Photo: Volkswagen
For the 2016 model year, Volkswagen has made several upgrades to the Passat sedan sold in the U.S., without switching to the newer model offered in Europe. About a month after being revealed at an event in New York, the 2016 Passat is now becoming available from $22,440 (recommended retail price without destination charge).
That money gets you the standard 1.8-liter TSI turbocharged engine with 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque. Even the most basic Passat S model comes with a six-speed DSG automatic gearbox, because nobody wants to drive stick anymore.
With the Passat S, you also get 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control; MIB II Composition Color touchscreen infotainment system with a 5-inch color display with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a rearview camera, and the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. A Lighting Package, which includes LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED taillights, and front fog lights, is available for $1,245.
It's nice to have that kit, but to get the Passat looking like the one in our photos, you might also want the R-Line kit, the first one ever available on a US-spec Passat. If you want the more aggressive bumpers, 19-inch wheels with 235/40 all-season tires and black accents, be prepared to pay $23,975. The Lighting Package is slightly cheaper at $1,095, but you still have to pay $775 extra for the R-Line Comfort package.
As is usually the case with German cars, the price can get out of hand when you move further up the range. For example, the range-topping SEL Premium starts at $34,270 with the 1.8 turbo or at $36,835 with the 3.6-liter V6 (280 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque or 350 Nm). Volkswagen's idea of a car with everything comes with all the safety toys, twin exhaust, self-parking features, and a fully decked out interior. Still, it's entering premium car territory, so very few people are going to buy the flagship 2016 Passat.
A 2-liter diesel engine is something else that's unlikely to be bought since the EPA has withdrawn certification for all 2.0 TDI engines until further notice.
“The 2016 Passat builds upon the solid foundation laid by its predecessor and offers more aggressive styling, a more premium interior, and a host of newly available driver assistance, connectivity, and convenience features,” said Michael Horn, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “We are pleased to announce that our customers will get all these new features and standard equipment for the same price level as the previous model.”
With the Passat S, you also get 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control; MIB II Composition Color touchscreen infotainment system with a 5-inch color display with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a rearview camera, and the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. A Lighting Package, which includes LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED taillights, and front fog lights, is available for $1,245.
It's nice to have that kit, but to get the Passat looking like the one in our photos, you might also want the R-Line kit, the first one ever available on a US-spec Passat. If you want the more aggressive bumpers, 19-inch wheels with 235/40 all-season tires and black accents, be prepared to pay $23,975. The Lighting Package is slightly cheaper at $1,095, but you still have to pay $775 extra for the R-Line Comfort package.
As is usually the case with German cars, the price can get out of hand when you move further up the range. For example, the range-topping SEL Premium starts at $34,270 with the 1.8 turbo or at $36,835 with the 3.6-liter V6 (280 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque or 350 Nm). Volkswagen's idea of a car with everything comes with all the safety toys, twin exhaust, self-parking features, and a fully decked out interior. Still, it's entering premium car territory, so very few people are going to buy the flagship 2016 Passat.
A 2-liter diesel engine is something else that's unlikely to be bought since the EPA has withdrawn certification for all 2.0 TDI engines until further notice.
“The 2016 Passat builds upon the solid foundation laid by its predecessor and offers more aggressive styling, a more premium interior, and a host of newly available driver assistance, connectivity, and convenience features,” said Michael Horn, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “We are pleased to announce that our customers will get all these new features and standard equipment for the same price level as the previous model.”
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