Volkswagen New Passat Sedan 2013

The 2013 Passat Sedan is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in 14 trims, ranging from the 2.5L... S to the 3.6L V6 SEL Premium.

Upon introduction, the 2.5L S is equipped with a standard 2.5-liter, I5, 170-horsepower engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 32-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The 3.6L V6 SEL Premium is equipped with a standard 3.6-liter, V6, 280-horsepower engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

What's New for 2013

After a redesign last year, the 2013 Volkswagen Passat returns with only a minor shuffling of features among trim levels. Most notably, a rearview camera is now available.

Introduction

The 2013 Volkswagen Passat enjoys a rather unique position, since it's the only European entry in the family sedan segment. Now, this does not mean this VW calls soccer "football" or takes off all of August to holiday in Mallorca. Instead, a continental heritage helps the Passat bring to its class of sedans a certain premium flair that its rivals lack.
This is apparent as soon as you take a seat inside the cabin. The interior is classy and distinguished, with legible, informative gauges, a no-nonsense layout and solid-feeling switchgear. On the move, the Passat has a confident, responsive personality while also remaining comfortable and usable. And since European automakers are big on diesel engines, it seems only natural that the Passat offers one: a 2.0-liter turbodiesel that gets very impressive fuel economy.
However, this Passat isn't just beer gardens and lederhosen. VW actually builds this car in Tennessee expressly for the American market. VW knows what Americans want, and that's why there's an impressive amount of legroom, while the trunk is above average in size. And if it's power you desire, there's a strong 3.6-liter V6 good for 280 horsepower available.
There are a couple downsides to the Passat. We're not fond of the longer-than-average braking distances, for instance, and its lazy throttle response with the automatic transmissions can be irksome. There are also a lot of great choices for a family sedan this year, including the stylish 2013 Ford Fusion, newly redesigned 2013 Honda Accord, value-packed Hyundai Sonata and sharp-handling 2013 Nissan Altima. But all things considered, the European-influenced 2013 Volkswagen Passat comes highly recommended.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2013 Volkswagen Passat sedan is offered in three broad models broken down by engine (2.5L, TDI and 3.6L), which are further subdivided into a trio of different trim levels (S, SE and SEL).
The lineup starts with the "S" base model (2.5-liter only), which comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry, full power accessories, air-conditioning, a six-way manual driver seat with lumbar adjustment, cloth upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, audio controls on the steering wheel, cruise control, a trip computer, Bluetooth with streaming audio and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio input. An available Appearance package adds a six-speed automatic transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels and a rear-seat center armrest.
Move up to the SE trim level and you get 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim, heated mirrors, a six-way power driver seat, heated front seats, rear seat air vents, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, a sliding front armrest, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, upgraded gauges and displays, rear air vents and an eight-speaker sound system with a touchscreen audio interface and satellite radio.
Options on SE models include a sunroof or the sunroof bundled with a navigation system and iPod integration. TDI SE buyers can add 18-inch alloy wheels and foglights as well. The 3.6L SE comes standard with these options except the navigation system, which remains optional. A nine-speaker Fender audio system is also included.
The 2.5 SEL models include all of the above (minus the foglights but keeping the 17-inch wheels), plus upgraded front seats, live traffic updates, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, a rear-seat pass-through and wood interior trim. The 2.5 SEL Premium adds the foglights, keyless ignition/entry, remote ignition, partial leather upholstery and power front seats with driver memory functions. Both the TDI and 3.6L can also be had in SEL guise, but the Premium package is mandatory.

Powertrains and Performance

The VW Passat comes with a choice of three distinctly different engines. The entry-level 2.5L model is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-5 engine rated at 170 hp and 177 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic. In Edmunds performance testing, an automatic-equipped 2.5 Passat accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9 seconds, which is about average for the class. EPA-estimated fuel economy for the manual transmission stands at 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. The automatic drops slightly to 22/31/25 mpg. These figures are about average for the class.
Those looking for maximum miles per gallon can opt for the TDI model with its fuel-efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel, which produces 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. It comes mated to either the six-speed manual or a six-speed automated manual transmission (known as DSG). In Edmunds performance testing, the Passat TDI went from zero to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds -- this is on par with gasoline-powered four-cylinder sedans. The EPA-estimated fuel economy is an excellent 31/43/35 for the manual and 30/40/34 with the DSG. In extensive Edmunds fuel economy testing, we've found that the Passat can easily surpass these numbers by 8-10 mpg.
If maximum thrust is what you're after, look no further than the 3.6L's 3.6-liter V6, which churns out 280 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. VW's six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission is standard. In Edmunds testing, this engine was able to bring the Passat from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds -- very quick for this class. EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 20/28/23 mpg.

