2016 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T SEL Premium

2016 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T SEL Premium
Test Drive

Written by Katerina Krjanina and Marco Carvajal

Photographs by Katerina Krjanina

There are five versions available of the 2016 Passat 1.8T:

S, SE, SE with Technology, SEL, SEL Premium.

Let’s talk about the 2016 Passat Premium. This Passat Premium is a great car to own and to drive. Don’t expect dramatically different bodywork from “German engineering”, however it has a very nice design and a perfect mid-size, not too small, not too big. The Passat has a Classic-modern style, and it is very comfortable to drive. With a low price starting just above $20,000 it is a great new car to own and to enjoy, while staying in a very reasonable budget.

Engine

The 2016 Passat has two types of engines; the one we are testing has a 1.8-liter TSI four-cylinder engine. The other engine available is the 3.6-liter VR6. The smaller engine featured in the 1.8T version is a 1.8-liter gasoline. Some of the advantages of this smaller engine are that it gives to Volkswagen a good range to lower the purchase price by having a more economic engine, something that can be very appreciated by the car buyer, as well as a more efficient fuel economy, again good savings that can be appreciated by the consumers. If you are Passat buyer you probably won’t be looking for a smoky very expensive luxury sedan, but you will enjoy the nice design and features included in the Passat, in addition you will enjoy the advantage of a low fuel economy. From this point of view this Passat is a great option for many consumers who want to buy a beautiful car at a low price. It is a very nice car, it is very comfortable, purchase price is in a reasonable mid-range, and you will enjoy attractive fuel efficiency.

Exterior

You may barely notice the changes in the bodywork. But looking closely on the outside, Volkswagen has changed every body panel of this car, but again don’t expect a major change and luxury details.

The exterior has changed overall, studiously, avoiding trendy design elements with a classic modern look. The 2016 Passat has a much sharper grille and headlights.

The 2016 Passat has a nice Lighting Package installed with LED headlights, LED running lights, and LED taillights. It is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, and a large power sunroof.

Some of features include an adaptive cruise control system with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The SEL Premium also comes with a very advance Parking Steering Assistant System that steers the car into a parallel parking space while the driver operates the pedals and transmission, this type of futuristic features were impossible to have a few years ago, but at the present time are a reality, thanks to advanced Volkswagen technology.

Interior

The 2016 Passat Premium we are testing includes beautiful leather interior, it has good in-space and it is very comfortable. The Passat center console and the dashboard nicely break up the sea of plastic. Maybe plain plastic is not the best match, but it looks nice. The steering wheel has been redesigned as well. A switch to a frameless rearview mirror is one of our favorites little details what makes the 2016 Passat interior stand out! Other attractive interior features include Leather, a power driver’s seat, heated front and rear seats, Sliding, illuminated visor vanity mirrors for driver and front passenger, and Heated windshield washer nozzles.

With a low price starting just above $20,000 it is a great new car to own and to enjoy

The MIB II infotainment system is one of the biggest changes in terms of technology, it is a great system with some interesting new features. The iPhone and android pairing system uses a capacitive touchscreen to allow the familiar swiping and pinching motions normally used on the phones themselves. It is worth to mention the dual-zone climate control, a multifunction steering wheel and a color 5-inch display as standard items.

Price

With a starting price of $23,260, the Passat continues to offer a compelling German alternative to competition from imports from Korea and Japan.

The one we are testing, the 2016 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T SEL Premium has a manufacturer’s suggested retail value of $34,270 with an additional $620 destination charge, for a total suggested retail price of $35,090. It includes a lot of features and options that are standard on this SEL Premium model; it also includes a 6-Speed automatic transmission at no additional charge for this model.

During the time we write this article in June, 2016, Volkswagen is offering a Lease promotion of $199 per month for 36 months, with a $1,999 down payment. This price excludes taxes, title, license, registration, options and dealer fees.