2016 Volkswagen Passat: 7 Things You Need to Know
The revamped 2016 Volkswagen Passat has been revealed.
With new looks and fresh packaging, the Passat promises more safety features and better technology. Here’s what you need to know about the 2016 Passat:
New In-Dash Technology
Plenty of new tech has been packed into the 2016 Passat. Volkswagen’s second-generation modular infotainment platform, known as MIB II, has been fitted to the car, which brings along a standard touchscreen for every version of the car. On most of the MIB-equipped cars, a capacitative touchscreen that allows you to swipe and pinch-to-zoom has been installed along with a proximity sensor that switches the display to make it ready to use when a hand approaches.
Volkswagen’s Car-Net system, which uses MIB II as its foundations, is also available for the new Passat. It brings along a suite of connectivity features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. VW says that the system will allow for integration with the majority of smartphones available today.
Finally, a new foot-operated trunk feature has been installed, which allows you to open the rear cargo hold by waving your foot under the rear bumper.
Improved Safety Features
New for 2016 and standard on all Passat models is the automatic post-collision braking system. If a collision is detected by the airbag sensors, the car will automatically apply the brakes to bring the car to a halt, helping to reduce the chance of subsequent impacts.
Depending on the trim level, a whole host of safety features can be had with the car, including adaptive cruise control, autonoum emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, lane assist and par assist. Backup cameras are now standard on all Passat models.
Fresh Design
Volkswagen has given the Passat a more aggressive front end that looks much less docile than the current car. The front end now features slimmer headlights, a larger four-bar grille and new lines in the hood. On the rear end, a new chrome strip on the trunk helps to make the lights appear lower while chrome is also fitted to the bumper, window surrounds and door trim.
New LED headlights and taillights are now available for the Passat as well, providing reduced energy consumption and better performance.
R-Line Passat Arrives
For the first time, VW is offering is lineup of R-Line sport goodies on the Passat. Order an R-Line and the car comes with unique rocker panels, a revised front bumper with black accents, a modified rear diffuser and larger 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels packing 235/40 ZR tires.
Interior Revisions
Changes to the interior of the car aren’t dramatic. A new instrument panel with two large guages is seen behind the steering wheel, while MIB II and its touchscreen is fitted in the center stack. VW says the car features upgraded materials, a new steering wheel and colum stalk design, a two-tone decor and new chrome and piano black trim.
Backseat passengers can also now enjoy heated seats.
Powertrains
The engine lineup for the Passat remains the same, with the car offering a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder at the base, a 2.0-liter TDI diesel option or the top-dog 3.6-liter V6.
Power numbers for the 2016 model Passat were not announced, though they are not likely to change from the previous model, which means the 1.8-liter puts out 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, the 2.0-liter diesel makes 150 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, and finally the V6 makes 280 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Pricing
Detailed pricing for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat has not been announced, though Volkswagen did reveal that the base model Passat with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine will start at $22,440, the same base price as the previous model.
Discuss this story at our VW Passat Forum
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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The current Passat is garbage and the design is boring at best with cheapness written all over it.
New in-dash tech includes an "analog clock" sitting between the 2 center air vents? The interior does look nice, though. It's still Overpriced for what you get!