impala basically, but the $6k diesel premium tarnishes that deal. Its a shame they could not have made the diesel a bit cheaper. Still if you need a large family sedan its not bad for the money. People will be happy if they bring out a station wagon variant

I dont think the diesel version will sell well, so perhaps they will deal.

[seftonm]

Compared to the 2.5 SE, the TDI is a ~$2200 upgrade. VW plays the same game that the hybrid makers do, only offering the TDI with mid-level and up trims instead of with the base trim.