The 2016 Volkswagen Passat has touched down with a new design and features that makes it the best Passat yet. During a recent drive throughout New England, I got the chance to get behind the wheel of the 2016 Passat and experience the upgraded features first hand. With the arrival of the 2016 Passat, two new exterior colors are available across the model lineup: Pure White and Reef Blue Metallic. Discover more features and upgrades from the 2016 Passat drive experience below!
The striking new front and rear design includes stylish upgrades that are pleasing to any eye. Exterior design changes include: slimmer headlights, a more substantial fully chromed four-bar grille, new domed hood, newly standard chrome window surrounds and trim, new rear bumper and trunk lid.
The interior features include a new dashboard and center console, two-tone decor panels, new gauges, steering wheels, and column stalks, as well as additional chrome trim pieces. MIB II infotainment system brings USB connectivity, VW Car-Net App-Connect technology, and supports all three available connected car systems: Apple CarPlay®, Google Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®
Available Driver Assistance features include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor; Active Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert with braking; Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist) with active steering; front and rear Park Distance Control (Park Pilot); and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist).
Designed and specifically tailored for the U.S. market, the Passat delivers plenty of space for five adults. Ingress and egress is effortless with large, wide-opening doors, and the large trunk can accommodate 15.9 cubic feet of luggage. Cloth trim is standard on the base S model and the R-Line, while the SE trim features Volkswagen’s perforated V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces as standard, now with contrast piping on Cornsilk Beige and Moonrock Grey interiors. SEL models receive Vienna leather seating surfaces.
Available technology and comfort options include: foglights (including cornering light); Homelink remote garage door opener; “Passat” scuff plates; KESSY keyless entry with push-button start; frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror; footwell lights; rain-sensing wipers; ambient front lighting; Fender® Premium Audio system; Vienna leather seating surfaces.
USB and Bluetooth connectivity for compatible devices are standard on all 2016 Passat models. Drivers who have two phones can connect them at the same time and are able to make and receive calls on each.
The MIB II system also serves as the foundation for Volkswagen’s available Car-Net®, one of the most comprehensive suites of connected vehicle services and features available in the automotive industry. Car-Net features include App-Connect technology which allows integration with three major smartphone platforms—Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®—allowing seamless integration for compatible smartphones.
With Car-Net Security & Service features, you can use your laptop or smartphone to locate your parked car, access a vehicle health report, make service appointments, load destination information before leaving the house (or get information while on the go), and much more.
Security & Service also has Family Guardian capabilities: owners can set boundary or speed alerts for their VW models, and receive a text or email message if their set speed limit or approved area is exceeded.
New to select 2016 Passat models is an Easy Open trunk, which allows the driver to use their feet to activate a sensor near the rear of the vehicle, opening the trunk hands-free. The driver’s key must be within three feet of the trunk to use the Easy Open feature.
At the rear, a new bumper and trunk lid help to shape the 2016 Passat’s new look. The new car has a premium European-style flush rear license plate area and a new chrome strip on the trunk connects the trunk lid to the taillights, making the rear lights appear lower and enhancing the grounded appearance.
Overall, the 2016 Passat features a winning combination of interior and exterior design, class-leading technology, available driver assistance systems, and a powerful and highly efficient base engine.
Pricing for the 2016 Volkswagen Passat starts at $22,440—the same as the outgoing base model when equipped with an automatic transmission. When new content is factored in, this represents a $1,315 value enhancement over the base 2015 Passat. (That means you’re getting over $1300 in bonus features in the 2016 model without paying more money!)
Want to discover more behind the new 2016 Passat? Get social with Volkswagen on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or you can visit VW.com.
