2012 Volkswagen Passat SEL Premium Trim Overview

The flagship trim for the redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Passat is the feature-laden SEL Premium. This 5-passenger midsize family sedan has been lengthened and lightened for more rear-seat passenger room and a more engaging drive. A new sport-tuned suspension system provides some added agility, and nearly 16 cubic feet of cargo room makes for better than average luggage-toting ability. This top-shelf trim also boasts standard 17-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, heated, power-adjustable outside mirrors, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and simulated wood cabin accents. Additionally, the Passat SEL Premium is delivered with standard heated, power-adjustable front seats, a telescoping and tilting steering wheel that mounts audio and cruise controls, dual-zone climate control, memory for three drivers' settings and a universal remote garage door opener. Entertainment, meantime, is presented by Fender premium audio with a single-CD player and 9 speakers, all of which are bolstered by satellite radio and a memory card slot. A hard-drive-based navigation system is also standard, as is Bluetooth hands-free communications technology. Options run from a unique Passat lip spoiler to various trunk/cargo organizers.

Making its debut in the 2012 Passat SEL Premium is a 170-hp, 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder (I5) engine that drives much of the lineup. A standard 6-speed auto-manual transmission with driver-selectable sport mode allows this re-wrought Passat to put down 177 lb-ft of torque and ensures 22 mpg city/32 highway.

In its role as a U.S.-based, family-friendly sedan, the 2012 Passat SEL Premium boasts such standard safety features as 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) as well as traction and stability control. Occupant safety is provided by front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and a front head-restraint whiplash protection system. Further standard safety equipment includes daytime running lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, a remote antitheft alarm and a post-collision safety system.