Motor Trend's Car of the Year award is one of the most prestigious in the automobile industry today. In place for 62 years, the reputable award goes to the vehicle that scores highest in six categories: Engineering Excellence, Advancement in Design, Safety, Efficiency, Value, and Performance of Indented Function. All models are also subject to real-world driving, track-based driving, and handing evaluations. This year's award went to the 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The Volkswagen was awarded this honor at the 2011 Long Angeles International Auto Show, held in November.

So, what separated the Volkswagen Passat from its competition? Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief, Angus Mackenzie explains the winning decision: "The well-equipped Passat is a breakthrough car for Volkswagen, as it has been designed to suit the North American market and is being built in a brand-new, state-of-the-art assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tenn. It has one of the roomiest interiors in its class, a wide choice of powertrains and a well-tuned chassis. A compelling new entry in the toughest, most competitive vehicle segment in the U.S. today, it's a terrific all-around family sedan."¹ The Passat trumped 34 other re-designed and new models.

Features of the 2012 Passat:

- Three trim levels: S, SE, and SEL
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: 43 highway mpg for Passat TDI and 28 highway mpg for the Passat VR6
- Price: Starts at below $20k

Interested in owning the "Car of the Year" ? Come by Atlantic Auto Group today for a great deal on any of our 2012 Volkswagen models. We're located at 6820 Tilton Road Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey 08234. Can't find us? Click here for directions!

Source:¹http://www.egmcartech.com/2011/11/17/2012-volkswagen-passat-awarded-motor-trend-2012-car-of-the-year/