Safety

Standard safety features for the 2013 Volkswagen Passat include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. Models with the manual transmission also gain hill-hold control. In the event of a crash, the Intelligent Crash Response automatically cuts off the fuel supply, unlocks the doors and turns on the hazard flashers.
In government crash testing, the Passat scored a perfect five out of five stars overall, with five stars for frontal impact protection and five stars for side crash protection. Similarly, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Passat its top score of "Good" for frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests. In Edmunds brake testing, both a Passat 3.6 SEL and TDI came to a stop from 60 mph in about 130 feet, which is longer than average. A 2.5 SE delivered a class-average 123 feet.

Interior Design and Special Features

Spaciousness is the operative word when describing the Passat's cabin. Space up front is good; however, the driver seat only adjusts in six ways (minus lumbar), and it lacks the seat-bottom tilt found in most competitors. In back, the Passat verges on full-size sedan dimensions, allowing even good-size adults to stretch out their legs. The backrest is too upright, however, which can result in taller occupants' heads grazing the roof. The spacious trunk can swallow 15.9 cubic feet of cargo -- a number that bests many of the Passat's competitors.
The quality of interior materials isn't as high as seen in previous Passats, but they remain among the best in the class, while the design adds an upscale feel. The layout of gauges and controls is also refreshingly simple. Finally, the premium Fender audio system has been tuned to the acoustics of the interior and will please even hard-core audiophiles.

Driving Impressions

The 2013 Volkswagen Passat's character depends a great deal on which engine is under the hood. Performance and fuel economy from the 2.5-liter five-cylinder are adequate and it should be an acceptable choice for most buyers. Our recommendation, however, is the turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel, which offers livelier low-end power and truly extraordinary fuel economy. For those who care more about power than fuel economy, the 3.6-liter V6 engine delivers much more enthusiastic acceleration.
The DSG automated manual transmission that's available with the turbodiesel engine and standard with the V6 works well, though throttle response (with the DSG and the regular automatic) is rather lackadaisical, with a noticeable lag between the time the pedal is pressed and when the engine actually kicks in.
On the highway, the Passat is impressively comfortable, snuffing out bumps large and small. Around corners, the steering is reasonably precise, although it's numb on center and a tad heavy at low speeds. Overall, though, the Passat manages to earn high marks for the type of tasks for which family sedans are typically used.

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Jaguar introduces its Fastest Most Powerful Sedan Ever

After giving America the taste of Jaguar F, Jaquar introduces its fastest, most powerful sedan ever.Jaguar turned stage left and rolled the second member of its R-S ultra high-performance model line out of a makeshift garage door at the 2012 LA Auto Show. The “S” version of the XFR borrows features from the XKR-S and F-TYPE in Jaguar’s attempt to take the sporty sedan to the next level.aguar claims that the XFR-S is also more agile.

It has a tighter connection between driver and asphalt by tuning the spring rates and adaptive damper settings. Lateral suspension stiffness increases by 30 percent, creating more responsive steering. The XFR-S will be available in five colors: French Racing Blue, Ultimate Black, Stratus Grey, Polaris White and Italian Racing Red. Subtle exterior cosmetic touches include the gloss black grille and trim.Only 100 will be available in the U.S., with prices starting at US$99,000, not including destination and delivery costs. The car will be available from early in the 2013 Northern Hemisphere summer.

