The 2014 Volkswagen Passat is an American-built mid-size sedan with the space and comfort of many full-size models, offering remarkable, best-in-class, stretch-out rear-seat legroom and trunk space to match. The Passat TDI version—the only clean diesel option in the segment—delivers an EPA estimated 43 miles per gallon on the highway with the manual transmission, giving a range of almost 800 miles. Recently, using special, highly efficient driving techniques and tires, a similarly equipped Passat TDI set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS achievement for the “lowest fuel consumption—48 U.S. ” category with a stellar 77.99 mpg—more than 10 mpg better than the previous mark of 67.9 mpg. The achievement also beats the hybrid vehicle record of 64.6 mpg by more than 13 mpg. VW engineers also made some other significant mechanical improvements for 2014. On the cars fitted with the 1.8T engine, the hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering has been replaced by an electric-assist system. Finally, Volkswagen will introduce its VW Car-Net connected services this fall on the Passat lineup, beginning with the Wolfsburg trim.
VW Car-Net—which has a six-month no-charge trial period—offers a wealth of security and convenience features, including Automatic Crash Notification, roadside assistance services, and stolen vehicle location assistance. In addition, VW Car-Net adds: remote vehicle access; boundary and speed alerts; a vehicle health report; and an enhanced POI service on vehicles equipped with a navigation system. Many of the features can be administered through a handy smartphone app (iPhone only, Android coming soon). The Passat’s balanced proportions give it elegant and timeless styling, reflecting the new Volkswagen Design DNA developed by Walter de Silva, the Italian design chief for the Volkswagen Group, and Klaus Bischoff, the German design leader for the Volkswagen Brand. The clean design, with a predominance of horizontal body elements, reinforces the Passat’s position as the sophisticated choice in the mid-size segment. The key identifying feature of a strong brand is the styling of its front end. Here the Passat displays the horizontal brand face, with the three-blade grille and headlights forming a single unit. The Passat’s grille is sculpted in a three-dimensional shape and makes a distinctive and elegant impression because of its strict geometry.
Beneath the front bumper is a large, lower intake with a striking honeycomb surface and available foglights housed at each end. From the side profile, the muscular ridge in the sill area creates a lively interplay of light reflections. Powerfully sculpted wheelarches emphasize the dynamic properties of the Passat. To emphasize the aerodynamic styling of the Passat, the roof lines flow toward the back with a nearly coupe-like cut of the rear window. Three side windows create luxury-class style with a long, extended glass surface. The rear section is also dominated by horizontal lines. The lines of the large taillights rise toward the sides, underscoring the dynamics of the elegant rear styling. Another unique feature here is the design of the two-part taillights that are integrated in the rear fender and trunk lid. This is a generously-proportioned four-door sedan and the largest Passat ever. Nose to tail it measures 191.6 inches and features a stretched 110.4-inch wheelbase and 72.2-inch width, which allows such exceptional rear seat space. The Passat was designed and specifically tailored for American tastes and American lifestyles. So the cabin of the 2014 Passat delivers space, and plenty of it.
There’s room for five adults to really stretch out in comfort. And with four large, wide-opening doors, getting in and out is a breeze. There’s also a true elegance and simplicity about the layout. Nothing here is trendy or over-done. The lines flow in a style that’s easy on the eye, complimented by high-quality materials applied with attention to detail. The instrument panel is similar to that of Volkswagen’s flagship model, the Touareg. Available chrome-trimmed gauges surround a digital multifunction display. A high-end chrome look is also applied to the air vents in the cockpit, and to the surrounds of the radio, navigation system, and the climate control panels. The rotary light switch and parking brake handle button are also treated in chrome. The seats are exceptionally comfortable, with an emphasis on providing extra thigh support for long-distance road trips. Even in the base version, the driver’s seat adjusts eight ways, including lumbar, while most models feature eight-way power adjustment. Inviting cloth trim is offered with the base S model, while the Wolfsburg and higher trims feature Volkswagen’s characteristic perforated V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces.
Two-tone seating is offered on SE models, and SEL models move up to leather seating surfaces. For 2014, all trims, with the exception of the base S model, receive VW Car-Net connected services, and rearview cameras are now found in SE and above trims. There is no shortage of entertainment system options with the Passat—but the most exciting is the Fender Premium Audio System, which was designed to bring the raw emotion of a live music performance to the driving experience. The system was developed through collaboration between Fender, the legendary music amplification experts, who also make some of the coolest guitars for the rock star elite, and Panasonic. It cranks out 400 watts of power played through nine speakers, including a trunk-mounted subwoofer. And the same cool, chromed Fender logo that has graced the guitar ‘amps’ of some of the world’s music legends is featured on the Passat’s Fender system.
