TDI SE w/Sun 2.0L Black Grille w/Chrome Accents Body-Colored Door Handles

One of the more interesting options for a midsize sedan is the 2014 Volkswagen Passat. It's the only European car in the family sedan segment, nd that heritage is evident in its clean styling, idy, own-to-business interior design and solid, omposed highway ride. It's also the only sedan in this class that offers a diesel engine option, nd that power plant returns impressive fuel economy on par with hybrid sedans. However, here's plenty of North American influence in VW's family sedan as well, nd indeed the Passat's greatest attribute is the vast amount of space it offers for passengers and cargo. This spaciousness is no accident, f course, s the Volkswagen Passat is built in Tennessee expressly for the American market. Not only is this midsize VW sufficiently comfortable and serene for long road trips on U.S. highways, ut you can even get it with a potent 3.6-liter V6 engine. Most Passat buyers end up with one of the more sensible engine options, f course, nd to be honest we've never been thrilled with the base 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine's below-average fuel economy and slightly gruff power delivery. The good news is that Volkswagen is phasing in a new, urbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine for the 2014 model year. It doesn't make any more horsepower than the 2.5 engine, ut there's more torque for passing maneuvers and the 1.8T engine returns better gas mileage to boot. Initially, nly SEL models will have the new engine as standard, ut as the 2014 model year progresses, ou can expect to see the 1.8T on all VW Passats. Still, f you're really serious about fuel economy, he extra cost of the diesel engine on the TDI models will probably be worth it to you. Although there's much to like about the 2014 Volkswagen Passat, e can say the same about many of its competitors and you'll certainly want to check a few of them out before making a decision. The 2014 Nissan Altima and 2014 Honda Accord are two of our favorites in this class: Their base four-cylinder gasoline engines are more fuel-efficient than the Passat's 1.8T and 2.5 engines, nd the Altima has some of the richest cabin furnishings in this price range. We're also fond of the Mazda 6, hich has the sportiest handling in this class, nd the stylish 2014 Ford Fusion, hose eco-themed counterpart, he Fusion Hybrid, s a compelling alternative to a diesel Passat. Even in the face of so many competent rivals, hough, he 2014 Volkswagen Passat comes highly recommended, specially with the 1.8T and TDI engines. Body Styles, rim Levels, nd Options The 2014 Volkswagen Passat sedan is offered in four broad models broken down by engine (2.5L, .8T, DI and V6), hich are further subdivided into a quintet of different trim levels (S, olfsburg, E, port and SEL). The lineup starts with the 'S' base model, hich comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, utomatic headlights, eyless entry, ull power accessories, ir-conditioning, six-way manual driver seat with lumbar adjustment, 60/40-split-folding rear seat, loth upholstery, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, udio controls on the steering wheel, ruise control, trip computer, luetooth with streaming audio and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio input. The Wolfsburg Edition includes the features of the S model and adds unique 16-inch alloy wheels, eatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, six-way power driver seat, eated front seats, atellite radio, USB/iPod interface and VW's Car-Net telematics system. Move up to the SE trim level and you get 17-inch alloy wheels, eated mirrors and windshield washer nozzles, rearview camera, ear-seat air vents, sliding front armrest, n auto-dimming rearview mirror, pgraded gauges and displays, nd an eight-speaker sound system with a touchscreen audio interface. This year's new Passat Sport is