New for 2016
The Passat gets a significant update for 2016, with revised styling and some content changes.
One Special Sedan
With the current-generation Passat, Volkswagen sought to design a midsize sedan specifically for the U.S. market. It largely succeeded, but VW is refining the formula this year with an updated 2016 Passat. With new styling and tech features, the Passat is an even more compelling entry into the midsize sedan category than before.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2016 Passat is available with two powertrains that should be familiar to Volkswagen shoppers. Because why fix what isn’t broken?
The standard engine is a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which produces 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. EPA-rated fuel economy for this configuration is 29 mpg combined (25 mpg city, 38 mpg highway).* VW says that’s an across-the-board 2 mpg improvement, achieved thanks to the use of aerodynamic underbody components.
For a bit more power, there’s also Volkswagen’s 3.6-liter VR6. An engine type peculiar to VW, it’s a V6 with a narrow enough “V” angle that the two banks of cylinders can share a cylinder head. This makes the engine more compact, which allows VW to fit it to smaller cars than a typical V6, or alternatively to free up passenger space.
The VR6 produces 280 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque on premium gasoline, although 2016 models can also run on regular gasoline. It’s paired with a DSG six-speed dual-clutch automated transmission, which makes for faster shifting than a conventional automatic. VR6 models achieve an EPA-rated 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway).*
Features and Trims
The 2016 Volkswagen Passat is a four-door, five-seat midsize sedan. It’s offered in six trim levels, priced starting from $22,440.**
Standard equipment on the base Passat 1.8T S includes 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, multifunction steering wheel, automatic headlights, Bluetooth®, rearview camera, and a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, among other features.
Each model builds on the previous one, so the Passat 1.8T R-Line incorporates all of the applicable standard features of the 1.8T S, and adds even more. Upgrading to the R-Line nets 19-inch alloy wheels, a body kit, V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces, chrome oval exhaust tip, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter, and parking-brake handle.
One step up from the R-Line is the 1.8T SE, which adds a power sunroof with sunshade, heated exterior mirrors and washer nozzles, SiriusXM® satellite radio, heated front seats, and VW’s Car-Net system with app suite and Security & Service features. An SE Technology model adds keyless entry with pushbutton start, hands-free trunk, auto-dimming rearview mirror, footwell lights, rain-sensing wipers, front ambient lighting, and navigation.
The 1.8T SEL builds on the 1.8T SE Technology, with additional standard features like stainless steel pedals, a Fender premium audio system, leather seating surfaces, power front seats with power lumbar and memory for the driver, a rear-seat pass through, and rear center armrest with storage.
Finally, there’s the SEL Premium, which can be had with either the 1.8-liter four-cylinder or 3.6-liter VR6 engines. This model adds standard LED headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights, power-folding mirrors, remote start, color driver information display, carpeted floor mats, and several electronic driver aids (see below).
Design
The previous Passat was by no means ugly, but Volkswagen’s styling updates for 2016 give this sedan a more dynamic look. Slimmer headlights, a more prominent grille, and a reworked hood were meant to give the Passat a wider, more planted stance. The changes are up front are complemented by changes at the back, including a new rear bumper and trunk. The Passat is also the first VW sedan sold in the U.S. with LED headlights and taillights.
Changes to the interior include a new dashboard and center console, and integrated two-tone décor panels. The top of the dashboard is more sharply sculpted than before. The gauge cluster is modeled on that of the current Golf, and the steering wheel comes from the Golf as well. Chrome trim pieces and a frameless rearview mirror lend the cabin an upscale feel.
The Passat is still a fairly substantial sedan. Its long 110.4-inch wheelbase allows for 39.1 inches of rear legroom, and the trunk boasts 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Large, wide-opening doors make ingress and egress easier. There’s plenty of technology, too, including VW’s latest MIB II infotainment system and Car-Net, which includes both apps and telematics services.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Volkswagen Passat includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, a rearview camera, and a full array of airbags. Optional features include lane-departure warning with active steering, blind spot monitoring, front and rear Park Distance Control, and Park Steering Assistant.
Bottom Line
The 2016 Volkswagen Passat stays sharp with some strategic updates and dynamic styling. If you're in the market for a smart and stylish midszie sedan, the 2016 Passat more than deserves a place on your list.
Be sure to contact us online or visit us at 3Birds Template to schedule a test drive.
*Where stated, fuel economy values (mpg) are EPA estimates. See www.fueleconomy.gov for details. Actual mileage will vary and depends on several factors including driving habits and vehicle condition.
**All prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and exclude transportation, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.
Image: Volkswagen
