A few days ahead of the 2014 NAIAS in Detroit, Volkswagen announced the launch of the production version of a concept car they revealed at the 2013 NAIAS. It is the Passat Performance Concept, which launches into the market under the name of Volkswagen Passat Sport, featuring an exclusive aero kit and special features.
The 2014 Volkswagen Passat Sport comes as standard with 19-inch Luxor wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights, a unique interior with sport comfort seats, carbon trim accents, aluminum sport pedals, paddle shifters (automatic transmission only), stainless steel door sills, and Sport-specific floor mats.
What’s more, depending on the exterior color you go for, you could get a black roof and black mirror caps as well, exactly like the concept car shown last year in Detroit.
In terms of features and equipment, the Passat Sport is based on the SE trim level but gets some additional goodies including Car-Net, the Premium VIII touchscreen sound system with HD Radio, automatic headlights, rearview camera, heatable front seats and leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with audio and phone controls.
Despite the name and the appearances, the Volkswagen Passat Sport is not really a sporty sedan. It is powered by the firm’s new 1.8-liter EA888 Gen 3 turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder engine, which offers 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. But then it starts at just $27,295 (including $820 destination charge). You can choose between a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission.