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New Skoda Octavia 2013 comes alive

it has been a long wait, but finally, Skoda has revealed their all new Octavia sedan. 2013 Skoda Octavia is the third generation sedan, which is built on the VW's MQB platform, the same on which the new VW Golf, Audi A3 and Seat Leon run. New Octavia is 90 mm longer, and 45 mm wider.
Skoda Octavia Mk3 will be available in a choice of 8 engine options of petrol and diesel. The base petrol will be powered by a 1.4L TSI which will generate a maximum power of 120 hp. A 1.8 TSI petrol will also be offered which generates 177 hp along with a 1.6L diesel turbocharged generating 109 hp. The new diesel Octavia sedan will deliver a mileage of .4lt/100km (69.2mpg US or 83.1mpg UK) and emit just 89 gms/km of CO2.
The new Octavia is 4,659 mm long, 1,814 mm wide with a wheelbase of 2,686 mm, which is 108 mm longer than outgoing model. Because of this, you now have 8 mm of extra headroom, 39 mm of more front elbow and 26 mm or rear elbow space. Interior space in the new Octavia sedan is one of the best in the segment. Boot space is at 590 liters. For more information, scroll down.

Mladá Boleslav, December 11th, 2012 – The new ŠKODA Octavia sets standards in the compact segment. The Octavia's third generation more than ever confirms the car's unique position in its vehicle segment, impressing with an unrivalled space offering, new design, high functionality, innovative safety and comfort systems, low fuel consumption, wide range of ‚Simply Clever' solutions and a ŠKODA-typical price-value ratio.
"The ŠKODA Octavia is the heart of the ŠKODA brand," says ŠKODA CEO Winfried Vahland. "It embodies the good ŠKODA genes in the best sense of the word: lots of room, quality, precise workmanship, modern, mature technology, timeless design, high functionality and the best price-value ratio. Our customers' expectations have grown. Our aim was to make this car even better for its third generation. This is reflected in the values of the new Octavia – it is a class of its own."
The ŠKODA Octavia in its overall package has always been about offering that little bit extra. This is down to the generous space offering, but also the fusion of an elegant saloon shape with the practical advantages of car with a large hatch, a fusion that is unique in this segment. The new generation confirms this uniqueness. "The new Octavia shows us resolutely continuing down a ŠKODA-typical road. It is a car with middle-class qualities at a compact-car price. It is an ideal car for demanding, confident customers expecting a modern Octavia with all its good values. It is our best," says Frank Welsch, ŠKODA board member for technical development.

Unrivalled space offering, optimum functionality
The new ŠKODA Octavia sets benchmarks in its class in terms of its space offering. "The new Octavia offers space such as is otherwise found only in higher classes," says Welsch. No other car in the compact segment offers more interior length (1,782 mm), more knee room (73 mm) and more headroom at the back (980 mm). Also best in class is the boot volume at 590 litres. Other interior dimensions have also increased significantly compared to the Octavia's second generation: front head room: + 8 mm, front elbow width: + 39 mm, rear elbow width: + 26 mm.

New refinement: a distinctive, clear and timeless design
The new ŠKODA Octavia is not just roomy and functional, it looks good, too. ŠKODA design chief Jozef Kaba? and his team revised the car from head to toe, creating enthusiasm at first sight. Never before has a ŠKODA Octavia appeared as dynamic and at the same time as timelessly elegant, as distinctive, refined and assured on the road as this bestseller's third generation. "Each line and gap breathes love of precision and detail. The new Octavia is an unmistakable face in the automobile crowd," says Welsch.
Compared to its predecessor, the Octavia has grown significantly in length and width. The new model is 90 mm longer and 45 mm wider than the second-generation Octavia. At the same time, the wheelbase has grown by 108 mm, mainly benefiting the interior and space on the rear seats.
The front of the car is assured and confident thanks to an emphasis on horizontal lines and a new location for the ŠKODA logo. The side aspect of the new ŠKODA Octavia has become markedly more dynamic when compared to its predecessor. This is down to the long wheelbase as well as to the shortened front overhang and a C pillar pulled far backwards. The high, sharp tornado line provides the car with optical stretch and distinctively highlights its coupé-like silhouette. A special new characteristic is an upswept dynamic window line in the rear doors, the so-called "fin" - a small, but effective design idea providing the car with a forceful appearance and direction.
Its rear aspect is also about precision, classiness and perfect proportions. Everything is in the right place, well-positioned and tidy. ŠKODA's typical lighting graphic with its distinctive C-shaped lighting contour is executed in uncompromising brilliance.
Tidiness, elegance and especially lots of space are what the new Octavia's interior is about. ŠKODA designers have completely redone the car's insides.
Safety at the highest level

