The Volkswagen Passat, built in the U.S., has always been a terrific value, and the newly facelifted 2016 model is a great value and great for the family.
All 2016 Passat models, except the V6 SEL Premium trim, are outfitted with the turbocharged and direct-injected 1.8-liter TSI engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. The smooth and efficient powerplant produces 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. EPA estimates fuel economy to be The range-topping 3.6-liter VR6 is rated at 280 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
The 1.8T S model has a starting MSRP of $22,440 and comes with a high level of standard equipment, including 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, 5-inch color touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. A Lighting Package, which includes LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED taillights, and front foglights is available for $1,245.
For the first time, Volkswagen is offering an R-Line version of the Passat for the U.S. market. This sporty model is the best-looking of the group with its exclusive body kit and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Pricing for the R-Line trim starts at $23,975.
The $26,280 Passat SE shares the exterior design of the S model, with the exception of 17-inch alloys and a sunroof. It comes standard with an upgraded infotainment system and leatherette seats that are heated and power-operated up front. Adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning and emergency braking are also standard equipment for the SE. A technology package, which brings the SE’s price to $28,410, packs a navigation system, keyless entry, heated rear seats, blind-sport warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Next in the VW Passat hierarchy is the SEL trim which starts at $30,495 and has 18-inch alloy wheels, a Fender audio system, and real leather seats. Lay out $34,270 for the 1.8-liter SEL Premium and the sedan comes equipped with a full suite of driver assistance systems that include self-parking, lane-keep assist, and LED headlights and taillights.
Buyers who go all-out for the V-6 and 6-speed DSG transmission also get the SEL Premium’s long list of standard equipment. Additional features include Hill Hold Control, dual trapezoidal chrome exhaust tips, and paddle shifters. MSRP starts at $36,835
Learn more details about the 2016 VW Passat in the TFL video that was shot at the car’s NYC launch party.
The Dodge Viper is finally being put out to pasture. In a new contract between Fiat Chrysler and the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, the Dodge Viper was listed as ending production at FCA’s Detroit Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in 2017. Plans for the Viper’s end of production will be voted on members of the UAW union next week. The all-American sports car has been hand-built at the Conner Avenue factory since 1995.
The Dodge Viper has always had a 10-cylinder engine and has undergone several updates throughout the years. 23 years ago, 400 horsepower was a lofty number and has since risen to an incredible 640 horsepower. Nowadays a Dodge Challenger Hellcat has an eye-popping 707 horsepower and a Tesla Model S, with the optional P85D package, can throw 691 horsepower to the wheels.
The original Viper went into production in 1992. It was updated in 1996, 2003 and 2008, before Chrysler’s bankruptcy ended its run in 2010. A redesigned version debuted in 2013, but it came with a big price increase. At its peak, 2,103 units were sold in 2003, but that has since fallen out of favor with all the better performing competitors on the market today. Last year only 760 Vipers were sold.
When Dodge revived the Viper after a three-year break, it had high hopes of achieving 1,600 units sold annually. But there were numerous heating issues with the car, and it didn’t perform as expected. Additionally, at over $120,000, the Viper was more expensive than even the Corvette Z06, which has more horsepower and better handling. Despite giving the Viper another shot in 2015 with a $15,000 price drop, only 503 units were sold, Yahoo! Autos reported.
There is a slim chance that the Viper could move production to another plant, but the numbers needed to make it possible looks insurmountable. The unapproved $5.3 billion contract between FCA and UAW does not call out a replacement vehicle to fill the void after the Viper production shuts down at the Conner Avenue assembly plant.
2013 was the comeback year for the Viper. In this video shot at Sonoma Raceway, ride along with Ralph Gilles, President and CEO of SRT brand who was the driving force bringing the Viper back better than ever.
TFLcar fan Joel Ewan takes on the Cliffhanger in a first-generation Jeep Patriot.
One of the best tests of a car’s off-road prowess is the Cliffhanger, a section of the Switzerland Trail in Colorado that combines a steep incline with deep ruts and tree roots. Only the best off-road vehicles can make it up the hill.
TFLcar has taken a variety of vehicles up to the Cliffhanger, with mixed results. The Ford Raptor made it up with no problems, as did the 1995 Jeep Wrangler and the 1968 Ford Bronco. However, the CVT-equipped 2015 Subaru Outback couldn’t hack it, foiled by a tree root and its on-road tires.
