2016 Volkswagen Passat arrives in Australia from $34,990

Volkswagen has launched its all-new 2016 Volkswagen Passat in Australia. The new eight-generation model is said to set new standards in terms of its design, technologies, engines and possibilities.

Based on Volkswagen Group’s modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform, the new model sits lower, has a longer wheelbase and rolls on larger wheels. Like the previous model, the new Passat is available in three equipment lines: 132TSI, 132TSI Comfortline and 140TDI Highline, and offered as a sedan and wagon.

The entry level 132TSI is priced from $34,990 plus on-road costs and features 17-inch ‘Istanbul’ alloy wheels shod with 215/55 R17 tyres, LED taillights, 3-zone climate control and ‘Discover Media’ satellite navigation system with 6.5-inch touchscreen display and Volkswagen App-Connect system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror Link. Multi Collision Braking is also standard along with a Drive Profile Selector.

Power comes from a new 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI petrol engine generating 132kW and 250Nm of torque. It is mated to a 7-speed DSG driving the front wheels and enables the Passat to hit 100km/h from a standstill in 7.9 seconds (8.1 for the wagon) while returning a claimed 6.0L/100km.

Sitting in the middle is the 132TSI Confortline 7 speed DSG, priced from $39,990 plus on-roads. It adds Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, Lane Assist, Side Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and 17-inch ‘London’ alloy wheels with 215/55 R17 tyres. Inside, there is Vienna leather appointed upholstery and an 8-inch ‘Discover Pro’ satellite navigation system.

At $45,990 plus on-roads, the range topping 140TDI Highline features a 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that promises to return 4.8L/100km. It is said to send the Passat sedan from 0-100km/h in 7.7 seconds (7.9 for the wagon).

It gains 18-inch ‘Dartford’ alloy wheels shod with 235/45 R18 tyres, enhanced exterior chrome sytling cues and darkend rear LED taillights. In the cabin, it gets St Tropez and black Nappa leather upholstery.

There are three optional packages offered on the Passat.

The Driver Assistance Package (only available in the 132TSI) brings Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go (DSG), Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, Lane Assist, Side Assist and Rear Traffic Alert as well as Driver Profile Selection.

The Luxury Package (only available in 132TSI Comfortline and 140TDI Highline) enhances the Passat’s exterior and interior appearance with LED headlights and LED daytime driving lights, a panoramic electric glass sunroof, stylish ambient interior lighting and electric foldable mirrors. The luxury package also includes a Driving Profile Selection (standard in 140TDI Highline) and Park Assist 3.

Finally, the R-Line Package (only available in 132TSI Comfortline and 140TDI Highline) offers customers a wide range of additional features including: front sports seats, Nappa leather appointed upholstery with carbon style side bolsters, “R- Line” exterior and interior styling, leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel with gearshift paddles and “R-Line” insignia, progressive steering, lowered sports suspension (15mm), 19-inch ‘Verona’ alloy wheels (5), dark tinted rear side window and rear window glass.

Read ForceGT’s 2016 Volkswagen Passat Review here

2016 Volkswagen Passat Pricing (Excl. on-roads)

Model
Passat 132TSI 7 speed DSG $34,990
Passat 132TSI Comfortline 7 speed DSG $39,990
Passat 140TDI Highline 6 speed DSG $45,990
Passat Wagon 132TSI 7 Speed DSG $36,990
Passat Wagon 132TSI Comfortline 7 Speed DSG $41,990
Passat Wagon 140TDI Highline 6 Speed DSG $47,990

Options
Metallic / Pearl Effect Paint $700
Driver Assistance Package – 132TSI $1,800
Luxury Package – Comfortline and Highline $3,500
R-Line Package – 132TSI Comfortline $3,000
R-Line Package – 140TDI Highline $2,500