Re-engineered for the U.S market, the 2012 Volkswagen Passat SE PZEV is longer, leaner and cleaner than its Europe- and Asia-bound siblings, as well as boasting a new sport-tuned suspension. Some tweaks to the standard 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder (I5) powerplant give it a cleaner emissions process that meets California’s stricter regulations and is designed to burn gasoline with less sulfur content, ergo, its Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) designation. Meanwhile, standard amenities in this 5-passenger midsize sedan, like 17-inch alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, folding rear-seat center armrest and dual-zone climate controls are, of course, identical to those in the regular SE trim. Also standard in this clean-leaning VW is a telescoping and tilting leather steering wheel mounting redundant audio and cruise controls, as well as power windows, power-adjustable heated outside mirrors and remote power door locks. Standard audio and communications equipment includes a 6-CD changer with eight speakers, satellite radio, a memory card slot and Bluetooth hands-free communications technology. Of course, a respectable 16 cubic feet of trunk space also endows this classy sedan.
Options for the 2012 Passat SE PZEV include hard-drive-based navigation, a power sunroof and the unique Passat lip spoiler, with such accessories as carpeted floor mats and various cargo organizers also available.
The clean-burning, 170-hp 2.5-liter I5 engine is standard for 2012’s front-wheel-drive (FWD) Passat SE PZEV, with the standard 5-speed manual transmission (including the brake hill holder) anticipated to get 21 mpg city/32 highway. Available for this squeaky clean sedan is a Tiptronic 6-speed auto-manual transmission with sport mode that’s EPA-estimated at 22/31.
In keeping with its family-oriented design, the 2012 Passat SE PZEV boasts standard 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), as well as traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front head-restraint whiplash protection and front and rear head airbags. Daytime running lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, a remote antitheft alarm and a post-collision safety system all help round out this well-wrought sedan’s standard safety equipment.
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