autoevolution
 

2016 Volkswagen Passat Launched in the US with Worst Timing Ever

It's very tempting to start this story by talking about the EPA scandal. However, Volkswagen has released another update for its mid-size sedan. Even though nobody is going to buy cars from "the devil" we still need to examine the 2016 Passat.
2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos 31 photos
Photo: Volkswagen
2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos2016 Volkswagen Passat Official Photos
They promised a major facelift but delivered only minor styling tweaks. The US-spec 2016 Passat still looks like the uglier, much older cousin of the European model. Still, die-hard VW fans will appreciate these changes.

At the front, they've reshaped the grille to look a little bit like the sporty Golf R. A C-shaped piece of black trim goes around the side air vents and down to the spoiler. R-Line models also get a sexy aluminum-look grille and larger alloy wheels.

The headlights have been artificially slimmed by adding LEDs at the bottom and a trim piece at the top. Around the back, the taillights get a similar refresh, and the trunk lid is a little sharper. However, we think the put a round peg in a square hole back there.

Still not better than the Optima

Even though Volkswagen is the biggest car company in the world, the Passat is nowhere near its American class rivals. As sharp as the 2016 model may be, a Kia Optima or Honda Accord still looks better.

The interior of the Passat was always its strong point. They've made it even better by installing the steering wheel from the Golf 7. Behind it is a new instrument binnacle that looks great thanks to silver trim.

The biggest upgrade, however, is the MIB II infotainment. As the brightly colored logos suggest, it's compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink. Basically, you plug your smartphone in and control everything from the dash. Even gesture controls are available on high-spec models, so you could pinch-zoom your navigation map for example.

In terms of safety systems, the 2016 US-spec Passat is on par with its newer European cousin. Equipment includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking. After a crash, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System will automatically engage the brakes to prevent another impact.

No changes have been made to the engine range, and even the aging V6 has been kept in production. A 2.0 TDI s available, but the EPA will probably ban its sale.

Prices have not been revealed, but the could be increased across the range. The entry-level 2016 Passat 1.8T S model is said to start at $22,440 while the 2015 model year was only $21,340.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories