Volkswagen Passat TDI SE
- Price: $26,675
- Gas mileage: 31 mpg city/43 mpg highway
Costing roughly $2,000 more than the similarly equipped gasoline-fueled SE, the TDI delivers the best fuel economy among Bankrate's picks. The 140 horsepower generated by its 2-liter, four-cylinder turbo diesel doesn't sound particularly potent, but the whopping 236 pounds-feet of torque gets this sedan up and moving in a hurry. A six-speed driver-shiftable automatic with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles is available, but Bankrate stuck with the fun-to-drive six-speed manual.
A spacious, nicely finished cabin hosts a bevy of standard features, such as its eight-speaker touch-screen audio system with iPod interface, Bluetooth connectivity, heated front seats and a rearview camera.
Volkswagen firmly believes in the connection between driver and car, and Passat expresses that passion for driving.