Volkswagen Passat is high on function, but low on visual appeal
Cars
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This is a 2016 Passat SE and according to Volkswagen, it's been updated.
Really?
Cuz I can't tell a difference.
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If you take a closer look at the Passat, you may pick up design changes, like a new domed hood, swimmer headlights, chrome four bar grill, and chrome window surrounds.
And for the first time on a Volkswagen sedan, LED head and tail lights are available.
Out back there's a new bumper, trunk lid, and chrome accent strip, that Volkswagen says helps make the rear lights appear lower to give the car a more grounded appearance Exterior changes don't do much, though.
The Passat still possesses an understated look which is bland in comparison to other mid-size sedans that have stepped up their styling game, like the Chevy Malibu, Honda Accord, and even the Toyota Camry.
The Volkswagen isn't ugly, nor is it pretty.
It's just there.
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In this Passat we have a 1.8 Liter turbo charge four cylinder engine.
It's the base engine in the Passat family and there's actually an upgraded 6 cylinder option but the four cylinder's got a 170 horsepower and when you're rolling down the street in the middle of the road range there's good power.
You get on it and you can go from 60 to 80 miles In a relatively short amount of time.
The problem is when you're at a dead stop there is noticeable turbo lag here.
When you're tipping the throttle and you have to wait maybe one, two seconds and that's when the power comes on.
I already said this car looks bland but one thing that isn't is how well this car handles for a relatively large, mid-sized sedan.
You throw it into a corner and the suspension keeps the car nicely planted.
There's not much roll to speak of.
And [UNKNOWN] is response to the input, but unfortunately it's lightly weighted and that's kinda a common complaint among many vehicles in the Volkswagen line up.
There's also a bunch of driving aids in here like adapted cruise control front assist with automatic emergency braking, wide spot monitoring and a rear view camera.
Inside Volkswagen's light update continue, with a new dash, center console, steering wheel, and a tasteful addition of chrome trim.
The bigger news comes on the entertainment front with a new system featuring a 6.3" touch screen with captive touch sensors, letting you swipe and pinch zoom like a smartphone.
There's USB and Bluetooth connectivity that allows for two phones to be connected and in use at once.
On this SE with tech model navigation is also standard.
VW's Car Net system is available and allows for Apple Car Play, Android Auto, and Mirror Link capabilities.
Is the 2016 refresh of the Passat significant enough to move the needle?
I don't think so, but that doesn't negate the fact that it's still a solid mid sized sedan.
For $30,000 you get a really good all-around car.
It's spacious, got a huge back seat, a giant trunk and there's also a ton of technology here with the new infotainment system and that's plenty for most family shopping this midsize sedan like.
