2016 Volkswagen Passat video review
The most spacious saloon in the Altima Segment gets updated and refreshed
By Shahzad Sheikh
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
They don’t offer R-Line in KSA?