Mark Phelan's take on 2012 Passat (Detroit Free Press)

[Oberkanone]

http://www.freep.com/article/20111006/COL14/110060391/Forward-Passat-VW-hopes-score-Americans-bigger-better-equipped-2012-sedan?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Auto%20news

The diesel is by far the best of the three engines. The TDI accelerates well thanks to its brawny 236 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 to 2,500 r.p.m.
With the six-speed manual transmission, the TDI rates an outstanding 33 m.p.g. in the city, 41 on the highway and 35 in combined driving. Surprisingly, the TDI's EPA fuel economy falls to 30/40/34 with the dual-clutch automatic. Most modern automatic transmissions deliver better fuel economy than the corresponding manual.

The Passat competes with sedans like the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry. The prices of the Passats I tested were at or above the top of the price range for the competition.

 

[MyAvocation]

CORRECTION: Replace "41" with "43":

With the six-speed manual transmission, the TDI rates an outstanding 33 m.p.g. in the city, 41 on the highway and 35 in combined driving. Surprisingly, the TDI's EPA fuel economy falls to 30/40/34 with the dual-clutch automatic.

 

[wolfsburg_de]

CORRECTION: Replace "41" with "43":

With the six-speed manual transmission, the TDI rates an outstanding 33 m.p.g. in the city, 41 on the highway and 35 in combined driving. Surprisingly, the TDI's EPA fuel economy falls to 30/40/34 with the dual-clutch automatic.

He seems to have transposed the 3 and 1 between the two figures. Actual EPA rating is 31/43. He was right on the 35 combined though.