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2013 Volkswagen Passat Sedan
Summary
Provided by NADAguides.com
Now available with rear console air vents, the 2013 Volkswagen Passat is a large family sedan available in three different trim levels, including a diesel variant. The base trim is powered by a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine that produces 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices consist of a 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission. For upgraded performance VW offers a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 280 hp and 265 lb-ft torque, equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The TDI trim level offers a standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine that produces 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission the Passat TDI can achieve up to 43 mpg highway. Gas mileage for the fuel trims falls within an EPA estimated range of 20 mpg city to 32 mpg highway, depending on engine/transmission selection. Features include remote start, sunroof, navigation, premium leather seats, heated front seats, and hands-free phone capabilities. Safety is comprised of electronic stability control (ESC), intelligent crash response, anti-lock braking (ABS), and tire pressure monitoring (TPMS). The Passat is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty.
Benefits of Driving a 2013 Volkswagen Passat Sedan
The 2013 Passat is a midsized sedan, fully competitive in price and features with other high-value models such as the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima. It is configured size-wise to directly take on the Honda Accord. VW has increased standard feature content and simplified the Passat to just 16 build combinations, all with lower prices than seen on the previous generation--meaning that if a buyer is simply looking for a well-equipped mid-size sedan, the Passat is going to look like a great deal. The Passat remains one of the few mid-size sedans to offer the option of a manual transmission and the only non-luxury mid-size to offer a diesel. That TDI model manages an astonishing 43 mpg EPA highway rating--enough to beat some hybrids.
What's new for 2013?
The Passat gets a few adjustments for 2013. The biggest change is actually to the center console. Volkswagen has worked hard to Americanize the Passat and their work this year shows their attention to detail. VW has redesigned the storage space and most importantly, the cup holders in the center console. They will now fit a large assortment of different drink sizes. Rear seat occupants also benefit from the new center console which features a pair of rear facing vents. Other changes include a standard rear back up camera on SEL models and a price hike of $850.
Model Strengths
- Vast backseat space
- comfortable ride
- crisp handling
- smooth available VR6
- excellent efficiency from the TDI model
Model Review
The 2013 Volkswagen Passat is offered in three different trims: S, SE and SEL. Among those trims, there are three different powertrains. Base 2.5 S, 2.5 SE and 2.5 SEL models come with a 177-horsepower, 2.5L 5-cylinder engine, offered either with a standard 5-speed manual gearbox or optional 6-speed automatic. TDI SE and TDI SEL Premium models add the 140-hp, 2.0L TDI diesel 4-cylinder engine, while top-of-the-range 3.6 SE and 3.6 SEL models step up to a 280-horsepower, 3.6L 'VR6' 6-cylinder engine. Both the TDI and VR6 engines come only with a 6-speed dual clutch DSG automatic transmission that can pull of remarkably quick shifts.
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