U.S. Market Volkswagen Passat Gets Updated For 2016

The U.S. market Volkswagen Passat has received an updated for its 2016 model year, offering new styling which is more in line with that of its smaller European sibling, the B8.

Note that the the U.S. market Passat is different from the ones sold in Europe. Our local Passat models are same as the European market Passat.

Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the North American Passat features a slightly more aggressive look to it with reshaped headlights that flank the four-bar grille with vertical accents, unlike the B8’s. The bumper also gets updated to further accentuate the fog lamps, linked by a thin chrome strip running across. A domed hood rounds up the list of changes for the front fascia.

At the rear, you’ll find new taillights with a chrome strip linking them and repositioned reflectors resting below them. The bumper also gains a chrome strip running across it, adding to those already found on the window surrounds and door trim. LED lighting is available as an option for both the headlights and taillights as well.

On offer for the first time in the U.S. is the R-Line version of the Passat which graces the sedan with sporty design cues such as black rocker panels, new front bumper with black accents, side skirting, and a rear diffuser. 19-inch anthracite Salvador aluminum-alloy wheels wrapped with 235/40 ZR rated tyres are part of the package as well.

Inside, the Passat gets a makeover beginning with Volkswagen’s second-generation MIB II system mounted on the centre stack. The multimedia unit features a capacitive touchscreen and is available as standard on all models so swiping and pinch-zooming is a given. It even comes with a proximity sensor which detects when a hand is nearby and automatically switches its display to allow easier selection of specific features.

Aside from the usual USB and Bluetooth connectivity, the MIB II system comes equipped with the Volkswagen Car-Net system, which includes App-Connect technology, so Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink is seamlessly integrated.

Elsewhere, the driver benefits from a new instrument panel with two barrel gauges, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and new column stalk design. The cabin also sees two-tone décor panels accompanied by improved chrome and piano black trim. Heated rear seats are also offered here as well as Easy-Open keyless access that opens the trunk by moving a foot near the rear of the vehicle.

Driving and safety systems also get a boost here as well with the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System coming as standard on all U.S. market 2016 Passat models. Other systems include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert; Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist); and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist). These systems differ from variant to variant.

Volkswagen USA is offering three engine choices for the 2016 Passat with two petrol units – a 1.8-litre TSI and 3.6-litre VR6, with a single 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine on offer.