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Though mechanical changes are few, VW dropped the manual transmission this year, leaving conventional and dual-clutch six-speed automatics for the four- and six-cylinder engines, respectively. The 2012-2015 Passat TDI got caught up in the diesel emissions cheating scandal. For now, the 2016 TDI version is on hold because VW withdrew its 2016 diesel models from consideration for EPA certification, pending legitimately clean operation. No word on timing for that model's release.

Trim levels have changed and now include the 1.8T four-cylinder in S, SE, SE with Technology, SEL and SEL Premium versions. A new 1.8T R-Line slots between the S and SE in price. The six-cylinder comes only as the V6 SEL Premium. I drove three versions.

Exterior & Styling
One common complaint about the 2012-2015 Passat was that its styling was modest, even boring, and VW has taken steps to address that with an updated nose and tail for 2016. The front fenders are more shapely, and the hood is creased and domed. The VW badge no longer creeps up into a cutout in the hood; a thick header piece separates the leading edge of the hood from the headlights, badge and grille. The grille now has four horizontal bars in place of three. The headlight clusters are slimmer, and the front bumper is more intricately sculpted. Creases are sharper, and all the chrome from higher 2015 trims now appears across the 2016 lineup, including the doors and window surrounds. LED headlights are available on all trims.

The rear enjoys a similar treatment, including a reworked trunk lid, taillights and bumper. Overall, the Passat's styling changes are an improvement, but it will probably go widely unrecognized as a new car. The version most likely to be noticed is the affordable new R-Line, which is the most … exaggerated, with more pronounced rocker panels, black accents on the front and rear bumpers, and 19-inch wheels.

How It Drives
With the exception of discontinuing the manual transmission, VW wisely didn't mess with the gasoline powertrains or the ride and handling for 2016, though fuel costs for both engines have fallen.

Even with a turbocharger, the base 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine might seem small for a car of this size, but its horsepower and especially its torque output compare to competitors, and the VW is admirably lightweight. Combined with a responsive six-speed automatic transmission, the engine gives plenty of off-the-line power, and passing power is also on tap at a moment's notice. Drivers who want a sportier experience can easily activate Sport mode by sliding the gear selector past Drive to the S position. It holds onto lower gears farther up the rpm range, but the difference isn't dramatic, mainly because Drive mode is nice and responsive to begin with — not the case in some cars as automakers struggle for higher mileage.

The four-cylinder 2016 Passat boasts EPA-estimated mileage increases of 2 mpg on the highway and 1 mpg combined for 2016, resulting in a 25/38/29 mpg city/highway/combined rating. For people who prefer the feel of a conventional six-speed over a continuously variable or nine-speed automatic transmission (both of which are proliferating), it might be worth the consequence: a slight mileage sacrifice. However, another midsize sedan with a conventional six-speed automatic, the 2016 Mazda6, is top-rated at 32 mpg combined.

With its base powertrain, the newly redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Malibu also has a six-speed and gets 31 mpg — matching base versions of the Nissan Altima and Honda Accord, which use CVTs. You can get even higher mileage in some models by paying extra, as in the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima (32 mpg combined in Eco versions).

VW says the mileage improvements result from underbody aerodynamic changes, an air conditioning compressor that can be decoupled from the engine, and an alternator change that cuts wasteful drag by 85 percent. These steps shouldn't alter the driving experience, and in my experience they didn't seem to.

The Passat's six-cylinder's rating is unchanged at 20/28/23 mpg, but it now accepts regular rather than premium gas, itself an improvement that puts it on par with the class. As upgrade engines go, however, the Passat six-cylinder's combined mileage is still 2 to 3 mpg lower than many competitors. I think it's a sacrifice you need not make. Yes, the six is more powerful and sounds great, and it works well with its dedicated six-speed dual-clutch automatic, but the mighty turbo-four is enough for the vast majority of buyers.

Regardless of engine, the Passat has a sporty feel due to its precise steering and firm suspension. Because it's a well-executed firm suspension, I enjoy it, but I can see how a shopper might find it too firm, so pay attention if you test the car. Bear in mind that larger wheels (and thus shorter tire sidewalls) typically firm up the ride further. The standard 16-inch wheels, previously steel, are now aluminum alloys. The lineup also offers 17-, 18- and 19-inch wheels. The "sporty" R-Line is strictly an appearance treatment; the mechanicals are the same. If I were looking for an overtly sporty sedan with styling to match, I'd opt for the Mazda6.

The Passat's lack of optional all-wheel drive is notable, though common in this class. For those who require all-wheel rather than front-wheel drive, the Legacy has it standard, and it's optional on the Ford Fusion and Chrysler 200.