We've seen photos of the redesigned VW Passat sedan, and now German spy photographers have caught up with 2012 Volkswagen Passat wagon prototype. Like the sedan, it's pulling a trailer, which might seem odd to us, but is actually a pretty normal thing in Europe, where ordinary family cars are regularly called up for towing duty on camping trips.
It's possible we might never see this generation of the Passat wagon in the United States. Volkswagen plans of course to build a lower-cost version of the Passat sedan -- you know, the New Midsize Sedan -- in Tennessee starting next year. You can bet there won't be a wagon version of the NMS, so unless Volkswagen plans to import only the Passat wagon, this might indeed be goodbye.
We doubt Volkswagen will offer any kind of V6 at all in the 2012 Passat wagon (or sedan), as the automaker doesn't even try to sell a six-cylinder in the U.S. anymore. Undoubtedly, the latest version of VW's 2.0-liter TDI powerplant will be the top seller in Europe, though we'd guess the 200-horse 2.0T engine will continue to be an option as well.
ed124c says:
08:48 AM, 06/ 2/10
Unless this is an optical illusion, the roof is taller than the Sonata wagon's. But this Passat wagon, if imported, would be a lot more expensive thana the Hyundai.
The styling looks different from the current Passat wagon, but not really any better-- I like the looks of the current Passat wagon-- and the Jetta wagon too.
2006vr6 says:
12:30 PM, 06/ 2/10
My wife loves her 08 2.0T Passat Lux wagon better than her Audi A6 Allroad she traded in to get the Passat. Side by side the wagons look the same size. Allroads cabin for my taste (twin turbo) is a tad larger & I like the ride but not the gas mileage. I still love my VR6 Passat w/ Sports Pak II. She still puts a smile on my face! Passat wagon is one of the best looking wagons on the road. This pic looks like she is sitting a little lower. Might be the tow.
For us the trim level LUX made this our purchase decision. Shame they took it away for 09. Us yanks do like creature features. Well built, sporty tranny (tiptronic w/ sport mode & paddle shifters). Averages 27 Mpg. Highway gets 30 to 32 Mpg. Turbo has chain rather than belt. Yes - you can keep her without spending a grand to have the timing belt replaced. Tires & brakes, of course, but that's not bad.
All important visibility is the best. Soccer Moms like their large SUV's. They have great visibility & won't trade that in for a wagon that has poor visibility - Dodge Magnum comes to mind.