NEW FOR 2015:
- Updated 2.0 TDI engine
- Comfortline now includes standard reverse camera
- Revised Sport package for Comfortline now includes 19-inch wheels
The 2015 Volkswagen Passat carries over mostly unchanged, with the exception of a handful of equipment level changes, and a few tweaks to its segment-exclusive diesel engine.
As with the 2015 Jetta and Golf, the 2.0 TDI has been overhauled, improving refinement. Horsepower jumps by 10 hp to 150 and is developed at a slightly lower rpm. Although fuel economy figures don't reflect this due to the use of the new five-cycle testing method, the new TDI engine is said to make notable real-world efficiency improvements.
Other available powerplants include a 170-hp 1.8-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine that was launched last year, and VW’s quirky but quick 280-hp narrow-angle 3.6-litre V6. The 1.8T can be had with a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, while the 2.0 TDI uses a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch ‘box. The 3.6 V6 is paired exclusively to the six-speed dual-clutch transmission. All Passats are front-wheel drive.
The Passat is offered in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, all three can be had with the 1.8T and TDI, but only the Comfortline and Highline can be had with the V6.
Base models can now be optioned to include a rear-view camera, while the Comfortline receives an updated Sport package that bundles many of the V6 model’s standard features – including carbon interior trim, fog lights, paddles for shifting, metal pedal caps, sill plates, rear spoiler, sport front seats – with swanky 19-inch wheels.
In Trendline trim, features include 16-inch alloy wheels, 60/40 split folding rear seat with armrest, eight-way manually adjustable driver's seat, four-way manually adjustable passenger seat, alarm, chrome window surround, automatic headlights, six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio with auxiliary jack, Bluetooth, MDI media device interface with iPod connectivity, automatic dual-zone climate control, cruise control, digital compass, front and rear floor mats, front centre armrest with storage, heated front seats, heated windshield washer nozzles, leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel, shift knob, and handbrake lever, multifunction trip computer, and power heated side mirrors, and tire pressure monitoring system.
TDI models get chrome side and rear fender accents, engine block heater, and front fog lights.
The Rear-View Camera Package adds an eight-speaker touchscreen display audio system with AM/FM/satellite radio, and a six-disc CD changer, plus a rear-view camera.
Comfortline adds 17-inch alloy wheels, eight-way power driver seat, six-way manually adjustable passenger seat, chrome exhaust tip, reverse camera, front and rear map lights, leatherette upholstery, power sunroof, rear air vents, satellite radio.
V6 adds dual exhaust with chrome tips, paddles for manual shifting, front fog lights, rear-seat pass through and sport seats.
Technology Package adds navigation, 30 GB hard drive, and 400-watt Fender stereo system. Single-disc CD player replaces six-disc CD changer.
Sport Package adds 18-inch alloy wheels, carbon interior trim, aluminum door sills, paddle shifters (automatic only), rear spoiler and sport seats. V6 models add different 18-inch wheels, carbon interior door trim, aluminum door sills, and rear spoiler.
Highline adds 18-inch alloy wheels, eight-way power front sport seats, driver's seat and side mirror memory, auto-dimming interior mirror, chrome side and rear fender accents, Fender 400-watt premium audio, fog lights, aluminum door sills, garage door opener, KESSY proximity key with push-button start, leather and Dinamica upholstery, Nut Burl wood trim (Carbon trim on V6), rear seat centre armrest with storage, rear seat pass-through, remote start (automatic only), and navigation.
