Model Year | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 |
Model | Passat | Passat | Passat | Passat | Passat | Passat | Passat | Passat |
Trim | 2.5L S | 2.5L SE | TDI SE | V6 SE | 2.5L SEL | 2.5L SEL Premium | TDI SEL Premium | V6 SEL Premium |
Engines | ||||||||
Transmissions | ||||||||
Drivetrains | ||||||||
Tires | ||||||||
Audio Systems | ||||||||
Accessories | ||||||||
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available. | ||||||||
Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket. | ||||||||
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob. | ||||||||
Start the car using a button on the keyfob. Interior can be a comfortable temperature as soon as you get in. | ||||||||
Homelink. | ||||||||
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | ||||||||
Rear disc brakes. | ||||||||
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time. | ||||||||
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes. | ||||||||
Applies the brakes to a slipping drive wheel to transfer torque to the other side, simulating the effect of a limited-slip differential. We haven't identified all applications, often implied by traction control. | ||||||||
Mandatory, in all cars. | ||||||||
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row. | ||||||||
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning). | ||||||||
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire. | ||||||||
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction. | ||||||||
Cargo Management | ||||||||
Usually part of an overhead console. | ||||||||
Usually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat. | ||||||||
Climate Control | ||||||||
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | ||||||||
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | ||||||||
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features. | ||||||||
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row. | ||||||||
Time between wipes can be precisely adjusted. | ||||||||
Exterior | ||||||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||||
Moldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots. | ||||||||
Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler. | ||||||||
Infotainment | ||||||||
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car. | ||||||||
Uses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone. | ||||||||
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers. | ||||||||
Includes CD player. | ||||||||
Audio system capable of playing DVDs on a front-row screen. Inoperative when the vehicle is moving. No value because of incomplete data. | ||||||||
High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees. | ||||||||
Integrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port. | ||||||||
Built-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files. | ||||||||
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files. | ||||||||
Screen-based navigation system. | ||||||||
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply. | ||||||||
SD, CF, PCMCIA, or other digital media reader. | ||||||||
Information about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months. | ||||||||
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system. | ||||||||
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | ||||||||
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | ||||||||
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights. | ||||||||
Lights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned. | ||||||||
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle. | ||||||||
Clears ice and fog from mirrors. | ||||||||
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | ||||||||
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | ||||||||
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior. | ||||||||
Front row reading lights. | ||||||||
Includes value of manual remote mirrors. | ||||||||
Reports engine speed. | ||||||||
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats. | ||||||||
Seats and Interior Trim | ||||||||
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat. | ||||||||
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette. | ||||||||
Manually adjustable lower back support. | ||||||||
Manually adjustable lower back support. | ||||||||
Power-adjustable lower back support. | ||||||||
Power-adjustable lower back support. | ||||||||
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | ||||||||
A.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe. | ||||||||
Seating surfaces are part leather, part synthetic suede. | ||||||||
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | ||||||||
Transmission | ||||||||
Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission. |
TrueDelta Reviews the Available Features of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat
What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2012 Volkswagen Passat
6-speed manual FWD