Volkswagen of America, debuted f the new 2016 Volkswagen Passat, a midsize sedan built in Volkswagen’s state-of-the-art factory in Chattanooga, Tenn. The 2016 Passat features class-leading technology and available driver assistance systems. A new instrument panel features two large gauges and the center stack incorporates VW’s latest MIB II infotainment system.
The 2016 Passat features Volkswagen’s second-generation “modular infotainment platform”, also known as MIB II. The system features touchscreens as standard equipment on all models. On most models, the display has a capacitive touch sensor (similar to smartphone and tablet technology) enabling gesture controls like swiping and pinch-zooming rather than the resistive touchscreens that require pressure and have slightly longer response times. Most MIB II units also feature a proximity sensor, which detects when a hand is nearby and automatically switches its display to allow easier selection of specific features. USB and Bluetooth connectivity are standard on all 2016 Passat models.
The MIB II system also serves as the foundation for the available Volkswagen Car-Net system. VW Car-Net includes App-Connect technology, featuring the three major smartphone integration platforms—Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. This allows seamless integration with the vast majority of smartphones available today.
MIB II debuts the Regular Routes function. It automatically detects usual commuting routes and gives alternative routes if there accidents or problems on the usual route.
Available later this year, the VW Car-Net app for Apple Watch will allow VW customers to control a host of features and functions available through the iPhone app and Customer Web Portal, directly from their wrist. Apple Watch wearers will also be able to receive alerts directly to their Apple Watch from the app.
Volkswagen of America announced the release of a new advertising campaign that shows off the MIB II infotainment system with App-Connect. App-Connect allows for smartphone connections through Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto and MirrorLink.
Volkswagen also offers a combination of new safety and driver assistance systems in the 2016 Passat. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, standard on all 2016 Passat models, builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact—which 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.
Depending on trim level, Passat models come equipped with the following advanced driver assistance systems: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert; Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), which actively steers the car back into its lane; and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist). All 2016 Passat models have rearview cameras as standard equipment.
Full pricing for the new 2016 Passat will be available closer to launch later this year, but the 1.8T S model starts at $22,440, which is the same price as the previous base model when equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Passat is produced at the Volkswagen Chattanooga assembly plant, the only automotive manufacturing facility in the world to receive Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) program.