2016 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T Automatic
TEST REVIEW
Pros : good interior, high safety rating
Cons : slow acceleration, manual transmission missing
2016 Volkswagen Passat at first glance do not look new but provide glimpse of 2012 sedan, with something new in form of four bar grille, windshield and all of sheetmetal, bumpers are redesigned, LED headlamps, fog lamps, taillamps and trunklid. Interior comes with new control panel and center stack, infotainment system and connectivity features. MIB system is standard, optional as Car Net App Connect for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB port.
Driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control with automated emergency braking, self parking. Exterior changes enhances look, with same chassis as in early versions. 2016 Volkswagen Passat comes up with two engine options, 3.6 liter VR6 as standard and 1.8 liter turbo four cylinder, both paired with six speed automated transmission. V-6 comes with dual clutch while turbo four is having traditional torque converter. 1.8 liter turbo is able to produce 170 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 1500 rpm which is more than enough for starting well. Consumes 7.6 seconds from standstill to 60 mph. If looking for more acceleration opt for V-6 producing 280 hp available for trims which is to cost $6340 more with lesser EPA of 20/28 mpg city/highway while 1.8 provides EPA 25/38 mpg city/highway rating. V-6 with Continental ProContact TX-it tires requires 181 feet to stop form 70 mph, which is long for this segment. Brake pedal lacks firmness and fading occasionally. Stability control system in Passat do not come with switch off facility.
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