Combination of great features

Volkswagen has launched its new 2016 Passat, and the marque hopes that a striking new design, innovative technological advancements and a strong entry price point will prove a hit in the kingdom.

The Passat is available in four configurations: the S, SE, SEL and Sport. All models feature more aggressive styling than their predecessors, with a new bonnet, front wings, grille, front and rear bumpers, boot lid and LED headlights and taillights distinguishing the latest generation.

These give the 2016 Passat a wider, more muscled stance at the front end. At the rear, a new chrome strip on the boot ensures the rear lights appear lower, enhancing the grounded appearance, while chrome on the window surrounds, bumpers, and door trim compliments the more premium nature of the design upgrade.

Inside, the latest vehicle showcases an extensively upgraded interior for a more sophisticated look and feel including a new steering wheel and two-tone décor panels, and refined chrome and piano black trim.

The Passat features the second-generation in-car infotainment system, also known as MIB II by Volkswagen. All models come fitted with touchscreens as standard, which utilises a capacitive touch sensor (similar to smartphone and tablet technology) to enable gesture controls like swiping and pinch-zooming rather than the resistive touchscreens that require pressure.

USB and Bluetooth connectivity are standard on all options, alongside three major smartphone integration platforms: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink.

A raft of safety and driver assistance systems are present on all options. These include the new Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact that can cause additional collisions.

The system helps address this by applying the brakes after a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus helping to reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, reduce the chance of additional damage.

Felix Miranda, brand manager of Volkswagen Bahrain, said: “The new Volkswagen Passat has arrived with an aggressive new design, and we believe that the winning combination of great features, innovative technology and a dynamic drive will offer customers an affordable innovation in a class-leading saloon.”

The 2016 Volkswagen Passat is available starting from BD9,500.

To find out more, visit the showroom in Sitra or call 17459977.