Volkswagen revealed the new 2020 Passat at this year's Detroit Auto Show and we weren't exactly blown away by it. Until 2011, all U.S.-market Passat models originated from Europe. Back in 2012, VW split-off the North American Passat from the rest of the world, creating a bigger sedan that it built in its new factory in Tennessee. I'm sure I don't need to tell you the Passat has been a Volkswagen staple for decades. It’s going to be designed in America, for America. Come see what's new.

But that doesn't mean the 2020 Volkswagen Passat R-Line's old platform is bad. And higher speeds really were a bit of a problem for me.

Volkswagen has trumpeted its commitment to sedans in our market, but sedans are a dying breed, and we can understand the argument that it just doesn't make sense to sink too much money into the Passat.And while the Passat isn't exactly a bargain—at least not at the higher trim levels—with a starting price below $24,000 and an all-in price of just more than $32,000, we can hardly accuse Volkswagen of price gouging. (It's worth noting VW was an early adopter of the 2.0T format, and now that format is nearly universal. The American version of the 2013 model year Volkswagen Passat made its way to Middle Eastern markets, namely Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, by the summer of 2012.

Not that I should be one to criticize—I too am showing softness with advanced age.But the engine does return good fuel economy, and the big 18.5-gallon fuel tank, a relic from the days when,Inside, this 2020 Volkswagen Passat R-Line test-car is like a VW Greatest Hits album: Clear analog gauges (no video-screen dash option like on other VWs), three-dial climate controls, and a small but straightforward touchscreen stereo. Only Days Left To Enter Show & Tow Giveaway Worth $200,000,WRC 9 Review: Rally-Tastic Fun Just A Few Hairpins Shy Of Perfection.

The Passat name appeared for the first time in this market in 1990, and has remained ever since. ).Well, it's true the 2020 Volkswagen Passat R-Line might be a better car if it was on the MQB platform. Indeed, during my test of it, the,But I did say, "nearly everything I expect"? We took it to the track to see how it handles.Most Americans don't know these lucrative Social Security "secrets",Incredible Blanket Puts Humans In A Deep Sleep, Melting Stress Away,23 Gadgets That Could Sell Out Before the Holidays.Show full articles without "Continue Reading" button for {0} hours.the Passat was offered with a lusty-but-thirsty 280-hp V-6,2.0L turbocharged DOHC 16-valve I-4/174 hp @ 5,200 rpm, 206 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm,4-door, 5-passenger, front-engine, FWD sedan. While it fixed the many wrongs of its predecessor, the facelifted Passat was not able to impress our Editor in Chief John Neff during a,"It’s not going to be a Euro Passat. The Passat's turbocharged four-cylinder was designed to be efficient, and its EPA estimates are average among family sedans—but many rivals offer … There's no question the German company did a good job, but it’s obviously not enough, as Passat … ).This faithful servant still delivers 174 hp, same as last year, but for 2020 VW bumped its torque, by 20 lb-ft, to 206. For 2020,This drew criticism, because the new MQB platform, which underpins pretty much everything VW does, including the Jetta, Tiguan, Atlas, and Atlas Cross Sport, is a better-driving chassis. I'm sure my one itty-bitty complaint about the ride could be ironed out, and the 2020 Volkswagen Passat R-Line could probably get the fancy digital dashboard found in other VW models.But I can also understand the reasons for sticking with the old platform, and they all come down to dollars and sense. No question there would have been advantages.

The new.Other details about the next generation Passat for North America are not available at the moment, but we can surely expect some new engines to join the portfolio.Get upfront price offers on local inventory.Vehicle Imagery licensed from EVOX Images,VW Passat facelift (Euro Spec) at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show,North American VW Passat finally moving to MQB platform,https://www.motor1.com/news/97710/north-american-vw-passat-mqb/,refreshed the North American version of the Passat,Low Demand For U.S.-Spec Passat Forcing VW To Pause Production,2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport First Drive Review: Pretty Much Perfect,New BMW M3 Teaser Images Show Off Its Bright Green Paint,Hurry! Volkswagen refreshed the North American version of the Passat in September last year. Customize your own VW model, engine, colors, and features - all based on your budget. With its standard-fit six-speed automatic transmission, the 2020 Passat R-Line will get to 60 mph in a respectable 7.8 seconds, but it's the wall of torque (and, well, okay, perhaps a COVID-related lack of traffic) that got me in trouble—seems the Passat likes to sneak up past 80 mph, and that's where I started to feel the extra softness in the suspension.

The five-seater sedan is available in four trim levels, all with a 170 hp 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission only. Find your new German-Engineered VW today. God bless the cheeseburger!The bottom line is, I've tested-driven and critiqued cars for a lot of years now, and when it comes to the basics of getting a family of four or five where they need to go, there aren't many cars that do it better than the Passat.Now, a lot of my fellow critics have found something to criticize—specifically the fact Volkswagen didn't move the Passat to that new MQB platform. Maybe it'd make a stronger stand against newer competitors like Toyota's Camry, Nissan's Altima, or Honda's crowd-pleasing Accord.But the 2020 Volkswagen Passat driven for this test is solid—and this car critic simply can't find anything worthwhile to criticize.Like us on Facebook to see similar stories,Experts fear fall 'twindemic' with flu as COVID-19 deaths near 200K,Chain restaurants in the financial danger zone.Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.Test Drive: One Week With the 2020 Volkswagen Passat R-Line Shows the Car’s Strengths.If you've always wanted a muscle car, but never thought you could afford one -- think again.Driving a Tesla for the first time can be daunting, so we've explained everything you need to know about operating a Model 3.The 600LT is now available as a Spider. Back in 2012, VW split-off the North American Passat …