2017 Passat Tdi Manual Transmission
I recently leased a 2017 Passat R-Line and I have to say I am surprised by how good it is. I'm pretty OCD and normally take a long time and make careful decisions. I cross-shopped it with other mid-size sedans, mainly the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Malibu, and Ford Fusion. Basically I rented or test drove all the main mid-sizers except the Subaru Legacy.
Passat 5 Speed Manual Trans Conversion. Very few Passats came with a manual transmission here in USA, and NO Passat Tdi’s came with manual transmission. Learn about the 2017 Volkswagen Passat Sedan. Mid-size sedans to offer the option of a manual transmission. What's new for 2017? From the TDI model.
In terms of handling, the Passat is middling. It Read More is a bit bouncy and feels just a bit floaty at high speeds (over 80 mph, which is normal speed on SoCal freeways when not congested). Of all of them, the best driving were the Mazda 6, Ford Fusion, and Honda Accord, followed by the Malibu, Optima and Passat, with the Sonata bringing up the rear. In terms of comfort, however, by far the most comfortable was the Passat, both for the front seats and especially the crazy large backseats. It also feels very airy and the sight lines are very good (except to the direct rear, where high back headrests intrude a little). The little 1.8 liter turbo engine is a champ. It felt at least as powerful as the base engines in the other mid-sizers, and more powerful than some.
Yeah, its 170 horsepower doesn't sound very impressive, but its 184 lb ft of torque is always there and gives really good oomph. I will check mpg when I've had it for longer. In terms of technology and infotainment, I would say the Passat ranks pretty well, but is not the best.
The R-Line has the key safety features I was looking for: Wide angle rear camera, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitor, and forward collision alert with emergency braking. The one feature it is missing which I wanted was adaptive cruise control - I would have needed to go up to the SE With Technology for that (I think Edmunds lists it in the normal SE, which seems to be a rare error by Edmunds). One possible safety issue: The headlights aren't the best. I have the halogens - the LED headlights are supposed to be a bit better, but mine doesn't have them.
I can see fine with the halogens, but they aren't very bright and some people might wish for more brightness. In terms of looks, I would say the Passat is attractive from all angles, especially the back and side, although I think looks are really a matter of personal taste. Trunk space is very good - 15.9 cubic feet, and the space is very functional, plus the rear seats fold down 60/40. The main reason I chose the Passat was that, looked at as a whole package, I felt better about it than any of the others. It just feels extremely easy to live with, and also feels like a premium car but at a lower price than others on this list. There is nothing it doesn't do well, and some things it does great (did I mention the huge open airy comfortable cabin?
Let me mention it again). Plus the dealership (Mossy VW in Escondido, CA) was more willing to work with me than other dealers. So I drove off with what I felt was the best car of the bunch, at the lowest price of the bunch, what's not to like? It's too new to give any reliability impressions - I might do that after I've had more time with the car. I had been looking for a new car for months and was thinking Audi or Lexus. I preferred German engineering over all else as I used to own a BMW 328i but decided to sell it before major repairs became a common place situation. I went to my local VW dealer and saw the R Line in Black and realized I preferred the look of this car over the new A4.
Took it for a test drive and fell in love. I don't know how the specifications are so low on the engine, Read More 170 HP and 184 ft lb torque when it feels like it pulls like a much higher engine. I was extremely impressed by the package and with the incentive, acquired the car for slightly over $22k. Insane value. After the past few days I am in love. It's quiet, perky, handles extremely well, fuel efficient and beautiful to look at and sit in.
I think VW really has a winner with this one. I look forward to owning this car for awhile.
The R-line has a beautiful sporty design compared to the base S model. The 19in aluminum alloy wheels are stylish and really grip the road allowing for great tight handling; and the R-line's cabin is quiet even with the larger tires. Combined MPG is higher than EPA estimates of city/hwy 23/34, I'm currently getting about 31.5 (half hwy, half city). What makes the Passat R-line stand above it's competitors is it's technology and low price. The Read More central info-entertainment system is far superior to it's competitors including the Camry, Optima, Legacy, and Madza 6.
Also, it comes in a few thousand below the base prices of several of its competitors, making it an affordable yet very reliable option. As an added plus is the size of the cabin. It's huge compared to other midsize sedans. Overall, very impressive for a vehicle in the low 20s. BRYN MACKINNON: I'm Bryn MacKinnon from Edmunds, and this is an Edmunds Expert Rundown of the 2017 Volkswagen Passat. Regardless of how plain it might look from the outside, the Passat is still a strong choice when it comes to mid-size sedans. The current Passat has been around for about five years, and this year's model hasn't changed much either, but that isn't a huge knock for this VW.
