2012 Volkswagen Passat SEL Trim Overview

The upper-midlevel 2012 Volkswagen Passat SEL is finally here. This family-friendly 5-passenger midsize sedan boasts a stretched body for added passenger room, as well as a significant weight loss and a sport-tuned suspension for some extra agility on the road. It also sports standard leatherette upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and some extra cabin posh with its standard leather-wrapped telescoping and tilting steering wheel, as well as simulated wood cabin accents and front and rear floor mats. Then there’s the standard universal remote garage door opener, power windows, power-adjustable heated outside mirrors and center rear-seat folding armrest. A standard Fender premium audio system with an MP3-compatible single-CD player and 9 speakers, including subwoofer, is bolstered by satellite radio, a memory card slot, a dash-mounted video monitor and a hard-drive-based navigation system. On the exterior, this upscale family sedan boasts standard 17-inch alloy wheels and a power sunroof as well, and cabin accessories include carpeted floor mats front and rear, as well as various space-saving trunk organizers and a unique Passat lip spoiler.

The ubiquitous 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder (I5) engine powers the 2012 Passat SEL, with the standard 6-speed auto-manual transmission, including driver-selectable sport mode, managing 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Mileage estimates for the I5 run 22 mpg city/31 highway. The entire Passat lineup, it should be noted, is front-wheel-drive only.

As is traditional, the 2012 Passat SEL is extraordinarily safety conscious, boasting standard 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), as well as traction and stability control just for starters. Front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and a front head-restraint whiplash protection system, meantime, help ensure additional occupant safety. Further standard safety equipment aboard this well-wrought midsize sedan includes daytime running lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, a remote antitheft alarm and a post-collision safety system.