2014 Volkswagen Passat in high demand

The Volkswagen brand has always done a wonderful job of representing the quality and durability of outstanding German engineering. The 2014 Volkswagen Passat TDI SE is certainly a perfect example of what can be accomplished! The Volkswagen Passat has become a mainstay in the U.S. mid-size sedan market, and is helping fuel the demand for Volkswagen's small-displacement engines that achieve high levels of performance and efficiency.

The 1.8T engine packs quite a punch, with peak output of 170 horsepower, matching the horsepower rating of the larger 2.5-liter five cylinders, but delivered at 700 fewer revs. The new engine also returns much better EPA estimated fuel economy figures than the 2.5-liter engine. While the actual fuel economy varies by model, the Jetta equipped with the 1.8T and a six-speed automatic transmission now gets 36 mpg on the highway, up from 31 mpg for the 2.5-liter engine.

At the same time, the city mileage improves from 24 to 25 mpg, and the overall EPA estimated combined fuel economy is now 29 mpg compared with 26 on the outgoing five cylinders. As well as offering better fuel economy, the new engine's additional low-speed torque has enhanced the performance of the cars fitted with the engine: the manual transmission Jetta 1.8T now goes from 0 to 60 mph in a manufacturer estimated 7.3 seconds, an improvement of 0.7 seconds over the 2.5-liter model.

The 2014 Volkswagen Passat offers you different trim levels, from the simple S, the more trimmed out SE and the high end SEL, with a Sport trim. Let's begin with the base Passat 1.8T S comes standard with the 5-speed manual transmission, an attractive 16inch steel wheels, a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support, air conditioning, a trip computer, Bluetooth and a 6-speaker audio system with an auxiliary input. Not bad for the entry level Passat.

Next is the 1.8T SE which boasts 17-in alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, a power driver's seat, heated front seats, an upgraded trip computer with a larger display, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated exterior mirrors, rear climate vents, and an 8-speaker audio system with a 6-CD changer, an SD-card reader and a 5-in touchscreen interface that includes a rearview camera.

Top of the heap is the 1.8T SEL which comes standard with the sunroof, a hard-drive-based navigation system with digital music storage and a larger, 6.5in touchscreen, better-bolstered front seats, foot-well lighting, a 9-speaker Fender audio system with iPod integration, dual-zone automatic climate control.

Of course, there is plenty of safety features in the 2014 Volkswagen Passat. You get stability control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, and six airbags. The independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety similarly awarded the Passat its highest rating of "good" in every testing category.

On the road, the Passat is strong, sure footed and a real joy to handle in all kinds of weather. I never felt I was not in full control of the vehicle. The 2014 Volkswagen Passat is going to run you from $20,340 for the S model upwards of closing in on the $30,000 mark for the SEL version with all the bells and whistles.

Of course prices may vary based on the market and upgrades, but there is no doubt either way you go, you are going to enjoy the stability, high grade quality and power you get behind the whel of America's most popular midsized sedans.

Information for this column was acquired from the VW media website.