TFLcar fan Joel Ewan and his wife sent in a video of their attempt in a first generation Jeep Patriot that, by the concerned comments during the video, was the wife’s car. The “trail rated” Patriots are equipped with a CVT that uses ultra-low gearing to emulate a low-range four-wheel-drive system. The system was good enough to pass Jeep’s criteria and earn the Trail Rated badge, but how does it do against the dreaded Cliffhanger?
For the full account of Joel’s attempt – or attempts – to conquer the Cliffhanger in a Jeep Patriot, watch the video below, which also gives a retrospective of some of the other vehicles that attempted to conquer the Cliffhanger over the years.
What is the highest drivable mountain in Vermont? It is Mount Mansfield, which stands at 4,393 feet above sea level. However, the Motor Mountain USA crew were not able to drive to the top of this lush and green state. This is the second time that we have not been able to get close to the top of a state. This time there was no closed private property gate (like in Illinois). It was completely our own fault. So what happened?
Getting to thirteen mountain tops of the north-east within nine days is a big challenge in itself. Why such a tight schedule? Well, TFL team members have many other work and family obligations. We cannot afford going out and leaving home for about a month at a time.
We pushed and worked as hard as possible, but did not realize the toll road gate closure and arrived about one hour late. We could not return the next day, as the following schedule was too tight.
One of the best ways of experiencing America first hand is hitting the open road with the windows and top down in the 2015 Jeep Rubicon Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock. The Motor Mountain USA (#MMUSA) team embarks upon an epic road trip this year by visiting the highest drivable roads of every state in the USA. Along the way Nathan, Roman, Andre and Emme will visit locales less traveled and uniquely American attractions that make the United States one of the world’s favorite tourist destinations.
Check out this episode of the Motor Mountain USA as Nathan and Andre traverse the windy roads of Vermont in search of Mount Mansfield.
The Vermont belt buckle is hidden not far from the Mount Mansfield toll road entrance. Watch the video below to see the location and watch the boys deal with defeat.
The Honda Civic has led the compact car segment in sales, reliability, customer satisfaction, Top 10 lists and numerous other awards since it was first introduced to the U.S. market starting with its 1973 model year. While the Civic has stumbled the past couple generations with mundane styling, dull driving dynamics, and car tech that lags behind its competitors, it has always been a reliable daily driver and a solid value over the years.
This fall the all-new 2016 Honda Civic steps in and kicks off a new generation of the carmaker’s cash cow. The redesigned Civic looks hot, has a new chassis that promises better driving dynamics, new tech, and a turbocharged engine – a first for the U.S. market. The sedan will kick off the range, followed by the coupe, high performance Si models, the 5-door hatchback, and a Civic Type R – another first for North America.
The new engine on the 2016 Civic sedan is a 1.5-liter direct injection and turbocharged 16-valve inline-4 sending power to a CVT. The first turbocharged engine in a U.S. Honda model will be in the EX, EX-T, EX-L and Touring trims. Sage Marie, a Senior Manager in Honda’s PR department, the new turbocharged engine will produced around 30 horsepower more than the current 1.8L mill, which puts it in the neighborhood of 173 horsepower.
2016 Civic EX-L
2015 Focus Titanium
2015 Mazda3 I Touring
2015 Corolla S Plus
2015 Civic EX-L
MSRP (as tested)
$24,700
$25,560
$25,395
$21,139
$24,340
Engine
1.5L turbo I-4
2.0L 4-cylinder
2.0L 4-cylinder
1.8L 4-cylinder
1.8L 4-cylinder
Power
N/A
160 hp @ 6500 rpm
155 hp @ 6000 rpm
132 hp @ 6000 rpm
143 @ 6500 rpm
Torque
N/A
146 lb-ft @ 4450 rpm
150 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
128 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
129 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm
Transmission
CVT
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
CVT
CVT
Fuel Economy (mpg)
31 city / 42 hwy
19 city / 27 hwy
29 city / 41 hwy
29 city / 37 hwy
28 city /36 hwy
*Official 1.5L turbocharged engine specs not available at time of publishing.
In the this TFL mashup, Roman does a quick, seat-of-the-pants comparison of the 2016 Honda Civic Sedan against its 4-door competitors: the Ford Focus, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, and previous generation 2015 Civic.
Honda has done a good job of keeping the price of the 10th generation Civic close to the 2015 model year. Starting price for the 2016 Honda Civic Sedan is $18,640 for the LX trim and the only one that offers a 6-speed manual – a $150 increase compared to 2015. Moving up one level to the EX trim, the tables are reversed: the 2016 Civic EX Sedan is $150 less than the comparative 2015 model.
