At the Detroit Auto Show last year, Volkswagen showed off a slightly sportier version of its Passat in concept form. Now, just days out from this year’s event, Volkswagen has shown a version of its Passat based on that original concept and which will be rolling into showrooms in the coming weeks.

The new Passat variant is called the Passat Sport, and it’s been priced from $27,295 when equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. Opt for a six-speed automatic and the price creeps up to $28,495. Both prices include a destination fee of $820.  

Available with the car is VW’s latest 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, code-named the EA888. Thanks to turbocharging and direct-injection technologies, it develops a reasonable 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.

But to denote the Passat Sport’s performance credentials, the car is fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels, a subtle rear spoiler, fog lights integrated into the front bumper, and a black coating for the mirror caps and roof.

The performance theme is continued inside with stainless steel door sills, aluminum pedals, carbon-look accents, paddle shifters for cars equipped with the automatic transmission, and special floor mats. The Passat Sport also gets many of the goodies fitted to the mid-level Passat SE model, including VW’s new Car-Net connectivity system, a touchscreen display, a rearview camera, heated seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering, and HD Radio.

Note, VW is also using this year’s Detroit Auto Show to present a fuel-efficient Passat BlueMotion concept. The concept features a turbocharged and direct-injected 1.4-liter engine and is said to be capable of returning 42 mpg on the highway.

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