(January 8, 2014) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen announced today that it will offer a production version of the Passat Performance Concept shown at the 2013 North American International Auto Show: the Passat Sport. Joining the Passat line-up between the mid-level SE and the range-topping SEL Premium trims, the 2014 Volkswagen Passat Sport takes a number of design cues from the concept car to offer an athletic-leaning take on the award-winning sedan.

The 2014 Passat Sport is priced starting at $27,295 with the manual transmission (including $820 destination and handling), and will go on sale in early 2014. The starting price is $28,495 with the six-speed automatic.

Specifically, the Passat Sport features 19-inch Luxor wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights, a unique interior with sport comfort seats, carbon trim accents, aluminum sport pedals, paddle shifters (automatic transmission only), stainless steel door sills, and Sport-specific floor mats. Three exterior colors are available for the Sport: Urano Gray (an exclusive color for this model), Candy White, and Tungsten Silver.

Candy White and Tungsten Silver are accompanied by a black roof and black mirror caps, as seen on the concept car.

These features are in addition to those already offered on the mid-level SE trim, which includes Volkswagen Car-Net, the Premium VIII touchscreen sound system with HD Radio, automatic headlights, rearview camera, heatable front seats and leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with audio and phone controls.

The Passat Sport is available with Volkswagen’s new 1.8-liter EA888 Gen 3 turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder engine, which offers 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The 1.8-liter can be matched to a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.