Volkswagen of America has officially unveiled the 2016 Volkswagen Passat. This model is unique to the North American market, which was designed for the American lifestyle and built in Volkswagen’s state-of-the-art factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Changes are rather obvious, as the 2016 Passat gets a new front bonnet, front fenders, front grille, front and rear bumpers, boot and optional LED headlights and taillight. Only the roof, the doors, and the body side stamping are unchanged from the predecessor. The 2016 Passat will also receive the R-line treatment, which features black accents, a revised front bumper, a modified rear diffuser and 19-inch anthracite Salvador alloy wheels.
“We applied a progressive design strategy with the new Passat, giving the car a dynamic presence and a more sophisticated look,” said Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design, Volkswagen. ”We have integrated several new design elements, including a sculpted, domed hood that significantly sets the car apart from its predecessor.”
The interior of the 2016 Volkswagen Passat has also been updated. The revised instrument panel features a pair of large gauges and the center stack incorporates VW’s latest MIB II infotainment system. Elsewhere, Volkswagen says that materials of the 2016 Passat has also been improved and there’s a new flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Buyers in the United States have a choice of 3 engines, namely a 1.8L turbocharged and direct-injection TSI 4-cylinder, a 2.0L TDI and the 3.6L VR6 engine with 280hp. Whether or not the TDI model will launch is yet to be seen, in light of Volkswagen’s current diesel misconduct.