For years now, the Passat has offered a big, comfy back seat, a big trunk, and excellent interior materials. On the highway, the Passat gets up to speed quickly, thanks to one of two engines, a turbocharged four-cylinder or a non-turbocharged V6. Both are likeable engines with decent acceleration for the segment, but mileage is behind class leaders. Once you're up to speed, the Passat it is quiet and refined and makes for really easy commutes or road trips. It isn't as engaging to drive quickly, but all the midsize sedan basics are pretty much covered. Once you hop inside the Passat, you'll definitely notice how big the back seat is, a plus for Lyft drivers and parents with car seats.
But up front, things aren't very modern. Volkswagen has gone with a function over form set of touchscreens, it seems, and with the Passat, that makes things feel a bit dated.
The optional 6.3 inch touchscreen comes with modern stuff, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It just isn't as visually pleasing as the systems in some rivals.
The bottom line, with the 2017 Volkswagen Passat, is that it's a likeable sedan worth checking out, but you might be happier with a more modern rival. Be sure to check out competitors, like the Honda Accord, the Mazda 6, and the Ford Fusion.
For more Expert Rundowns, click the link to subscribe. Although it hasn't undergone a major redesign for several years, the 2017 Volkswagen Passat continues to hold its own against rivals from the U.S. And Japan in the hotly contested midsize-sedan market segment. It may not have the sports appeal or technical sophistication of some competitors, but the Passat's blend of roominess, pleasant styling and a comfortable ride clearly strikes a chord with the steady stream of buyers who have kept the model in production since 1973. After a minor refresh last year, the Passat has undergone few changes for 2017.
The SEL trim level has been axed, and a new V6 SE model has been added to the lineup. All Passats now have standard forward collision warning with automatic braking, and the higher trim levels get new standard equipment that includes Volkswagen's App-Connect with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The Passat's interior is one of the model's strong suits. The design is attractive, the layout functional and the high-quality materials give the impression of a more expensive vehicle. There's also an abundance of space, with plenty of leg-, hip- and shoulder room for front-seat occupants, a rear seat that's one of the largest in its class and a generous trunk size that vacationing families will appreciate. The standard infotainment system, while perhaps not a class-leader, is nevertheless easy to use and features a modestly sized touchscreen display. The standard powerplant for all trim levels is a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
More power is available on the SE and SEL Premium models in the form of a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 280 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and comes with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With suspension designed more for comfortable highway cruising and around-town practicality than flat-out cornering, the Passat still provides crisp steering response, and the Sport mode and available paddle shifters can help enhance the driving experience for those interested in a bit more excitement.
Performance from the standard four-cylinder engine is likely to be more than adequate for most drivers, although the V6 cut about 1.3 seconds from the zero-to-60-mph time in Edmunds testing. Fuel economy for the Passat with the base four-cylinder engine is EPA rated at a combined 27 mpg (23 city/34 highway), while the V6 achieved a combined rating of 23 mpg (20 city/28 highway). The surprisingly well-equipped Passat S comes with such features as dual-zone climate control, a rearview camera and an infotainment system with USB port. The R-Line model adds a few sporty touches, the SE tacks on more comfort and convenience items, and the top-of-the-line SEL Premium goes all out with details like heated leather seats, more driver-assist devices and a premium sound system.
Let Edmunds help you find the best 2017 Volkswagen Passat to suit your needs. 2017 Volkswagen Passat Overview The 2017 Volkswagen Passat is offered in the following submodels:. Available styles include R-Line 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A), SE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A), SE w/Technology 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A), S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A), SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A), V6 SEL Premium 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6AM), and V6 SE w/Technology 4dr Sedan (3.6L 6cyl 6AM). What do people think of the 2017 Volkswagen Passat? Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Passat 4 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.
Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Passat. Edmunds Expert Reviews Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Passat featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more. Our Review Process This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy.
We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors. We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life. Which 2017 Volkswagen Passats are available in my area? Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Volkswagen Passat for sale near.
Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat. Why trust Edmunds?
The 2017 Volkswagen Passat is a bit like the wise, elder statesman of the midsize sedan class. Indeed, VW has been selling the current-generation Passat since the 2012 model year, and every rival sedan has been redesigned in that time. Still, the Passat gets a lot right, particularly for the things that most shoppers are looking for.
True, this is a sedan to get if you're not interested in flash and flare. With reserved but classy styling, the Passat has a pretty timeless look to it. But it's a comfortable family shuttle thanks to its roomy backseat, big trunk and easy-to-drive nature.
Highway manners are excellent, too. It rides smoothly, the cabin keeps out most of the wind and road noise, and the front seats should keep you comfy on a long road trip. VW gives you a solid set of features for the money, too. The Passat shows its age in some areas, however.
Its fuel economy and infotainment systems, in particular, aren't as good as what you'll find in rival sedans. For example, check out the 2017 Ford Fusion and the 2017 Honda Accord. Both have powerful optional engines and are more fun to drive but are still quite comfortable and fuel-efficient. We're also fond of the sporty-looking Mazda 6 and the well-rounded Hyundai Sonata. Still, the 2017 Volkswagen Passat, grayed at the temples as it may be, is a likable choice, particularly if comfort is a priority. Standard safety features for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, a rearview camera, front side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags, and a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking.
