2016 Volkswagen Passat: Design, Interior, and Driving Experience
Volkswagen typically leans towards a safe and familiar design for its vehicles, and the Passat is no exception. The completely redesigned Passat is tailored for the American market, differing slightly from its more compact European counterpart. American consumers prefer spacious cars due to larger family sizes, which is why the Gulf countries receive the wider model. In summary, Volkswagen has opted for a secure route with the new Passat, incorporating subtle aesthetic updates and enhancing its interior features to keep it competitive in the midsize sedan segment.
Exterior Design
At first glance, you might not notice any significant changes to the Passat's appearance, which is typical of the model. Minor updates are often subtle enough to require close inspection. It is designed to be a practical car. However, if you look closely at the front, trunk, and roof, you will see that they have been refreshed. Additionally, the new front and rear LED headlights add a modern touch, although these updates are optional. With large 235/40 wheels, the midsize sedan exudes an appealing aesthetic that will attract families. You might also be interested in reading about the launch of the Volkswagen Passat in Abu Dhabi.
Interior
The interior is where Volkswagen has put significant emphasis. It surpasses many competitors in this category. However, the beige color scheme may feel somewhat dull. There is a notable amount of faux wood used throughout. Volkswagen has also focused on the frameless rearview mirror. The seats are comfortable, although the dashboard could be improved with higher quality materials, unlike those found in Hyundai and Kia models. The touchscreen display is significantly better than those in competitor vehicles and is compatible with Apple and Android devices.
The Passat is equipped with safety features such as:
- Automatic pre-collision braking system
- Rearview camera
- Adaptive cruise control
- Collision warning system
- BSD (Blind Spot Detection)
- LDW (Lane Departure Warning)
- Emergency braking
You may also be interested in an interview with Thomas Mills about Volkswagen.
In terms of cabin space, you'll be pleased to know that the Passat offers the most spacious interior in its class. The European variant is slightly smaller, which is why the American version has been introduced to this market, as we favor larger vehicles.
Overall, the Passat meets our requirements for comfort and safety.
Driving Experience
The Volkswagen Passat is powered by a 2.5L engine delivering 170 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 9 seconds. The engine is paired with a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission, although occasional unusual sounds can be heard. The steering is slightly heavy, but you'll quickly acclimate to it. While the steering response may not always be immediate, this is expected. The driving quality is high for this class, and I did not notice any imperfections on the road. The ride is exceptionally smooth. Well done, Volkswagen!
We conducted a dynamic driving test to evaluate the agility of this front-wheel-drive vehicle, and I must say the experience was fantastic. You barely feel the turns and can confidently navigate sharp corners despite its front-wheel drive. Coupled with firm brakes and stable wheels, you get an exceptional driving experience.
Summary
The new Passat excels in all the crucial aspects. While it may not be the most visually striking option, its interior is attractive, and the dynamic driving experience is impressive. Starting at a price of AED 87,000, it becomes a competitive choice against Japanese cars.
Prices and specifications of the Volkswagen Passat in the Gulf countries
Editor's Choices for Other News:
Volkswagen cars at the Qatar Auto Show
Looking for a used Passat? Click here!
