At Volkswagen, we’re all about family. Sure, our cars are fun to drive, but safety for all is a top priority for us, especially when it comes to our families, the most precious cargo of all. That’s why we were so flattered when Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com announced its picks for the 10 Best Family Cars of 2012—with our very own 2012 Volkswagen Passat taking the number one spot.
Vehicles were selected on a number of criteria, including safety (for which the Passat has already won an award), comfort (we’re not bragging, but the Passat does offer class-leading rear-seat legroom and automatic dual-zone climate control), and child-friendliness (did we mention that we love kids?).
Another important criterion is Total Cost of Ownership, which looks at a variety of factors like expected fuel costs. With a TDI Clean Diesel option that gets an estimated 43 MPG and can go up to 795 miles before refueling, the Passat got top marks in this category. With fuel prices on the rise, families are looking for value in a vehicle. And speaking of value, Passat models start at only $19,995. That’s a lower starting price than previous models, even though the 2012 model is roomier than its predecessors.
A factor that certainly didn’t hurt the 2012 Passat in the rankings is that it’s built at our LEED Platinum manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In addition to being one of the world’s most advanced and energy-efficient assembly plants, the facility also created more than 12,500 new jobs in the Chattanooga area, a huge boon to American families.
We’re always happy to receive awards, especially from an authority as revered as Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, but we’re even happier when you bring a Passat home to meet your family. For more information please visit the press release.
Tell us: what do you look for in a family car?
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