Volkswagen is enhancing the specification of the Passat. Now available to order in its updated guise, each of the five Passat trim levels gain new standard features inside and out.

LED headlights are now standard on the SE Business, GT and Alltrack trims and the Passat R-Line now features Premium LED headlights. LED headlights replace the previous halogen units, and include 12 separate LED daytime running lights that also perform the indicator function.

On the Passat R-Line, the Premium LED headlights feature dual ‘U-shaped’ LED daytime running lights and dynamic curve lighting. Here, the lights swivel as the steering wheel is turned giving greater visibility of approaching corners and an early warning of potential hazards.

Every new Passat now comes with Volkswagen’s App-Connect system as standard. App-Connect enables the driver or a passenger to link their smartphone to the car via a USB cable. The screen of the phone is then ‘mirrored’ onto the Passat’s infotainment touchscreen.

This enables the user to play music and playlists on the move. The car will also read out text messages and allow the user to dictate a reply. A wide variety of other apps are available, too, including Spotify and Skype. App-Connect works with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink which means it is compatible with the vast majority of mobile smartphones.

The upgraded Passat SE Business, R-Line and Alltrack models will feature heated front seats as standard. Already on the Passat GT’s extensive equipment list, this means nearly every new Passat from now on will include this feature.

SE Business models now feature 3Zone climate control. This means the driver and front passenger can set the temperature for their area of the car. There are separate controls for the rear passengers, too, and so the temperature of these three ‘zones’ of the Passat can be individually controlled. 3Zone climate control was already standard on the Passat GT, R-Line and Alltrack models.

Another update for the Passat SE Business is the addition of a colour multi-function display. The multi-function computer gives the driver a variety of information about the status of their Passat.

The Passat SE Business gains the most enhancements and, in comparison to the previous model, has £1,955 worth of extra equipment. This contrasts to a small price increase to this trim of £550, so the customer saving is £1,405.

R-Line models have a customer benefit of £1,315, and on Passat Alltrack models the specification adjusted saving is £1,000. The Passat GT enhancements, including a small £200 increase in the OTR RRP, result in a customer saving of £705.

The price of the Passat S hasn’t changed, and so it continues to start at £22,025. The extra equipment on this model equates to a customer saving of £165.

Every model includes, as a minimum, Volkswagen’s latest generation Composition Media infotainment system with an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen. This includes Bluetooth telephone and audio connection for two compatible smartphones, DAB digital radio, a CD player and an SD card reader.

Starting the range is the Passat S, which has 16-inch ‘Aragon’ alloy wheels and chrome radiator louvres, while anti-lock brakes, disc brakes, and electric front and rear windows add to the equipment list. The Passat S also features power-assisted steering, an electronic handbrake with hill-hold function, and a Driver Alert system to monitor driver fatigue.

SE Business adds satellite navigation via Volkswagen’s Discover Navigation infotainment system, with branded points of interest, three route options (Fast, Short and Eco), and preloaded European map data. Adaptive Cruise Control takes the strain out of longer journeys and Front Assist constantly monitors for potential collision risks. Parking sensors and electrically adjustable and foldable door mirrors further enhance the appeal.