Passat Named Motor Trend's Car Of The Year

DETROIT, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Motor Trend on Thursday said the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, made in the United States, was their choice for car of the year.

The magazine said the family car was a surprise winner, given it's "conservative styling," and an interior frequently described as "drab."

At a recent auto show, "harsh lighting ... made the car look like a freshened version of Chevy's little-loved Impala," the magazine said.

But simple, the judges realized, can be classy. "Closer inspection reveals exquisite detailing," the magazine said.

Regarding engineering, "This 2.5 (liter engine) appears to have finally found a good home," Motor Trend said.

On fuel efficiency, the car holds its own with the diesel Passat turning in the best fuel efficiency numbers among the magazine's finalists for the annual award.

Safety starts with handling, Motor Trend said, as "agile cars are less likely to plow into things than poorly controlled, flabby, clumsy ones."

On value, "Here's where VW's $4 billion Chattanooga (Tenn.) plant pays off for U.S. buyers," Motor trend said.