HONDA CIVIC SEDAN PRICING and EPA ESTIMATES
Model
Transmission
MSRP*
EPA**
Civic LX Sedan 2.0L
6-speed manual
$18,640
27/40/31
Civic LX Sedan 2.0L
CVT
$19,440
31/41/35
Civic LX Sedan w/Honda Sensing 2.0L
CVT
$20,440
31/41/35
Civic EX Sedan 2.0L
CVT
$21,040
31/41/35
Civic EX Sedan w/Honda Sensing 2.0L
CVT
$22,040
31/41/35
Civic EX-T Sedan 1.5L Turbo
CVT
$22,200
31/42/35
Civic EX-T Sedan w/Honda Sensing 1.5L Turbo
CVT
$23,200
31/42/35
Civic EX-L Sedan 1.5L Turbo
CVT
$23,700
31/42/35
Civic EX-L Sedan 1.5L Turbo PZEV
CVT
$23,700
31/42/35
Civic EX-L Sedan w/Honda Sensing 1.5L Turbo
CVT
$24,700
31/42/35
Civic EX-L Sedan w/Honda Sensing 1.5L Turbo PZEV
CVT
$24,700
31/42/35
Civic EX-L Sedan Navi 1.5L Turbo
CVT
$24,700
31/42/35
Civic EX-L Sedan Navi 1.5L Turbo PZEV
CVT
$24,700
31/42/35
Civic Touring Sedan 1.5L Turbo
CVT
$26,500
31/42/35
Civic Touring Sedan 1.5L Turbo
CVT
$26,500
31/42/35
*Prices listed below do not include tax, license, registration, options and $835 destination charge.
**Based on 2016 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors.
The Toyota Prius deserves praise. With nearly 5 million units sold since 2000, the Prius is the best-selling hybrid vehicle in the world – Toyota is the only automaker capable of perennially cracking the code for mass-market hybrids. Recently, details were released about an all-new fourth-generation Prius set to debut for the 2016 model year, so it’s fitting to take a look at the Prius’ development over the years.
Olathe Toyota Parts created the following “Toyota Prius: Generations Compared” chart to track the Prius’ improvements in technology, efficiency, and practicality from 2001-2016. Incredibly, the figures show a 30 percent increase in fuel economy and horsepower, while the Prius’ maximum cargo volume has increased 350 percent, primarily due to the addition of folding rear seats. Notable too is the roughly 17 percent decrease in the hybrid’s drag coefficient across the generations, an achievement that came courtesy of the continuous roofline introduced for 2004.
Most important, however, is the Prius’ weight gain through the fourth generation. Due to increased competition from hybrid and EV automakers, Toyota consistently improved the Prius’ mpg capabilities, a decision that necessitated larger batteries with a greater charge capacity. As a result, the Prius gained nearly 300 pounds as of 2010, but the fourth-generation Prius is set to buck the trend – using improved circuitry, a more concentrated energy cell, revised electric motor construction, and a redesigned transaxle, the fourth generation Prius will lose nearly 200 pounds over the third-generation.
The 2016 Prius will also be available in an “Eco” model designation, equipped with a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack instead of the traditional Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) unit. In addition to boasting faster recharge times and improved long-term life, the Li-ion unit will bring further weight savings.
Please enjoy this TFLcar.com video review of the 2016 Toyota Prius’ debut in Las Vegas.
Maybe Volkswagen should build a cool van again (return of the Volkswagen Hippy Van)?
What’s the best car for less than $15,000?
Lincoln MKC vs Volvo XC60?
Today’s first question comes from a fan who believes that introducing a fun van can help to reverse Volkswagen’s fortune in the United States.
Q: Hi Nathan. I was once a big VW fan and I know you guys all have a soft spot for Volkswagen too. I know you and Roman love the GTI, Emmie likes aircooled bugs and Andure likes everything that Volkswagen builds. You, my friend also like the Volkswagen CC and I have a 2014 CC because of your enthusiasm. Never regretted the choice because it’s the best car I ever owned.
I was so shocked about Diesel Gate and it sickened me a bit. Now I am beginning to think about wasy to help Volkswagen regain some popularity in this country. What if they bought back a proper retro van to our market? They could finally introduce a fun van that families wouldn’t be ashamed to drive. I think now is the time.
What do you think Nathan? Would you drive a retro VW Hippy Van? I know you like Hippies! Sincerely, Justin A
A: Great email Justin – thanks!
