2012 Volkswagen Passat SE Trim Overview

Now longer, leaner and more family-oriented, the redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Passat SE comes across as distinctly domestic. As the lower-midlevel trim in the lineup, this front-wheel drive 5-passenger midsize sedan keeps the 16 cubic feet of trunk space and new sport-tuned suspension, and then adds on 17-inch alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, a power-adjustable drivers seat, heated front seats, heated power-adjustable outside mirrors and a folding rear-seat center armrest. In a nod towards its quasi-luxury forbears, the Passat SE also sports a leather steering wheel mounting redundant audio and cruise controls. More plebian standard amenities include power windows, dual-zone climate controls, remote power door locks, telescoping tilt-wheel steering and Bluetooth hands-free communications technology. Entertainment-wise, this classy sedan sports a 6-CD changer with eight speakers, satellite radio and a memory card slot for additional music choices.

In keeping with its notched-up status, the 2012 Passat SE is eligible for an available power sunroof, hard-drive navigation system and Passat lip spoiler, and can also be delivered with optional carpeted floor mats and various trunk organizers.

As with its S siblings, the 2012 Passat SE is powered by a standard 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission with brake hill holder, that puts out 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, good for 21 mpg city/32 highway. Additionally, a Tiptronic 6-speed auto-manual transmission with driver-selectable sport mode is available with mileage estimates of 22/31.

For 2012, the up-sized Passat SE boasts such standard safety equipment as 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), as well as traction and stability control. Of course, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags and front head-restraint whiplash protection are all standard, along with turn-signal-integrated mirrors, daytime running lights, a post-collision safety system and a remote antitheft alarm.