Volkswagen revealed a number of updates for its 2016 Passat sedan at an event in New York City which include styling tweaks to the vehicle's front and rear, new infotainment and connectivity features, and a newly added R-Line trim to the current lineup.
While the change is not as dramatic as it seemed, the company should somehow be credited for its effort to inject a certain level of sportiness into the otherwise bland-looking sedan.
The new styling, which is geared more on the aggressive side, features slimmer headlamps which can optionally be outfitted with LED illumination, newly sculpted front and rear bumpers, larger upper grille and a newly sculpted bulge in the hood.
Likewise, the new R-Line trim is even more aggressive looking as it shows off its front and rear bumpers adorned with gloss black accents. Other features include unique rocker panels and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels that feature tires rated with 235/40 ZR.
The announcement that was made at the event on Monday occurred only a few days following the emission test scandal that the company is now involved in. Environmental regulators in the U.S. have accused Volkswagen of violating the provisions stated in the Clean Air Act after the company reportedly sold 482,000 diesel-running vehicles which allegedly passed the U.S. emission testing process by using an illegal software.
"Our company was dishonest with the EPA, and the California Air Resources Board and with all of you," said Michael Horn, head of the brand in the U.S. "And in my German words: We have totally screwed up. We must fix the cars to prevent this from ever happening again and we have to make this right. This kind of behavior is totally inconsistent with our qualities."
Despite the mess that the automaker is facing, the new 2016 Passat will reportedly feature the same two-liter diesel engine that brought trouble to the company in terms of its reputation as seen by regulators and consumers. The company is yet to provide solution in making its cars compliant with clean air laws before it will be allowed to sell the new diesel Passat.
Apart from the styling tweaks mentioned earlier, the new 2016 Passat is said to come in two gas engines: a V-6 of 3.6 liters and a four-cylinder of 1.8 liters. All models will feature a standard rearview camera and an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. In terms of pricing, the 1.8T S with six-speed automatic will have a starting price of $22,440. Other pricing details are expected to be announced as the launch date draws closer.