I totally agree about bringing a retro van to the United States. Ironically, Volkswagen recently introduced the Volkswagen “California” T5, a camping version of the Volkswagen T5 van, which is not slated for sale in the United States!
Volkswagen’s recent North American van attempt was the poorly executed (stylistically), rather mediocre (driving) Routan Minivan. Based on a Chrysler/Dodge minivan, it was pretty unpopular. Unfortunately, Volkswagen of North America is basing some of their public demand research on the Volkswagen Routan’s sales – which is (understandably) poor.
Perhaps, if the North American leadership of Volkswagen was shaken up…
Ah-HA! That’s it! With new leadership, perhaps Volkswagen will revisit the possibility of building a cool van for the United States! Hell, maybe we’ll finally get the awesome Volkswagen Scirocco too!
Well, one could dream.
Rest assured my friend, Volkswagen already has spent real money researching the idea of bringing a retro Volkswagen Bus to ALL markets. Hell, there’s this fantastic company in Yate, Bristol, UK known as Danbury Motorcaravans and they do everything from building new Type 2 vans with water-cooled power-plants to full camping conversions of the newest Volkswagen (and other) vans.
I would love to get my hands on one of their vans.
Here in the USA, well there are a few companies that do retro work, but (like you) I want the real thing from Volkswagen, a modern retro hippy van that’s fun to drive and cool to look at.
Here’s hoping we get one!
N.
IF they introduced it with the 2.0-liter turbo and a manual tranny… yes, I would buy one with Roman’s money. No doubt!
This next question comes from a viewer who is frustrated looking for a quality, well equipped and fun new car for under $15,000. Not an easy thing to find nowadays.
Q: Hi The Fast Lane Car. I am looking for a fun new car for fifteen grand or less. No, I do not want a used car at all. I want a car I can say was mine from birth to death like I did with my 2001 Dodge Neon. Laugh if you want, my Dodge Neon made it to over 200,000 miles with a new top end and one new clutch. Over the past fifteen years, I estimate that with all of my maintenance costs, my little Neon costs me less than $20,000 and that’s with the original $12,995 asking price. That translates to about a hundred bucks a month.
I have a very limited budget, just fifteen grand. It is cash and I would like to keep it to under that amount. I looked at the Nissan Versa and it’s not my type of car. So many small cars are way to expensive! What else is out there?
If you can get Nathan to help me, I’ll send him my grandma’s recipe for chili enchiladas. I know he’s from L.A like me and he likes good Mexican food!
Help me please!
Victor
Howdy Amigo!
Great question and thanks for the excellent (yet unnecessary) bribery!
I know the (current year) Chevrolet Spark starts at $12,595 (before addons & dealer fees) and a nicely equipped one slots in under your maximum price. A completely bare-bones Kia Rio sedan will just undercut that price too.
I have yet to drive the 2016 models of either car; however, the dealerships you’ll be dealing with should be happy to rid themselves of the older models. You may get a significant price reduction if you deal hard and stick to your guns.
I hope that helps!
N
—
The last question comes from a viewer who is wants our opinion with the Volvo XC60 vs Lincoln MKC.
Q: Hi Nathan. I am considering a new Volvo XC60 or, possibly a Lincoln MKC. I’ve driven both and I’m leaning towards the Volvo XC60, but I like the interior of the Lincoln MKC quite a bit.
I live alone and have a granddaughter that I occasionally drive with. She’s now old enough to sit without a booster, so I’m not looking at this purchase to bond with other moms. Other than that, I simply need a hatch for hauling DIY items and my cats in kennels.
I need a good car for snow that’s not too ostentatious. What do you think? I really like your show and look forward to seeing both you and Roman every week. You make me smile and I possess enough watercooler knowledge than any of my male coworkers!
Thank you Nathan and crew.
Bess
A: Hi Bess, thank you for the email and your patronage!
Roman and I agree that (like you) the interior of the new Lincoln MKC is outstanding. The Lincoln MKC is one of the quietest vehicles in its class and, like the Volvo XC60, it’s a great size for daily driving. The all-wheel drive system is pretty good too.
The Lincoln MKC is a fine choice for what you have in mind, but there is something else to consider: Volvo is about to replace the Volvo XC60 with a significantly updated version. That means dealerships will be slightly more motivated to make a deal on one. I like the XC60 and Roman is one the fence between the Lincoln and the Volvo.
