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2013 Volkswagen Passat SEL Review By Michael Bernstein


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Volkswagen’s Passat of Perfection
Review By Michael Bernstein
Michigan Bureau
The Auto Channel

Despite its auspicious beginning in the US marketplace as the maker of quirky little cars with funny names, VW, the German auto giant, was considered more a sideshow in the car biz, but they had talent and a spirit and were able to capture the imagination of a generation.

The snickers, both its early offerings and its legitimacy as a major player, garnered from the Big 3 were no deterrent, Volkswagen stayed the course and as a result continued to grow its sales and its brand identity grew to cult level.

VW is now a headliner in North America producing hit after hit after hit and the 2013 Passat SEL is a sure fire top-10 hit, powered by its fast paced beat that is generated by the highly efficient 3.6L, VR6 engine. In fact efficient is word that I would say best describes the Passat.

Starting with the exterior design and extending though out the open interior the VW Passat efficiently delivers both style and functionality. The clean lines are enhanced by the color and textures that adorn the cabin, body panels and seats.

Comfort and safety are blended with style and presented in the form of an efficient German sedan. The information clusters and the Passat’s overall instrumentation is seduced with critical vehicle information displays that are well positioned for easy identification and that feature great lighting and believe it or not fairly easy to use.

No the Passat is not your Grandpa’s VW and the proof is in the features that come standard. In fact the 2013 Passat SEL Premium has an MSRP of $33,720.00 and is equipped with an impressive roster of standard; convenience, safety and fuel efficiency features included. This is an efficient way to minimize the sales process by putting the focus on the vehicle, not the “deal”.

That’s a good thing for VW and potential buyers as well because the Passat holds its own or exceeds the competition in every measurable category starting with one of the most important of these factors, fuel efficiency for such a powerful vehicle.

The 2013 Passat received a combined 23 mpg fuel economy rating from the EPA that was based on the Passat’s 20mpg city and 28mpg highway fuel economy. That from a vehicle that comes equipped with an engine capable of generating 280HP!

All that power is at your control thanks to the excellent handling, steering and braking that is engineered into the Passat. More importantly, your safety is paramount and is ensured by the many air bags, side curtains and the 3-point safety (seat) belts for every passenger that come standard.

These features are added to suite of safety features that include DRL’s, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and for families with young children, the Passat has child safety rear door locks and LATCH.

Convenience and connectitivity are key drivers of vehicle sales and when you are driving the Passat convenience and connectivity are at your fingertips.

Whether you choose to access the features from the leather wrapped steering wheel or with the color touch screen, this monitor serves as the infotainment hub for an entertainment experience that is unmatched.

The 2013 Passat SEL allows its owner the ability to seamlessly connect their phone, Tablet or other device with connectivity though Bluetooth and MDI.

Sounds good, well the Fender Premium Audio system sounds even better and the proof will be when you hear your favorite tunes, arrays or operas while seated in the leather trimmed comfort sport driver’s seat, sun pouring into the cabin from the opening revealed by the sliding power slide sunroof and your heart pounding in beat with the engine’s dull roar as you shift gears and take this baby for a spin.

The 2013 Passat is available in four major trim levels-S, SE, SEL and TDI SE- starting with an MSRP of $20,845. The SEL Premium edition was the model reviewed and has an MSRP of $33,950 and includes the leather trimmed sport seats, power and heated front seats, front fog lights and Keyless access with push button and remote start. More details are available on the The Auto Channel’s Volkswagen Buyers Guide, at or at your local VW retailer who has one available for you to drive.