In developing the new ŠKODA Octavia, an important goal was to make the car even safer. Accordingly, ŠKODA engineers developed a host of cutting-edge safety systems for the new Octavia including Front Assistant/emergency braking function (from May 2013), Lane Assistant, which keeps the Octavia on track, multicollision-braking/automatic brake actuation in an accident, Crew Protect Assistant/securing of the vehicle in an accident situation, Driver Activity Assistant (fatigue detection) or an active front hatch for pedestrian protection. These systems help avoid accidents or mitigate their consequences for occupants and other road users.
In addition, a precise chassis, a long wheelbase and a rigid and light body structure combine to ensure an extremely stable handling in ŠKODA's most recent offspring. In the event of an accident, a comprehensive package of passive safety elements provides optimum protection for driver and occupants. In the area of passive safety, up to nine airbags, finely interacting with 3-point safety belts, shield occupants from injury. Knee airbags (standard in EU countries) and rear side airbags are available for the first time in a ŠKODA Octavia.

New efficiency: CO2 emissions from 89 g/km
Engineers achieved significant improvements in the ŠKODA Octavia's consumption and emission figures thanks to newly developed petrol and diesel engines, a low drag coefficient and reduced vehicle weight.
The GreenLine version of the new ŠKODA Octavia (1.6 TDI/81 kW) achieves CO2 emissions of only 89 g/km and consumes a mere 3.4 litres of diesel per 100 km. In all, four petrol engines, all with cutting-edge TSI technology, and four modern TDI common-rail diesel engines are available, with a natural-gas version planned for later. Except for the relevant entry-level petrol and diesel option, all engines now are available in a Green tec version with a start-stop system and recuperation. The line-up runs all the way to the top option, the 1.8 TSI with 132 kW. Modern manual and automatic DSG transmissions are available, with all-wheel-drive versions in the works. A sporty-trim ŠKODA Octavia RS is also in the pipeline.
Despite its increased size and larger amount of technology on board, ŠKODA engineers have still succeeded in making the car up to 102 kilogrammes lighter than the ŠKODA Octavia's second generation. This was achieved thanks to resolute lightweight engineering, a progressive body design, utilisation of high- and ultra-tensile steel and a careful selection of materials. Actual weight reduction will vary depending on buildability of each vehicle configuration.

Supreme comfort through innovative technology
In addition, the new ŠKODA Octavia offers numerous new comfort functions such as hitherto available only in higher-segment vehicles. In addition to making their debut in the new Octavia, some of them are even becoming available for the first time ever in a ŠKODA. In this context, use of new technologies is no end in itself, but seeks to provide tangible added value to customers, meaning no fanciful knickknacks, but technology for people's sake, technology that makes mobility safer and more comfortable for people.
Available for the first time in a ŠKODA is the Adaptive Cruise Assistant, which automatically maintains a pre-set distance to the car ahead. The new Intelligent Light Assistant will switch to high beam and back automatically, increasing comfort and safety in traffic. The Automatic Parking Assistant makes parking the Octavia in and out easier. Also available for the first time in a ŠKODA will be in the future traffic-sign recognition as part of the 'Traveller Assistant' package. Driving Mode Selection enables drivers to set certain vehicle driving characteristics at the push of the button. Another first is the electric panoramic sliding/tilting sunroof: a transparent panorama roof enhancing comfort and wellbeing on board the Octavia. The new Octavia is also available with KESSY (Keyless-Entry-Start-and-Exit-System), the automatic door- and ignition-lock system.

New generation of infotainment systems
The new ŠKODA Octavia impresses with an all-new generation of radio and radio navigation systems. Touch displays with proximity sensors and swiping functionality will be available in higher-level systems, while the new CANTON sound system and an acoustically optimised passenger space provide pure listening pleasure.

