The first question that many folks are asking about regarding VW, is emissions and what’s the deal? We will let them talk about that topic and fix whatever needs to be done to get the TDIs off the loading docks. For this review, we are focused on the gasoline model, specifically the 2016 Volkswagen Passat. OK that’s covered, I feel better now. 

Upon arriving in Vermont at Top Notch Resort I was greeted with some amazing smiling faces and VW logos galore. They know how to treat a guy, and I would recommend Top Notch if you are vacationing in Vermont any time soon. The town was like out of a movie… Picture the great small town in BeetleJuice. Minus a crazy Michael Keeton in the outfit that would be revived by Robin Thick and a melancholy Wynona Ryder.

Now that you are properly in the mental frame of mind let’s get into the joy that is driving the New Passat.  For starters the new 2016 has a great new high end exterior trim, that gives it a bit of attitude from the get go.

Volkswagen Passat 2016

The redesigned standard front and rear include slimmer energy-efficient LED headlights and taillights for the first time on a VW sedan for brings this car more class than its prior 2015 counterpart. Fully chromed four-bar grille, new clean lined domed hood, plus newly standard chrome window surrounding and trim, new bumper and trunk lid. Basically all body panels with the exception of doors and roof have been redesigned.

The redesigned interior has some additional features not found on the 2015 like an updated instrument panel and a center stack that gives a more premium feel.

front USB port standard and additional ports in the higher end models, and Standard MIB II infotainment integration, plug and play with your already attached digital appendage whether it’s an IPhone Android or other supported device with available VW Car-Net®APP-Connect Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®, yet another feature that isn’t expected in its more standard featured competitors.
As a 6’1” 220ish I can say that the back seat had ample room and gave up nothing for comfort, I would have been more than happy to road trip back there and nap while someone else drove.

The new driver assistance systems are standard features on select trim levels. And as a dad that helps with the shopping I loved the available Easy Open hands-free trunk, plus keyless entry with push button start, one less thing to have to fumble with.

While it didn’t’ rain today, I really wanted to play with the automatic rain-sensing wipers and ask my wife I’m always up for setting the mood the 2016 Passat has ambient front lighting, a Fender® Premium Audio System and Vienna leather seating surfaces, that’s right dads, this car gets the groove going. (start that Pitbull Pandora playlist now…. Or whatever playlist you like)

While the 2016 Passat isn’t the lowest cost vehicle in its class it is one of the better equipped vehicles and has great ratings, which make up the difference. It is by far not the most expensive either, staying remarkably close to its 2015 price point.
Pricing starts at $22,440, with new features representing a $1,315 value compared to the 2015 Passat 1.8T S
Considering it includes standard of every 2016 Passat Volkswagen’s Automatic Post-Collision Breaking System its now one of the safest cars. Available Driver Assistance features include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor; Active Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert with braking; Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist) with active steering; front and rear Park Distance Control (Park Pilot); and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist)

The get up and go on the new Passat is great, as well as the handling, which we put into good use in the winding hills. I really enjoyed driving it and it was no surprise that VW delivered as usual.
Bottom Line:
• Striking new front and rear design
• New interior with updated instrument panel and center stack for a more premium feel
• Standard MIB II infotainment system includes USB connectivity
• Available VW Car-Net® App-Connect offers compatible smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®
• Energy-efficient LED headlights available for the first time on a VW sedan
• New driver assistance systems are standard features on select trim levels
• First-ever R-Line® trim on Passat offers sportier styling
• Pricing starts at $22,440 for the 1.8T S model with automatic transmission
• Two engine options at launch: 1.8 TSI® gasoline and powerful VR6®
• Revised trim lineup provides enhanced value throughout the Passat range
• Built in America, at the world’s only LEED Platinum-certified manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee.