Europe's largest automaker continues expanding production opportunities here state side.
One of Volkswagen's volume-leading sedans is built in America at the German automaker's sole U.S. production facility. It's the snappy mid-size Passat which undergoes a mild refresh in 2016.
A state-of-the-art production facility, opened for duty in Chattanooga, Tennessee back in 2011. By mid-2015, VW had already churned out its 500,000th U.S.-built Passat.
During its first five years, the mid-sized Passat enjoyed status as the sole resident in Chattanooga, but the roomy four door will soon welcome a roommate. Volkswagen announced last year a yet unnamed mid-size seven-passenger crossover will call Tennessee its production home as a 2018 model year entry designed especially with U.S. tastes in mind.
Two gas engines return unchanged under Passat's hood from 2015, driven by standard front-wheel drive: a turbocharged 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder cranks out 170 horsepower while a 3.6-liter V-6 ups the ante to 280. Both accept regular, 87-octane fuel but the V-6 achieves top horsepower specs utilizing premium unleaded. Expect this same 3.6-liter engine under hood in the upcoming mid-size crossover.
Turbochargers run off of recycled exhaust gases spinning a pinwheel-inspired turbine to pump a higher air concentration into the engine, helping pump-up performance without adding weight or additional cylinders.
The 1.8 turbo tester provided excellent pickup, perkiness and passing power throughout Interstate 90 challenges, despite horsepower numbers below some rivals. Mild refreshes and value-added nuances bring Passat pricing ever closer to volume-leading mid-size competitors.
Pricing starts attractively at $22,440 for an 1.8-liter S trim with four-cylinder turbo engine and six-speed automatic transmission, but bottom lines add up when factoring in many newly available technology nuances. The lone V-6 trim, (VR6) standard with every bell and whistle starts (and ends) at $36,835. Trim lines include S, SE, R-line, SEL and VR6.The sporty, new-for-2016 R-line adds front bumpers with contrasting black accents and 19-inch wheels with all-season tires.
Passat does a good job of simplifying the buying procedure with few from-the-factory stand-alone options and trims equipped with specific packages and predictable price points.
For example, our Passat 1.8T SEL 'Premium' tester included technology and lighting packages with a $34,270 starting price, ending at $35,090 when factoring in a $820 destination charge. Without packages the 1.8T SEL checks in at $30,495.
Passat offers no wagon or coupes, but the compact Golf features all three bods (sedan, wagon and coupe). New exterior Passat updates include slimmer headlight housing making a 45-degree turn to side fenders and flanking four horizontal chrome bars with the iconic, stacked VW logo front and center. A dozen or so amber LED turn indicators underscore the headlights, adding jewel-like ambiance.
In addition the muscular domed hood, front fenders, rear bumper and trunk lid get restyled in 2016. A new chrome stripe adorns the trunk lid while chrome enhancements surround side windows.
Larger-than-average rear window and side windows provide better-than average sight lines while minimizing blind spots. Two new exterior colors include 'Pure White' and 'Reef Blue Metallic."
Trunk volume remains impressive by midsize standards at 15.9 cubic feet. Now available; hands-free lid opening accomplished via a foot swipe under Passat's back side as long as the key fob is on or near the swipee.
Inside, Passat incorporates a user-friendly dashboard layout similar to what's integrated into the Golf lineup. One feels welcome, not overwhelmed when positioned behind the wheel. At night, many buttons backlight in bright red hues. A classic analog clock centers the dash center flanked by horizontal air vents.
The full-color touch screen below is within easy reach of drivers and intuitively set up with well-marked push buttons flanking the upper sides. It's part of VW's second generation of 'modular infotainment platform' (MIB) permitting touch-sensitive screen commands including swiping and touch zooming. The upgraded MIB II with larger 6.3-inch screen comes with the technology package which also includes blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alert.
Always welcome, twist dials flanking lower screen corners allowing for manual volume and preset changes along with secondary varieties located at 3 o'clock on the three-spoke steering wheel. Cruise control resides at 9 o'clock. Available in most trims, radar-type cruise control seamlessly slowing and accelerating Passat during highway cruising to a pre-set speed; automation made easy, simple and useful with the driver still maintaining the role as captain.
Three relatively small, tactile dials monitor ventilation functions along with a row of push-buttons above. Below an area designed for portable electronics with USB and auxiliary ports and 12-volt outlet. Now available, VW's 'Car-Net' application support accommodating smart phone integration connecting up with Apple's Car Play, Android's Auto and MirrorLink. Bluetooth wireless connectivity comes standard in all trims.
An electronic push-button start resides in a clear-path location between front buckets, ahead of the transmission shifter. All-too-often, rivals settle for a dashboard local, where direct access gets compromised by the steering wheel.
The instrument panel includes two large, deep set circular gauges with a right-side speedometer and small circular fuel gauge tucked inside. A digital window commanded via steering wheel push buttons fits snugly in between.
The far left dash includes a relatively large drop-down bin for stuff storage below a circular headlight dial. Front bucket seats remain supportive yet comfortable can arrives with a variety of materials depending upon trim order. Our SEL featured Vienna Leatherette seating.
Three adult-sized riders enjoy second row comforts thanks to overly-generous rear leg room; some of the most spacious in this class and a key consideration if consistently in use by multiple family members. A stretched 110.4-inch wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles) helps create ample leg luxury. Back riders now have the opportunity (with technology package) to enjoy heated rear seats.
One engine not making a return visit from 2015 is the much entangled four-cylinder turbo diesel (TDI). While a top pick from performance and fuel economy perspectives, this engine provided results too good to be true.
That's because of a self-inflicted wound involving slight-of-hand in-vehicle software programs monitoring particulate pollutants.
In short, the TDI diesel emitted higher levels of Nitrogen Oxide emissions during daily commutes then permitted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Roughly 483,000 four-cylinder TDI diesel vehicles sold in the U.S. from 2010 to 2015 are under scrutiny. Volkswagen continues battling legal and public relations fall out, but recently announced compensation programs for franchised VW dealers and affected consumers.
Still, fuel economy estimates delivered via the 1.8T four cylinder turbo tester reached better-than-average stature at 25 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. By comparison, a recently tested mid-size Chrysler 200 averaged 23 mpg city and 36 highway.
At a glance
Price as tested: $35,090
Engine: 1.8-liter turbo
Horsepower: 170
Wheelbase: 110.4 inches
Overall length: 191.9 inches
Overall Height: 58.5 inches
Overall width: 72.2 inches
Curb weight: 3,263 pounds
Fuel economy: 25 mpg city, 38 mpg highway
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