Practical and functional thanks to ‚Simply Clever' solutions
As in every ŠKODA, life for occupants is made easier by a range of ‚Simply Clever' features in the new Octavia. Depending on trim level, the following items are available either as standard or as an option. They include foldable cargo elements for the boot, enabling safe anchoring of objects on the floor. A double-sided floor covering in the boot can be found for the first time in a ŠKODA Octavia. An ice scraper is placed inside the filler flap. A warning vest holder is located underneath the driver's seat and a rubbish bin inside the door panel. A multimedia holder has space for an iPod, a mobile phone and the like. A large overhead sunglasses compartment is just one of many storage bays, holders und hooks that make for an intelligent and clean organisation of interior and baggage space of the new ŠKODA Octavia. Also on board are the fuel-error prevention function and a boot cover folding away behind the rear seats.

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Hyundai Veloster C3 Roll Top Concept Debuts At LA

Hyundai demonstrated just how useful this setup was at the unveiling at the L.A. Auto Show by stowing a bike in the back. This would normally be a real task for a car this size, but not so for the C3.

You certainly couldn’t accuse Hyundai of thinking too conventionally when it comes to the Veloster, the car with more doors on one side than the other was always a bold styling decision. Now Hyundai has brought a version with a canvas roof which slides to open either in the front or in the back. Called the C3 (“C” for convertible, “3” for the number of doors), the main differences are really pretty easy to explain, there’s a hole in the roof covered with canvas and a tailgate. That’s a pretty unusual combination of features for a car, but they are not without their uses. Hyundai demonstrated just how useful this setup was at the unveiling at the L.A. Auto Show by stowing a bike in the back. This would normally be a real task for a car this size, but not so for the C3.

here is a certain hauling potential here, and that might attract some buyers. But the roof can also slide in the other direction and serve as a massive sunroof, and this is likely to be the more common application. This setup is certain to be cheaper than a traditional convertible. The engine is the same as the Veloster Turbo, a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower.

There is no way to avoid mentioning it: the C3 is weird-looking. That might work for you, but it doesn’t make it not weird. The front wheels are black while the back ones are teal. The mirrors are red and there are black accents all over. Then Hyundai decided to call more attention to this by choosing a matching color scheme for the bike. Hyundai is definitely trying to appeal to young people with this car, and Chris Chapman, Hyundai Design North America’s chief designer, said at the debut that “The Veloster C3 Roll Top concept offers the ‘no strings attached’ freedom of a roll top convertible and customizable utility that fits an everyday to a play day dual lifestyle.” Then going on to say “We were inspired by the proverb ‘A rolling stone gathers no moss.” I’m not really sure what any of that is supposed to mean exactly either, but a sliding canvas roof and tailgate aren’t bad ideas, and it will be interesting to see if they make it into production.

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Ferrari F12berlinetta crowned 2012 Supercar of the Year

Maranello, 06 December 2012. Ferrari has been honoured once again to receive a coveted award from BBC Top Gear Magazine, one of the world's most influential automotive magazines, this time for the F12berlinetta which has been crowned "Supercar of the Year 2012". This brings Ferrari's tally of Top Gear Magazine Awards to the astonishing figure of 11 in ten years, and the third time Ferrari has won the "Supercar of the Year" award, with the F430 in 2005 and also the 458 Italia in 2009.

Commenting on the latest addition to the Ferrari range, Charlie Turner, Editor in Chief of BBC Top Gear Magazine commented: "Ferrari F12. At the risk of sounding like I've quaffed freely at the charming Dario's Kool-Aid, the F12 is just extraordinary. What sort of car is the Ferrari F12? Regal but not intimidating. Blitz-fast but not scary. Ridiculously brainy but never distant. Far better than me, without patronising me. Breathtakingly beautiful, did I mention that?"

The fastest, most powerful Ferrari of all time, the F12berlinetta strikes a perfect balance between maximum aerodynamic efficiency and the elegant proportions typical of Ferrari's front-engined V12 cars. Since its launch, the car has been the object of universal acclaim from the press and public alike, with BBC Top Gear Magazineaward following several other recent awards from Auto Bild "Design Award", The Sunday Times Driving's "Best Supercar and Luxury Car" award and the Golden Steering Wheel award from Auto Bild andBild Am Sonntag, the first time a Ferrari has ever taken this leading German industry prize. The Ferrari F12berlinetta's 6.3-litre V12 engine was also the winner of EVO magazine's "Engine of the Year" award in November.

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