Shock therapy: VW's Passat bristles with tech, value
Volkswagen's midsize sedan not only offers European-style and handling, a willing turbocharged engine and plenty of room for under $24,000 but blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and forward-collision warning (with automatic emergency braking) are baked in.
Ditto its six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and sport mode, rear camera system with independent brightness control and VW Car-Net, VW's telematics and smartphone integration bundle.
Just one step up from the base Passat, the R-Line is VW's designated sport version with 235/40 19-inch all-season tires on double-spoke alloy wheels.
Unfortunately, there's no manual gearbox but the R-Line does get its own bumpers, grille, brushed stainless steel covers for the gas and brake pedals, and R-Line scuff protectors for the doorsills.
Volkswagen also packages the R-Line with standard automatic headlights, heated, foldable side mirrors, heated front seats (eight-way power with lumbar support for driver/manual passenger), dual-zone climate control, tilt telescoping steering column, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and shift lever handle, one-touch power windows, three 12-volt power points and USB and auxiliary inputs.
In addition to the driver-assist technology, VW added high-strength steel to specific places, including foot wells and door sills to improve stiffness without adding weight.
The 3,263-pound Passat was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and has earned a five-star overall rating from the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration.
Volkswagen notes that while both engines operate fine on regular unleaded gas, the published horsepower specs were attained on premium.
VW's Car-Net and "App-Connect" technology is standard, so compatible mobile devices can take advantage of the Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink smartphone integration systems.