With a sharper and more aggressive style, a new R-Line model and lots of enhancements inside and outside, the Volkswagen Passat is getting a major upgrade for 2016. This mid-cycle refresh brings some fairly dramatic changes for the traditionally conservative Volkswagen. Every piece of the body forwards of the doors has been changed. The new fenders are sleeker and more aggressively cut, the nose has a new rounded profile with a grille that is even more squared off. The lower bumper features a trio of much larger intakes. The new hood is also aggressive for a VW product with sharp creases and a subtle power bulge that runs up the center. There are also new headlamps with integrated LED accents.
The new R-Line features body work that is even nicer looking with sharp black accents on the lower front bumper that mimic those found on the sporty GTI. R-Line models also receive bespoke side skirts, rear diffuser and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Gallery: 2016 Volkswagen Passat
Inside the cabin of the new Passat, Volkswagen has worked to make the already impressive cabin even more inviting with extra luxury touches and a host of upgraded comfort and technology equipment. Volkswagen has taken all of its interior materials back to the drawing board and has come back with new items that they are claiming is much higher in quality for both look and feel. The two-tone door panels, center stack and steering column also see enhancements. Infotainment options now include the new VW Car-Net system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. There is also a new option for heated rear seats.
Under the hood little has changed for the Passat. Buyers are still given a trio of engine options that include the 1.8-liter Turbo, 2.0-liter TDI and the 3.6-liter VR6. Of course, with VW’s ongoing TDI woes, there is no guarantee that engine will still be available, but we are hoping.
As before, the new Passat will be built in the Chattanooga, TN plant.
