Volkswagen did an excellent job when it decided to build an American-special Passat for the 2012 model year, resulting in a lower price than on its predecessor.
The German carmaker tried to get a bigger market share in the U.S. mid-size sedan segment with the Passat. For that, it opened a new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Another major decision was to make a different vehicle than its European sibling. Thus, it resulted in the U.S.-spec Passat, which shared only the nameplate and the badge with the German-made mid-size cousin.

Once it crossed the Atlantic, the Passat became longer, wider, taller, and, most importantly, cheaper. It was around 30% less expensive than its predecessor. Its design resembled its smaller sibling, the Jetta. The three-slat grille with chromed accents and the broad lower air-intake flanked by fog lights with angular shapes confirmed it as a member of the Volkswagen stable. The angular-shaped taillights crossed the rear quarter fenders onto the trunk lid at the back, thus creating a classy look.

Thanks to the longer wheelbase than its predecessor, the U.S. Passat provided a more extensive interior for the rear passengers. At the front, the bucket seats offered good side support for both occupants. On the tilted center stack, the carmaker installed a touch-screen infotainment system. The instrument cluster was typical Volkswagen with two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer, plus a TFT display between them.

Under the skin, the Passat received a revised suspension with McPherson type at the front and a four-link independent rear axle. Strangely, the carmaker didn’t make the Passat with an all-wheel-drive system, even though it could. Under the hood, Volkswagen offered a choice of three engines: a 2.5-liter inline-five base model, a 3.6-liter V-6, and a 2.0-liter TDI unit. Later on, the carmaker added a 1.8-liter turbocharged version.