It doesn’t seem like the 2014 Volkswagen Passat is the family sedan’s 41st year in production. Maybe it’s because it’s also been known around the globe by a half-dozen other names: Dasher, Quantum, Santana, Corsar, Magotan and Carat.
The sixth and current generation debuted in 2011 and was named the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year. The Passat has a unique position the auto industry. Despite its Tennessee assemblage, it’s the only European-engineered family sedan in the segment.
Key Takeaways
- Test car: 2014 Passat SEL with the new 1.8-liter, 170-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder.
- Lineup: four models (2.5L, 1.8T, TDI and V6) in four trims: Wolfsburg, SE, Sport and SEL.
- SEL equipment: navigation system with a larger screen, keyless ignition/entry, remote ignition, eight-way power front seats with driver memory and dual-zone automatic climate control, with no option packages.
- History: the sixth generation debuted in 2011 and was named the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year.
- Driving: Driving the Passat is a treat.
- Cabin: It’s extraordinarily quiet when idling and at high speeds.
The Weekly Driver Test Drive
Offered in four models 2.5L, 1.8T, TDI and V6 models, the 2014 Volkswagen Passat is further categorized in four trims, Wolfsburg, SE, Sport and SEL.
The latter trim, with the new, more fuel-efficient 1.8-liter, 170-horsepower, four-cylinder turbocharged engine was my Weekly Driver. It’s only offered this year in the SEL and Sport models. It will be introduced progressively in other models as the standard configuration, replacing the 2.5-liter, five-cylinder offering.
The Volkswagen Passat in all trims offers an extensive standard features list and in the SEL model a pleasant presentation of no option packages.
Interior and Features
The SEL model, like other top-line car trims includes all of the other trim offers and host of other features: navigation system with a larger screen, hard-drive music storage and traffic updates, keyless ignition/entry, remote ignition, eight-way power front seats with driver memory functions, partial leather upholstery, wood-grain interior trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, HD radio and a separate ski pass-through for the 60/40 rear seat.
2014 Volkswagen Passat Verdict
Driving the Passat is a treat. It’s not classified as a luxury car, but it has those tendencies. It’s extraordinarily quiet when idling and at high speeds. There’s near-expansive front and rear seat room.
The 18-inch alloy wheels and the electronic stability control combine for a smooth rider with bumps, divots and other road nuisances all handled without issue. The Passat’s steering and maneuverability exceeds a good share of higher-priced vehicles.
Likes
Smooth, quiet highway drive.
Spacious interior, front seats and back.
Superior comfort.
Modern exterior design.
Steady powerful performance.
All inclusive equipment list. No overpriced option packages.
Retro analog clock. Simply presented. Why not?
Clean, horizontal paneling design.
Dislikes
Acceleration lag.
Off-white colored leather interior and carpet can discolor easily.
Bright red illuminated dash dials distracting.
Facts & Figures: 2014 Volkswagen Passat
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 170 hp |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Fuel Economy | 24 city / 34 highway / 28 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| Wheels | 18-inch alloy |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
