The 2014 Volkswagen Passat is a midsize sedan with the space and comfort of many full-size models, offering remarkable, best-in-class, stretch-out rear-seat legroom and trunk space to match.

Under hood, the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine will be gradually replaced by a brand new 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder engine. The engine makes 170 horsepower (the same as the 2.5L) and 184 lb.-ft. of torque (7 lb-ft more, delivered lower in the rev range).

The Passat TDI version delivers an EPA estimated 43 miles per gallon on the highway with the manual transmission, giving a range of almost 800 miles.

VW engineers also made some other significant mechanical improvements for 2014. On the cars fitted with the 1.8T engine, the hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering has been replaced by an electric-assist system.

Volkswagen introduces its VW Car-Net connected services on the Passat lineup. It offers a wealth of security and convenience features, including Automatic Crash Notification, roadside assistance services, and stolen vehicle location assistance. In addition, VW Car-Net adds: remote vehicle access; boundary and speed alerts; a vehicle health report; and an enhanced POI service on vehicles equipped with a navigation system.

The Passat's clean design, with a predominance of horizontal body elements, reinforces its position as the sophisticated choice in the midsize segment. The Passat's grille is sculpted in a three-dimensional shape and makes a distinctive and elegant impression because of its strict geometry.

There's room for five adults to really stretch out in comfort. And with four large, wide-opening doors, getting in and out is a breeze. The instrument panel is similar to that of VW's flagship model, the Touareg.