Volkswagen of America on Monday said pricing on the new 2016 Chattanooga-made Passat will start at $22,440 – the same as the outgoing base model equipped with an automatic transmission.
When new content in the sedan is factored in, the price represents a $1,315 value enhancement over the base 2015 Passat, according to the automaker.
Michael Horn, Volkswagen Group of America’s chief executive, said the new Passat builds upon the solid foundation laid by its predecessor. He said it offers more aggressive styling, a more premium interior, and a host of newly available driver assistance, connectivity, and convenience features.
“We are pleased to announce that our customers will get all these new features and standard equipment for the same price level as the previous model,” Horn said.
Al Johnson, owner of Al Johnson Volkswagen in Dalton, Ga., said Monday he hasn’t started receiving the 2016 Passats yet, and he wasn’t sure when the first new ones will arrive.
The new Passat lineup features two engine options: the 1.8-liter TSI turbocharged and direct-injection four cylinder or a powerful 3.6-liter VR6.
A diesel option isn’t mentioned in the company’s statement. In late September, VW officials in Germany admitted that they installed a defeat device in computer software in many of its diesel vehicles, including the U.S.-made Passat, to cheat in emission tests. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also has yet to approve the 2016 VW diesel models.
The new Passat’s 1.8-liter gas engine offers 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The EPA estimated highway fuel economy is 38 mpg, an improvement of 2 mpg over the 2015 model, according to VW.
The Passat has a new front and rear design, a new interior with updated instrument panel and center stack for a more premium feel and an updated, standard infotainment system that includes USB connectivity.