Volkswagen has announced pricing for the all-new 2012 Passat, the firm’s midsize sedan design to meet the needs of U.S. consumers. The four-door saloon will have a starting MSRP of $19,995 (€14,110), not including a $770 destination charge that increased the price to $20,675.

Built at Volkswagen’s newly inaugurated Chattanooga plant in the state of Tennessee, the Passat is available with three engine options and eight equipment levels. The starting price corresponds to the 2.5L model, which features a 170HP 2.5-liter petrol engine mated to a manual gearbox. The entry-level Passat comes equipped with automatic dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel audio controls and VW’s no-charge three-year/36,000 mile Carefree Maintenance Program as standard.

For $23,725 (€16,745), VW offers the 2.5L SE model, which adds an automatic transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, touchscreen Premium VIII radio and a multi-function steering wheel covered in leather.

The second engine option is the 140HP 2.0-liter diesel unit that starts at $25,995 (€18,350) and is offered in three trim levels. The Passat TDI has an estimated highway fuel consumption rating of 43 mpg (5.47 l/100km) and a driving range of nearly 800 miles (1,287 km). The SE base trim package includes 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, Premium VIII radio and a six-speed manual transmission. The dual-clutch DSG box is optional.

Finally, the 280HP 3.6L VR6 model is offered in three trim levels, with a starting MSRP of $28,995 (€20,465). It comes standard with a six-speed DSG transmission and other features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, sport seats, sunroof and a Fender premium audio system.

Optional extras include leather upholstery, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, wood decor, ambiance lighting, power passenger seat, memory driver’s seat, RNS 315 or RNS 510 navigation systems, front fog lights and keyless access with push button start.

By Dan Mihalascu

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