Obviously, the reveal of the Passat isn't why the automotive
universe is talking
about Volkswagen these days.
That said, the show must go on, and the company revealed its
2016 Passat at an event in Brooklyn, New York on Monday night. The mid-size sedan
gets new front and rear clips aimed at giving it a
more aggressive appearance, though the changes are more evolutionary than
revolutionary.
Up front, the hood has a pronounced bulge, the headlights
are narrower, and the grille's four bars are thicker. The trunk, window arches
and bumpers also get some new chrome bits. LED head- and taillights—the first
on a VW sedan—round out the exterior changes.
Another first is the availability of a sporty
R-Line variant of the Passat, which will feature
unique rocker panels, a distinctive black-accented grille and a new rear
diffuser, along with 19-inch wheels.
Under the hood, three engine options will be available, the
1.8-liter TSI turbocharged four-cylinder, the 3.6-liter V-6 VR6, and
yes, the 2.0-liter TDIturbocharged four-cylinder diesel.
More pronounced differences are found inside the cabin,
which features a new instrument panel and center stack, including a standard
rearview camera. A touchscreen utilizing VW's MIB II infotainment is also
standard, and it will allow for swiping and pinch-zooming, as is found on
mobile phones. Proximity sensors—which sense hand position—will help keep the
system in a state of readiness, and the integration of Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto will also contribute to the passenger compartment's updated feel.
Available driver aids include Adaptive Cruise Control,
Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitor,
Lane Departure Warning, and a Parking Steering Assistant.
When equipped with the 1.8 TSI and an automatic
transmission, the 2016 Passat will start at $22,440, not including
destination. Full EPA figures haven't been announced, but early estimates put
the 1.8-liter models at 38 MPG on the highway.
Pricing for higher spec variants will be revealed
before the end of the year.
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