Also, I don’t know if you considered Acura yet, the new Acura RDX is an excellent choice too. All three hover around the low $40,000 mark when well equipped, it’s a question of driver comfort, enjoyment and how the vehicle makes you feel.
Please, if you have the time, set up a three-way test drive (bring a friend if you can, it helps with the decision-making process) and test each one an hour from each other – if you can. Do it in the morning, before the dealerships fill up. Let the dealers know you are willing to have your license copied before you drive, but that you have no desire to drive with a salesman aboard. This will help minimize the waiting time and pressure between each test.
Remember: adjust the seats, mirrors and climate control before you’re underway. Drive it like you drive your current car. Try parking each one too. This will force you to use the sight-lines and the backup camera. Once you’re finished, then you can have the salesperson take you through all the bells and whistles in each vehicle.
Finally, I would call ahead to each one. Letting them know what you want to do up front will be helpful to both of you.
I hope this helps,
N
Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.
From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.
Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Two things stand out when you spend time with the 2016 Scion iM: its looks and its handling. It looks faster than it is and it handles better than you expect it to. Sure, it gets good mileage with the manual getting 27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 31 combined, with the CVT achieving 28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined. When compared with the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra GT, Kia Forte 5 and Mazda3 (among others), the EPA’s numbers are simply “not-too-shabby.”
The 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine makes 137 hp @ 6100 rpm and 126 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm. You have to rev it hard to eek out performance, but when commuting, the 2016 Scion iM is as easygoing as an old pair of loafers. Despite long throws and a soft clutch pedal, shifting is easy and somewhat rewarding. The real benefit is an altogether better driver’s car over the continuously variable transmission (CVT).
When equipped with the CVT, the 2016 Scion iM becomes docile and a bit lethargic. It’s slower from 0 to 60 mph, slower on the track, it weighs 88 pounds more than the manual and it’s less balanced. Around our test track, the 2016 Scion iM 6-Speed manual was downright fun around the corners. Other than the 1/9th mile straightaway, you can leave it in second gear and squirt out of the corners.
The 2016 Scion iM is based on the Toyota Auris, which is sold overseas. The basis for both vehicles is the “New NC” platform used for the Toyota Corolla. The main differences between the iM/Auris and the Corolla pertain to the utilitarian hatchback setup and the Corolla’s solid torsion-beam setup.
“Thank you Toyota for giving the 2016 iM a double-wishbone independant rear end!!”
Indeed, the 2016 Scion iM best performance attribute was its sophisticated independent rear end. Despite light steering and little road-feel, the 2016 Scion iM with the 6-speed stick shift danced around corners with great adhesion. It was planted and never felt overtaxed despite aggressive driving. Conversely, the 2016 Scion iM with the CVT felt slower to respond and heavier around the corners. It’s slow to accelerate and it plows into the corners when pushed.
With a low MSRP of $19,255 for the manual and $19,995 for the CVT, there’s real value included; unfortunately, both Scions have few options. So, while you get a nice host of standard features, including dual-zone climate control, back-up camera and beefy wheels, there is precious little to design on your own.
Speaking of “design,” all of that body cladding? Yea, it’s all standard. That’s both good and bad. It’s cool if you’re down with Scion design as you get lots of plastic and an aggressive face. It’s a bummer if you want to forgo the cladding… you can’t. Even though the nose cladding looks like it’s two pieces, it isn’t. If you live in snow-country, the nose will plow involuntarily.
Still, it’s an attractive silhouette.
The interior is, compared to a majority of compact hatchbacks it competes against, a bit small.
20.8 cubic feet and about 42.3 cubic feet with the seats down, (maximum cargo space numbers are based on the overseas Toyota Auris’ dimensions). The 60/40 seats fold fairly flat, but the overall interior size is on the smaller side for a compact hatchback.
Seating and interior materials are good quality, but the interior is about as entertaining as the Corolla; which is to say: it’s easy to live with. Nothing fancy and it certainly isn’t as jazzy as the exterior design. Back seats work well for children and average sized adults, but shoulder room is a bit limited.
As a day-to-day commuter and family hauler, the 2016 Scion iM is great. It’s easy to drive, easy to park and it is very smooth on the road. I would go as far as to say it is one of the smoother vehicles in this class. Odd that Toyota didn’t stiffen the suspension given its sporty image.
Is the 2016 Scion iM a hatchback Corolla? Yes, but you should call it a “better driving” Corolla – because it is.
Roman was invited to drive the Scion iM at press event. Here is an “The Important Stuff You’ve Always Wanted to Know” video of the 2016 Scion iM.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
