NAIAS Detroit 2011: 2012 Volkswagen Passat Review

For full review, visit: http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/01/detroit-2011-2012-volkswagen-passa...

Volkswagen revealed the new 2012 Passat the night before the 2011 Detroit Auto Show but we've now got the first live photos of the Tennessee-produced mid-sized sedan.

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[giannial1985]

The new Ford's don't use a lot of hard plastic. The fusion, for example, has soft surfaces everywhere. I don't mind that VW is using hard plastic. As long as it's put together nicely and that there's no squeaks and rattles.

[fastalan]

@USA4July1776 Ford has the same hard plastic Jetta has. The dash on the A3 is hard too. So what's the problem with hard plastic? Nothing. If you don't like hard plastic, go buy a Golf, but the softer plastic on my Golf may not last as long as harder plastic. Who knows. Hard is not bad.

[huelchrath]

Well, quality might become an issue. The old Passat came from the Zwickau Plant which has existed for 20 years. They have a very experienced and well trained stuff. Since VW relies on personal responsibility of every worker a lot of technical knowledge is essential. On the other hand I'm sure the workers in Chattanooga are highly motivated because they know there aren't that many good jobs in the area - escpecially for people without college education.

[Ahamster1]

@USA4July1776 they're going for the mass market....hope the quality dosen't let down

[USA4July1776]

My college car is a 2000 Volkwsagen Jetta, great quality car... it has 157,000 miles and just keeps on going. I'm disappointed that Volkswagen is going for lower quality. I could already feel the cheap plastics interior in the new Jetta... I'm not impressed. I'll keep my 2000 Jetta until the wheels fall off, and then probably buy a Ford.

[Heimdall01]

Nice. Have nothing in common with the european Passat though (except the name)

[BigCivic]

@DieselForum Good point! Diesel in a mid-size sedan is a great product to offer!

[DieselForum]

Oops you forgot to mention that in addition to the VR6 option they will also have their super successful TDI clean diesel option. That's really a big part of this story!

[FreeTheRocks]

@JSMITH8505 My only guess would be a coat/jacket hanger.

[JSMITH8505]

Looks good..

But, What is the "bar" like thing mounted to the inside of the B-Pillars? (You see it on the Right side at 1:37 )