Optional safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a lane departure warning system. VW's optional Car-Net telematics system includes automatic crash notification, roadside assistance, remote vehicle access, stolen vehicle location, speed alerts and geo-fencing (which allows parents to set boundaries for teenage drivers). In government crash testing, the Passat scored five out of, with four stars for front-impact protection and five for side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Passat its top score of Good in all tests, including the small-overlap and moderate-overlap front-impact, side-impact, roof strength and seat/head restraint (whiplash protection) tests. In Edmunds brake testing, a Passat 3.6 SEL came to a stop from 60 mph in about 130 feet, which is longer than average.
However, a 1.8 SEL stopped in a class average 123 feet. The base S comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, full power accessories, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, height-adjustable front seats (with two-way manual lumbar adjustment for the driver), 60/40-split folding rear seats, cloth upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a collision mitigation system with automating braking, a 5-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, a USB port and an auxiliary audio jack. The R-Line adds 19-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel (with shift paddles), an eight-way power driver seat (with four-way power lumbar adjustment), heated front seats, imitation-leather upholstery, a 6.3-inch touchscreen, HD and satellite radio, VW's Car-Net smartphone integration (includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink), blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and unique R-Line styling elements. The SE adds the features from the R-Line (minus R-specific styling and the large wheels) and further adds 17-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, a sliding front armrest, rear air vents and added Car-Net functionality. The SE's optional Technology package gets you 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, foglights, automatic wipers, a hands-free trunk opener with foot sensor, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, front and rear parking sensors, remote ignition, heated rear seats, a navigation system, an eight-speaker sound system and an upgraded version of Car-Net. The SEL Premium takes the features from the SE with Technology package and adds power-folding mirrors, an eight-way power passenger seat (with four-way power lumbar adjustment), driver memory settings, an automated parallel-parking feature, leather upholstery, a premium Fender audio system, a separate ski pass-through for the 60/40-split rear seats and a lane departure warning system. A Lighting Package is optional for the R-Line and SE and comes standard on the SE with Technology and SEL Premium.
It includes the foglights and LED headlights and taillights. The 2017 Volkswagen Passat is front-wheel-drive and is available with one of two engines: a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.6-liter V6. The four-cylinder is paired to a six-speed automatic transmission, and the V6 is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic (known as DSG). All trim levels come standard with the turbocharged four-cylinder, which is rated at 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. In Edmunds performance testing, a Passat with this engine accelerated from zero to 60 mph in a relatively quick 7.7 seconds.
EPA fuel economy estimates for the 1.8-liter stand at combined (23 city/34 highway), which is a bit behind the segment average. The 3.6-liter V6 is available on the SE and SEL Premium trim levels, and it produces 280 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. In Edmunds testing, a Passat with the 3.6-liter V6 made the sprint from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. It's rated at 23 mpg in combined driving (20 city/28 highway). Though both available engines in the 2017 Volkswagen Passat are worth considering, most people will be satisfied with the standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder. It's quick compared to rivals and offers decent fuel economy.
Unfortunately, the gas pedal's responsiveness is sluggish in the default setting. You can switch to Sport mode, but then it feels too jumpy. The 3.6-liter V6 makes for better acceleration, but fuel economy falls behind class leaders.
Its transmission has delayed shift responses, too, and it's a bit clunky with gear choice at slow speeds. Regardless of engine choice, the Passat is quiet and comfortable around town and on the highway. Steering is generally precise, but this isn't the car we'd recommend if you're looking for a sporty driving experience. It's a bit more relaxed and reserved, which may or may not be your preference. One of the most inviting parts of the 2017 Volkswagen Passat is its reserved yet classy interior. Cabin materials are excellent, and the cabin layout is, as you'd expect from the German automaker, logical and simple.
Competition is stiff in the family sedan segment, but the Passat still retains a vibe of simplicity and functionality that borders on luxurious. In contrast to that upscale interior feel, though, are the infotainment screens. Neither the base unit nor the upgraded 6.3-inch screen is very big, and graphics resolution isn't going to wow you. Still, they're easy to operate, and the robust suite of smartphone integration is certainly welcome. We like the Passat's front seats, finding them properly bolstered and comfortable for almost any driver.
Legroom is generous in the backseat, which means a comfortable fit for most adults and plenty of room for rear-facing child safety seats. The Passat is about tied with class leaders for trunk space at 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space. The trunk opening is large, and the 60/40-split rear seats mean plenty of space for larger items.
Edmunds expert review process This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors. We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder.
2017 Passat Tdi Manual Transmission Conversion
Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.