Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com Names VW Passat Its Top Sedan Under $25,000

MANCHESTER, NH, March 26, 2012 (Press-News.org) There is a seemingly endless selection of affordable sedans on the market these days, but none are more appealing to Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com than the 2012 Volkswagen Passat. Kbb.com recently unveiled its 10 Best Sedans Under $25,000 list, placing the all-new Passat at the top. Volkswagen's newest midsize offering is available at any VW dealership and was singled out for its pitch-perfect mix of space, refinement and affordability.

Kbb.com evaluated sedans on typical factors like comfortable ride, handling, fuel efficiency, features and value, but it was sportiness, luxury and refinement that put the winning vehicles over the top. Editors praised the 2012 Volkswagen Passat for driving like a smaller, more expensive car while offering plenty of interior space, all at a price that starts around $20,000.

"For the price, there's nothing that compares to the new Passat," said Frank Carnucci, general manager of Manchester, New Hampshire VW dealer Quirk Volkswagen. "From the way the doors shut to the interior materials, the Passat feels much like a luxury sedan. That appeals to people who want to feel like they are buying a car, not some sort of appliance."

The Passat's latest nod from kbb.com was the second that it received from the auto-research website in the last month. The midsize sedan was also number one on kbb.com's recently announced 10 Best Family Cars of 2012 list. As in the 10 Best Sedans list, the Passat's refined interior, affordable pricing and dynamic ride lifted the vehicle to the top of kbb.com's family-friendly choices. Meanwhile, the VW's midsize competitors, like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, failed to make the cut when it came to serving families.

Volkswagen brought the Passat back to the U.S. market last year after a short hiatus that allowed the sedan to be redesigned with the American motorist in mind. Built at Volkswagen's state-of-the-art assembly line in Chattanooga, Tenn., the new Passat's wheelbase is some three inches longer than the previous model, meaning more interior room. Engineers were able to make that change while maintaining the same premium driving experience that loyal Passat owners have come to expect.

Much of the Passat's engaging ride comes from its drivetrain choices, which provide ample power and laudable fuel economy, especially in the case of the available TDI Clean Diesel engine. The 2.0-liter diesel returns up to 43 mpg on the highway but doesn't give up anything in acceleration thanks to a heady 236 pound-feet of torque. Those looking for even more power can opt for the 3.6-liter V6 gas engine, which produces 280 horsepower while still netting 28 mpg on the highway. The Passat's standard engine is a 2.5-liter five-cylinder gas mill with 170 horsepower that achieves up to 32 mpg on the highway.

"The Passat makes the Accord and Camry feel cheap inside, and that's thanks to the hard work of Volkswagen's designers," Carnucci noted. "New Hampshire drivers want a car that feels like a million bucks, even if they only spent 20 grand. That's what the Passat does best."

About Quirk Volkswagen NH:
Quirk Volkswagen NH, the newest addition to the Quirk family of auto dealers, has already emerged as the destination for New Hampshire VW lovers. They have a fantastic selection of new and used Volkswagens ranging from the Jetta to the Tiguan, and the friendly, experienced sales and service staff to back them up. New Hampshire Volkswagen shoppers can browse Quirk Volkswagen's inventory online at www.quirkvwnh.com, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/QuirkVolkswagenNH, call them at 866-308-5124 or visit their dealership at 1100 S. Willow Street in Manchester, New Hampshire