2016 Volkswagen Passat video review

The most spacious saloon in the Altima Segment gets updated and refreshed

By Shahzad Sheikh

2016 Volkswagen Passat video review

We do like the Volkswagen Passat ( referring to the North American model we get here, not the European edition) for its practicality, comfort and value. When it came out in 2012 we ran it long-term and it even beat the Honda Accord in a twin test – read that here.

Watch a video review of the 2016 Volkswagen Passat by clicking below

So you’re looking at this and thinking – what’s the difference? Well at the front quite a bit actually! It has a new bonnet, front bumper, grille, slimmer headlights and even the fenders are fresh. There’s a new set of wheels, and at the rear the headlights have been gone over and now there’s a chrome strip on the boot lid.

2016 Volkswagen Passat video review

Inside there’s a new steering wheel from the Golf – flat-bottomed sporty for some reason – new instruments, frameless rear view mirror, two USBs (hallelujah), a 6.5-inch capacitive touch screen monitor, voice control, App connect with Apple Car Play and Android Auto along with a fantastic eight-speaker Fender sound system.

2016 Volkswagen Passat video review

You can also now open the boot with a ‘kick’ and a feature that was new to me, but seems to have been around for a while from what some readers have said, is that you CANNOT accidentally lock your key in the luggage compartment as it automatically reopens.

Safety features include anti-whiplash seats, and post accident automatic braking to avoid a secondary collision, as well as all the usual features.

2016 Volkswagen Passat video review

Prices start at just AED87,823 ($24k) for the S, the SE is AED95,503, SEL is AED103,753, Sport is AED118,189 and the range topper is the R-Line at AED124,981 ($34k).

It still has the 2.5 litre five-cylinder under the bonnet, and that’s plenty to get this room-on-wheel up and at it. Handling and grip is solid as you’d expect, that is to say admirably competent if short of actually being sporty – but then this car makes no pretence at wanting to chase supercars.

2016 Volkswagen Passat video review

Verdict

One of our favourite big comfy high-value cruisers just got even better thanks to a host of new features. If you’re looking for dynamic looks and performance, look elsewhere, but neither of those things are a priority in this segment. Instead this car nails it on the key factors that do count, and for that alone it deserves to do a lot better in our region.

Before you hit the Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Toyota, Honda showrooms, swing by VW and take this for a test drive.

2016 Volkswagen Passat – The Specs

Price:
S: AED87,813 ($24k)
SE: AED95,503 ($26k)
SEL: AED103,753 ($28k)
Sport: AED118,189 ($32k)
R-Line: AED124,981 ($34k)
Engine: 2.5, inline-5, 170bhp @ 5700, 177lb ft @ 4250
Performance: 0-100kph 9.0seconds, 190kph, 7.4L/100km
Transmission: six-speed auto, front-wheel drive
Weight: 1461kg

Let us know what you think of the 2016 Volkswagen Passat in the comments section below!

2 responses to “2016 Volkswagen Passat video review”

  1. Fahad says:

    I have been a big fan of Passat for a long time. Have a 2014 SEL Sport with me. Would love to trade in with the new R-Line
    Only disappointment is they have not offered the V6 in ME.
    You sometimes feel the need of a quick response while over taking on busy road and the 2.5 liter 5 cylinder takes it sweet time revving up 🙂
    Extremely reliable and very stable cars these Passats, even on 190kph (Yes! tried and tested 😉 )

    cheers

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