VW Reveals the Updated 2016 Passat

2016 Volkswagen Passat (Credit: © Volkswagen)

Volkswagen Auto Group is in a whole world of hurt with the recent emissions scandal involving its TDI engines. Now would be the time when most automakers would lay low a bit and just let no news be good news, but VW is apparently not like most other manufacturers. Recently, VW announced the updated 2016 Passat to a world that is not looking too fondly upon the brand.

» Related: EPA Giving Porsche an Extra Sniff

The new Passat received only a light refresh, but it is noticeable. Up front, Volkswagen added a touch more aggression to the sedan, giving it a crossbar grille, updated headlights with available LED technology, a reshaped hood, and more angular fenders.

2016 Volkswagen Passat (Credit: © Volkswagen)

The rear also received an update, but nothing nearly as heavy as the front. Back here, VW added in a redesigned bumper that is missing the recess for the license plate (the plate is now on the trunk lid), a chrome strip running the width of the bumper, a new set of reflectors just under the taillights, and a redesigned trunk lid with chrome strip running between the taillights. Speaking of the taillights, like the headlights, VW will offer these with available LED technology in 2016.

The Passat’s cabin also got in on the revision fun. In here there is a redesigned instrument panel that features two large, round bezels housing the gauges and a new MIB II infotainment system. Other interior updates include more upscale materials, a redesigned steering wheel, new piano black and chrome trim, two-tone décor panels, and available heated rear seats.

2016 Volkswagen Passat (Credit: © Volkswagen)

In Volkswagen’s press release, it mentions that the 2016 Passat will have the 2.0-liter TDI engine available, but I think it may be a while before we see this engine again. The other two engines include a standard 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers up to 38 mpg highway and a 3.6-liter V-6 VR6 engine that delivers 280 horsepower. Volkswagen didn’t announce the output of the 1.8-liter engine, but my gut says it will remain at 170 horsepower.

For the 2016 model year, Volkswagen will also give the Passat its first-ever R-Line trim level, which includes revised rocker panels, a restyled front bumper with black accents, a more aggressive diffuser, and 19-inch rollers wrapped in 235/40R19 Z-rated tires.

The 2016 Passat will start from $22,440 in its 1.8T S trim, which is $1,100 more than the base 2015 model. That is, however, the same price as the 2015 model with the auto transmission, which leads me to believe VW is ditching the standard manual transmission. More pricing details will roll out as we approach the Passat’s release date.