The VW Passat has in particular in Germany a name we Donnerhall. The bestselling middle-class is the darling of the masses for years. The US model is available in the land of opportunity for less than 15,000 euros. No Billigheimer, but a real hit.

The competition in the American middle class is harder than ever. Punches, Hyundai, Toyota, KIA, Chevrolet, and Ford fight against each other. The facilities are abundant, the tiny. This is American fast food. As of now, there is a new star in the North American middle class. Since in September the VW Passat had its market launch. The Passat with production site in Tuscaloosa has not much common with the European model. This also applies to the price. Because los is incredible 19.995 dollars. Which are converted only 14,700 euros – the most lush dimensioned discounts of the dealer and the ever-popular promotions in TV and newspapers not included. For this purpose, renounces tech engines with turbocharging or direct injection of the US based customer and must settle with the aged 2, 5-litre engine, which fired many VW models in the US market for years.

The grumpy five with 125 KW / 170 HP is however always strong enough to be fast enough on the road in the highly competitive US middle class. Enough for 190 km/h top and 0 to 100 km/h in under nine seconds. Consumption in the US mode is liters on 100 km between eight (Highway) and eleven (City). No class value, but at least at the start of the market Volkswagen leaves no choice to its customers. May well be that in the medium term Moreover the two litre large Turbo direct injection from the Golf GTI with 200 HP as a supplement. Double coupling or all-wheel drive – wrong. With a tank volume of 68 liters, however this creates 2, 5-litre engine a range of up to 900 kilometers. The engine is not only tgether, but also anything but elastic. An automatic start stop feature or regenerative brakes not there at the US model also. The price makes just the music in the land of opportunity.

Anyone who thinks that he in with 1,450 kg heavy US model a truely Billigheimer receives, considers itself deceived. The handling of US Passats is impeccable. The chassis is this US typical comfortably. The steering is a track to smooth and you are looking for the electric power assistance long ago introduced in Europe, which makes possible the parking attendant, here also in vain. The entire performance is somewhat softer than we know it from the European model. But also the smooth-running power steering and a somewhat thin brake feel are likely to disrupt hardly anyone even in Europe. Finally Fahrdynamiker are no matter on which continent in a Passat-.

To the balanced handling fits the very ordinary processing. No cheap plastics, as known in the US middle class from many competitors. The excess surface looks not only elegant – it feels so. The seats are also a real treat – optionally electric verstell-and heated – on long trips between Los Angeles and Las Vegas or San Francisco and San Diego. The US Passat not only the body can be seen. Also the Interior is so pleasing as the exterior design. Finally, Volkswagen wants to set the strong competition in the US market in particular with quality under pressure. The space available is exemplary thanks the 2.80 metre-long Radstades. Four adults have place without problems and thanks the 453 l hold in it also a long road trip. One Durchlade the transportation expanded in the rear arm rest and a folding rear seat yet.

While the basic model of VW transfers its power with an elderly manual five-speed transmission to the front wheels Passat 2.5 S, the higher trim levels SE and SEL will offer a six-gear automatic. Best buy is the 4.85-metre VW Passat 2.5 SE with appearance package for 22.690 dollars (about 16,700 euros). It offers include six airbags, 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic transmission, automatic climate control, cruise control, sound system and Bluetooth interface. Financially, the two unequal brothers separate worlds. In Germany the poorly-equipped base model costs Passat already 1.4 trendline with tired 122 PS expensive 24.775 euro. In contrast to the US model of comparable VW Passat 1.8 Comfortline with costs his 160 HP engine already 29.675 euro. There is a better safety equipment, a manual six-speed gearbox, and a consumption of just almost seven liters on 100 km. The modern, because elaborate chassis and the assistance systems are a fine thing. But also in Europe, which falls very many customers hardly in the weight.

The driver of the US Passat must do without the broad package of driver assistance systems. However, one can assume that an inexpensive Passat as in the United States in Europe would have a real chance. Where there is already a properly equipped middle-class sedan with a 170-HORSEPOWER engine and exemplary space for far less than 20,000 euros? Since some customer were to refrain only too happy to features such as Xenon light, passing Assistant and parking attendant. There are also in the United States an electric sunroof, heated leather seats and screen navigation. It seems only a matter of time until the American Passat through some free US importers finds its way to Germany. Because not only the price is a real show.