VW needs to breathe new life into the bland North American-spec Passat and the automaker knows that all too well. We’ve been hearing for about a year that the Passat will receive a significant makeover in the US and now VW has given the official confirmation.
The automaker has announced that the Passat will receive a “major facelift” later in model year 2016. The refreshed sedan will arrive in dealerships in the fall of 2015 as a 2016 vehicle. It will be VW’s biggest model update for 2016, with the carmaker promising “refreshed styling and interior enhancements, plus a full-suite of technology and host of new driver assistance systems.”
VW says the 2016 Passat will get a new sheetmetal, new wheels, headlamps and taillights, as well as a more premium interior with an enhanced instrument panel. The model will also gain new infotainment and driver assistance features.
For the moment it’s unclear whether VW will bring any updates to the Passat’s engine lineup. The current model is offered with three engines, two gasoline units and a diesel. Customers can choose between a 170hp 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a 280hp 3.2-liter V6 and a 150hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel.
Note: 2015 VW Passat pictured
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