VW Reveals 2016 Passat with Lenny Kravitz Concert, Major Apology

Volkswagen has given its North American Passat a mid-cycle facelift, but it still looks like the poor Chinese relative of the classier European model.

Its introduction to U.S. media at an event in New York City Monday comes just days after United States environmental regulators accused VW of violating the Clean Air Act by selling 482,000 diesel-powered vehicles with illegal software designed to fool US emissions tests.

The new 2016 Passat by Volkswagen has just been unveiled and is set to hit the USA showrooms in the next couple of months.

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.

The redesigning bit continues on the inside as well with designers adding a new instrument panel, a tweaked steering wheel and good quality materials. The Passat also gains Volkswagen’s new MIB II infotainment system, which is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. “This sporty model features unique rocker panels, a stylized front bumper with contrasting black accents, a modified rear diffuser, and 19” anthracite Salvador aluminum-alloy wheels shod with 235/40 ZR rated tires. Optional goodies include the Easy-Open keyless access trunk, which can be opened by sliding your foot underneath the rear bumper, along with the rear seats, amongst others. These include the Automatic post collision braking system which applies the brakes after a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors which results in reducing kinetic energy thereby reducing the additional damage. New driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking, are standard features on some trim levels.

There will also be two gas engines – a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-liter V-6.

All Passats also have rearview cameras as standard equipment. With prices starting at $22,440 for a 1.8-liter with a V-6, the Passat remains a value-priced option in the world of family sedans-a proposition that’s got some appeal no matter the weather.

Tonight’s launch of the U.S.-spec 2016 Volkswagen Passat was supposed to be a celebration for Volkswagen of America.