It’s mid-life update time for Volkswagen’s slick mid-size Passat range of sedans and wagons.
Best news of all, with new looks, new engines and extra kit, prices are down and the updated Volkswagen Passat range starts at $34,990.
Under the bonnet the choice is the turbocharged 1.8-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine (132TSI) with 132kW/250Nm on-tap or the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel (140TDI) which is good for 140kW/400Nm.
Both drive through twin-clutch DSG automatic transmissions – a six-speed for the 132TSI or a seven-speed in the 140TDI.
Comfortline models score Vienna leather trim, heated sports seats up-front, eight-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, lane departure and blind spot warnings and city emergency braking.
Highline models add Nappa leather seats,LED tail-lights brushed aluminium trim highlights and extra technology.
If we’re buying we’d opt for the sporty R-Line Package – a sharper drive gets our vote.
The lineup looks like this:
| Variant | Sedan | Wagon |
| 2016 Passat 132TSI | $34,990 | $36,990 |
| 2016 Passat 132TSI Comfortline | $39,990 | $41,990 |
| 2016 Passat 140TDI Highline | $45,990 | $47,990 |
Packages:
| Driver Assistance Package (132TSI) | $1,800 |
| Luxury Package (Comfortline and Highline) | $3,500 |
| R-Line Package (Comfortline) | $3,000 |
| R-Line Package (Highline) | $2,500 |
