Our drive route began at the ultra-modern, $1.1-billion Chattanooga plant. There were several reasons why the German company decided to build domestically; the most important being the need to avoid fluctuating exchange rates and high importation tariffs. And of course, building within its market helps the brand stay in touch with its customer base.
Chattanooga couldn't have been more welcoming, offering over $577 million in incentives and building the plant’s own freeway exit off the interstate.
The Passat certainly has grown to fit our more-expansive North-American tastes. Longer by almost four inches, it now boasts best-in-class rear legroom. Externally, it appears elongated and more refined, but if the new corporate 3-bar face is more elegant, it's also more generic and lacks the character of the homely, yet familiar old snout. Sculpted wheel arches and several sharp character lines add visual drama to its flanks.
One of the benefits of having an in-house die and stamping department is being able to monitor the tight panel fit and immediately correct any deviation in the tolerances.
We're asked by VW of America CEO Frank Fischer to make special note of the "Toronado line"—inspired by the vintage Oldsmobile of that name—a sharp crease that begins with the headlights, travels along the beltline and meets up with a line coming down from the C-pillar while continuing through the taillamps. Any misalignment of this body crease would have been glaringly apparent, but our test cars looked straight and true.
There are three engine choices available: a 170-hp 2.5-litre 5-cylinder, a 140-hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder and 3.6-litre V6 with 280 hp. The 2.5L engine is mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, but TDI buyers can choose either a six-speed manual or the marvellous double-clutch DSG gearbox. The V6 is available only with the DSG.
Instead of the myriad trim lines that formerly racked up the price as the options piled on, there are only four: base Trendline (which should prove the volume seller), Trendline Plus, Comfortline and range-topping Highline. Options run the gamut from keyless start and sport seats to a 400-watt Fender sound system. An "Intelligent Crash Response System" that upon impact unlocks doors, cuts off fuel, disconnects the battery and turns on the hazard lights is standard on every model.
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| Our drive route began at the ultra-modern, $1.1-billion Chattanooga plant. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |
Chattanooga couldn't have been more welcoming, offering over $577 million in incentives and building the plant’s own freeway exit off the interstate.
The Passat certainly has grown to fit our more-expansive North-American tastes. Longer by almost four inches, it now boasts best-in-class rear legroom. Externally, it appears elongated and more refined, but if the new corporate 3-bar face is more elegant, it's also more generic and lacks the character of the homely, yet familiar old snout. Sculpted wheel arches and several sharp character lines add visual drama to its flanks.
One of the benefits of having an in-house die and stamping department is being able to monitor the tight panel fit and immediately correct any deviation in the tolerances.
We're asked by VW of America CEO Frank Fischer to make special note of the "Toronado line"—inspired by the vintage Oldsmobile of that name—a sharp crease that begins with the headlights, travels along the beltline and meets up with a line coming down from the C-pillar while continuing through the taillamps. Any misalignment of this body crease would have been glaringly apparent, but our test cars looked straight and true.
There are three engine choices available: a 170-hp 2.5-litre 5-cylinder, a 140-hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder and 3.6-litre V6 with 280 hp. The 2.5L engine is mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, but TDI buyers can choose either a six-speed manual or the marvellous double-clutch DSG gearbox. The V6 is available only with the DSG.
Instead of the myriad trim lines that formerly racked up the price as the options piled on, there are only four: base Trendline (which should prove the volume seller), Trendline Plus, Comfortline and range-topping Highline. Options run the gamut from keyless start and sport seats to a 400-watt Fender sound system. An "Intelligent Crash Response System" that upon impact unlocks doors, cuts off fuel, disconnects the battery and turns on the hazard lights is standard on every model.
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| There are three engine choices available: a 170-hp 2.5-litre 5-cylinder, a 140-hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder and 3.6-litre V6 with 280 hp. (Photo: Volkswagen) |