The 2013
Volkswagen Passat TDI is one of the most
family-friendly midsize sedans I've ever driven with its large backseat,
ample trunk and
ah-mazing fuel economy. Its got lots to offer
and a somewhat moderate price, but I had mixed feelings about this
clean-diesel-powered sedan.
The 2013
Passat
TDI doesn't look a bit different from the non-diesel model, save for
the badge in the back. It's a long, streamlined sedan with clean lines
and a simple aesthetic; it looks large when compared to other midsize
sedans in its class as well.
One of the best things about the exterior design is
how easy it is to get in and out of this car. The door handles aren't
too high, and the door openings are generous. This is good news for
parents who assist children into their child-safety seats, and it's
especially convenient for those who are constantly loading/unloading
infant carriers in and out of their base.
There's no need to pack light if you've got the
Passat. With a stroller in the trunk, I still had plenty of room for
grocery bags. The trunk has great cutouts in the walls where I stored my
reusable shopping bags, first-aid kit and an umbrella. Bring on the
double strollers, golf bags, beach chairs or even a group of clowns to
jump out of the trunk, the Passat can take it, I swear.
The gas-powered
Passat has a couple of options under
the hood, but the TDI model is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder
engine. Don't be discouraged by its 140 horsepower; it's peppy enough
and its 236 pounds-feet of torque makes it more fun to drive than many
hybrids. As someone who usually gets below-average mileage due to
hastiness and stop-and-go traffic in Los Angeles, I was floored when I
checked the trip computer more than once and found numbers higher than
40 mpg. The
Passat TDI gets an EPA-estimated 31/43 mpg city/highway, and
I maintained those for the week. The real gem was never visiting the
gas station to fuel up during my test drive. One less errand with a
demanding toddler is one of the biggest conveniences of all.
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent):
Excellent
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On):
Some
The
Passat
TDI's interior is huge. This is one sedan that actually delivers on its
roomy specs and ample legroom. My husband was able to recline in the
front passenger seat, and my daughter sitting behind him in the backseat
still couldn't reach the seatback to kick it. Families will love how
roomy and spacious it is inside, and if you don't have child-safety
seats, a family of five will be quite comfortable in this five-seater.
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent):
Excellent
Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On):
Some
The
Passat
TDI's interior is huge. This is one sedan that actually delivers on its
roomy specs and ample legroom. My husband was able to recline in the
front passenger seat, and my daughter sitting behind him in the backseat
still couldn't reach the seatback to kick it. Families will love how
roomy and spacious it is inside, and if you don't have child-safety
seats, a family of five will be quite comfortable in this five-seater.
Courtesy of Cars.com
