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"  On-Sale Date: Now Price: $20,845 to $33,895 Competitors: Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry Powertrains: Turbocharged 1.8-liter I-4, 170 hp, 184 lb-ft; six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, FWD EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 24/34\u201335 What&amp;#039;s New: The big news for the Passat is the gradual phasing out of the 2.5-liter five-cylinder, which is being replaced by a new 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder. At first glance, the I-4 produces the same peak output as the outgoing five-banger: Horsepower is matched at 170, and torque climbs by 7 lb-ft to 184. However, max torque now arrives at a mere 1500 rpm, compared with 4250 rpm in the outgoing five-cylinder.  For those interested in the diesel TDI or the top-spec V-6, those engines continue on. And all 2014 model-year versions gain a standard rearview camera on SE and higher trims, keyless access with pushbutton start, and new subscription-based Car-Net connectivity technology.   Tech Tidbit: The entry-level Passat&amp;#039;s third-gen engine is lighter and more fuel-efficient, boasting improvements such as a two-stage oil-pump crankcase and a cylinder-wall thickness that dips to as little as 3 mm. But this turbo-four&amp;#039;s trickiest features are its integrated exhaust manifolds. Not only does tucking the manifolds into the cylinder heads create a more compact package, but the setup also enables quick warmups while nearby ducts facilitate efficient cooling of exhaust gases. Volkswagen officials say such complex cylinder-head castings would have been impossible three or four years ago. Driving Character: Take a good look at the Passat&amp;#039;s serenely (perhaps conservatively) styled interior and you&amp;#039;ll get a pretty good sense of how this midsize sedan drives\u2014especially when it&amp;#039;s powered by the new base 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Unlike the outgoing five-cylinder, the new powerplant pulls strongly and steadily from low rpms, delivering smooth and easy acceleration, thanks to its flat torque curve. Handling dynamics are similarly simple to manage, with the new electric-assist, rack-and-pinion steering setup telegraphing enough information about the road surface below to encourage speedier driving than you might otherwise draw from this otherwise sensible sedan. Favorite Detail: Model refreshes tend to focus on fuel economy these days, but the base 2014 Passat&amp;#039;s more robust powerband and enhanced flexibility make it more fun to drive\u2014and prove that you can build a thriftier engine that&amp;#039;s also satisfying at speed.   Driver&amp;#039;s Grievance: Direct-injected engines are more efficient and cleaner-burning than their conventional fuel-injected predecessors, but they also tend to emit a buzzy din at idle that recalls 1980s-era diesels. VW deserves props for the packaging triumph that is their latest 1.8-liter GDI powerplant, but, hopefully, they&amp;#039;ll focus their next efforts on making their mills sound sexy. Bottom Line: In a segment dominated by Korean, Japanese, and American powerhouses, Volkswagen&amp;#039;s Passat stands proudly as a solid German alternative to the midsize competition. Although its styling is safer and personality a tad more restrained, the base Passat&amp;#039;s improved powertrain and agreeable interior make it a satisfying choice for drivers who prefer German\u2014and savoring all the driver-focused functionality that comes with it. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/reviews/a9501/2014-volkswagen-passat-18t-test-drive-15939100/>