Chattanoogans swarmed around a pair of new Passats on Wednesday, taking advantage of their first chance to kick the tires and slide in behind the steering wheel of the much-awaited Volkswagen.
Many gave a thumbs-up to the looks of the Chattanooga-made sedan, though some raised questions about using the Passat name, which has been around since 1973.
More important for the German automaker, however, most people said they’d consider buying the vehicle.
“I’ve got a Camry that’s 11 years old. I’d look at [the Passat],” said Marv Martin, of Hixson, as he stood in the Chattanooga Convention Center.