As expected, Volkswagen has announced a new, value-laden trim level to its mid-size Passat sedan for the U.S. market. Named Limited Edition, the new trim level has a starting price of $23,995 (plus transportation) and is positioned as a high-value trim slotting in above the Passat S, while replacing the Passat Wolfsburg Edition and Passat SE. As such, the Passat Limited Edition is not “limited” in any way, be it production, exclusivity, or otherwise… but we digress.
The Passat Limited Edition is powered by VW’s 1.8-liter TSI four-cylinder turbocharged EA888 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. It then adds the following standard equipment:
- 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
- KESSY keyless access with push-button start
- Rearview camera
- V-tex leatherette seating surfaces
- Heatable front seats
- Power eight-way driver’s seat with power lumbar
- Touchscreen radio with SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability
- 8-speaker sound system
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel, parking brake, and shifter
- Chrome window surrounds
- Front foglights
From a value standpoint, the Passat Limited Edition model has $2,755 of additional equipment but costs just $1,555 more than the automatic transmission S model.
Like in all U.S.-market Passats of this generation, the combination of the 1.8L TSI engine and six-speed automatic gearbox results in an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 24 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Like the rest of the Passat range, the 2015 Limited Edition model offers class-leading rear-seat legroom, a 15.9 cubic foot trunk, and “German-engineered ride and handling”, according to VW.
Sales of the Passat in the U.S. have fallen 16 percent through March of 2015 to only 20,408 units. After feedback from dealers, Volkswagen hopes that the new value-laden Limited Edition trim level will help turn that around.
No Comments yet