Volkswagen’s 2016 lineup spanned city runabouts, family hatchbacks, SUVs and pickups across many markets, so whether you follow European hot hatches or South American utilities there was something different to suit local tastes. That mix makes it useful to see the whole range in one place.
There are 29 2016 Volkswagen Car Models, ranging from Amarok to up! For each model the table below lists Body style, Markets, Notable trims/engines so you can compare variants at a glance — you’ll find below.
Which 2016 Volkswagen models were available in my country?
Availability depends on market rules and demand; common entries in many regions included Golf, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan and Beetle, while models like Amarok or up! were region-specific. Check the Markets column below to see which of the 29 models were sold where.
How can I tell which trim or engine a 2016 Volkswagen has?
Look for exterior badging, the VIN/engine code (on the firewall or service documents), window stickers or original sales paperwork; trim clues also appear in wheel style, upholstery and infotainment features, and you can confirm specifics against the Notable trims/engines column below.
2016 Volkswagen Car Models
| Model | Body style | Markets | Notable trims/engines |
|---|---|---|---|
| up! | hatchback | EU, LatAm | e-up!, Cross up! |
| Polo | hatchback | Global | GTI, BlueMotion, CrossPolo |
| Polo Sedan / Vento | sedan | LatAm, IN, RU | TDI and TSI engines |
| Gol | hatchback | LatAm | 1.0L and 1.6L engines |
| Voyage | sedan | LatAm | 1.0L and 1.6L engines |
| Saveiro | pickup | LatAm | Single Cab, Extended Cab, Cross |
| Fox / SpaceFox | hatchback | LatAm | CrossFox, Pepper trims |
| Golf | hatchback | Global | GTI, R, GTE, e-Golf |
| Golf Variant / SportWagen | wagon | EU, US | Alltrack, TDI Clean Diesel |
| Golf SV / Sportsvan | MPV | EU | 1.4L TSI, 2.0L TDI |
| Jetta | sedan | US, CN, EU | GLI, Hybrid, 1.4T, 1.8T |
| Beetle | coupe, convertible | Global | Dune, Denim special editions, 2.0T R-Line |
| Scirocco | coupe | EU, CN | R, GTS |
| Eos | convertible | Global | Hardtop convertible, 2.0L TSI |
| Passat (EU) | sedan, wagon | EU, Global (ex-US/CN) | GTE (Plug-in Hybrid), Alltrack, R-Line |
| Passat (NMS) | sedan | US, CN | 1.8T, VR6, R-Line |
| CC | sedan | Global | V6 4Motion, R-Line |
| Phaeton | sedan | EU, CN | W12, V8, V6 TDI |
| Phideon | sedan | CN | 3.0L V6 TSI 4Motion |
| Tiguan (Gen 1) | SUV | Global | R-Line, 2.0L TSI, 2.0L TDI |
| Tiguan (Gen 2) | SUV | EU | R-Line, 4Motion All-Wheel Drive |
| Touareg | SUV | Global | V6 TDI, Hybrid, R-Line |
| Touran | MPV | EU, CN | 1.6L TDI, 1.4L TSI, R-Line |
| Sharan | MPV | EU, CN | 2.0L TDI, Sliding rear doors |
| Multivan / Caravelle (T6) | van | Global | California (camper), 4Motion |
| Caddy | van | EU, Global (ex-US) | Maxi (LWB), 4Motion, Alltrack |
| Amarok | pickup | Global (ex-US) | 2.0L BiTDI, Atacama, Canyon |
| Santana | sedan | CN, LatAm | 1.4L and 1.5L engines |
| Lavida | sedan, wagon | CN | 1.6L, 1.4TSI engines, Gran Lavida |
Images and Descriptions
up!
A practical and efficient city car, praised for its clever use of space and surprisingly fun driving dynamics. The e-up! offered an all-electric option, while the Cross up! variant added rugged styling cues.
Polo
A globally popular subcompact hatchback known for its high-quality interior and refined ride, often described as a smaller Golf. The GTI model provided hot-hatch performance, while BlueMotion focused on maximum fuel efficiency.
Polo Sedan / Vento
The sedan version of the popular Polo, sold as Vento in some markets. It offered the Polo’s quality and refinement in a more traditional three-box shape, providing extra trunk space for families in emerging markets.
Gol
A best-selling and robust subcompact hatchback designed specifically for the Latin American market. Known for its reliability and low running costs, it was a practical and accessible choice for millions of drivers in the region.
Voyage
The sedan variant of the Gol, offering the same dependability and affordability with a larger, separate trunk. It served as a practical family car in South America, competing in the hugely popular small sedan segment.
Saveiro
A compact, front-wheel-drive pickup based on the Gol platform. The Saveiro was a versatile workhorse and lifestyle vehicle in South America, with the Cross version offering a more rugged, off-road appearance.
Fox / SpaceFox
A high-roofed subcompact hatchback offering more interior space than a traditional model, with the SpaceFox being a mini-wagon version. The popular CrossFox variant featured a rugged, SUV-like design with a higher ride height.
Golf
The benchmark for compact cars, the 7th-generation Golf was praised for its premium feel, balanced handling, and wide range of models. From the electric e-Golf to the high-performance Golf R, there was a version for everyone.
Golf Variant / SportWagen
The wagon version of the Golf, offering significantly more cargo space without sacrificing the car’s sharp driving dynamics. In the US, it was called the SportWagen and was a popular alternative to compact SUVs.
Golf SV / Sportsvan
A taller, more spacious version of the Golf, designed for families needing extra practicality and a higher seating position. It blended the quality and driving feel of the Golf with the versatility of a compact multi-purpose vehicle.
Jetta
A compact sedan, especially popular in North America, offering generous interior and trunk space for its class. For 2016, it received a new, efficient 1.4-liter turbo engine as its base powertrain in the US market.
Beetle
A modern interpretation of the iconic classic, offering distinctive retro styling in both coupe and convertible forms. The 2016 model year introduced the Dune, a special edition with a raised suspension and rugged looks.
Scirocco
A stylish and sporty three-door coupe based on the Golf platform, known for its sleek design and engaging handling. The top-tier Scirocco R offered thrilling performance with its powerful turbocharged engine and sharp chassis.
Eos
A unique hardtop convertible that featured an integrated power sunroof, offering a versatile open-air experience. 2016 was its final model year, marking the end of VW’s sophisticated but complex four-seat convertible.
Passat (EU)
The 8th-generation European Passat was a sophisticated and tech-forward mid-size car, winning European Car of the Year. It offered advanced driver aids, a plug-in hybrid GTE model, and a rugged Alltrack wagon variant.
Passat (NMS)
The North American and Chinese Passat was a larger, more comfort-oriented sedan designed specifically for those markets. It received a significant facelift for 2016, featuring updated styling and new technology features.
CC
A stylish four-door “comfort coupe” based on the previous-generation Passat, offering a sleeker, more dramatic design than its sedan sibling. It appealed to buyers wanting a premium look without the luxury brand price tag.
Phaeton
Volkswagen’s flagship luxury sedan, hand-built in Dresden and designed to compete with the best in the world. Its production concluded in March 2016, making this its final, rare appearance as a testament to VW’s engineering ambition.
Phideon
A new large premium sedan launched exclusively for the Chinese market in 2016. Positioned above the Passat/Magotan, it served as a spiritual successor to the Phaeton in China, offering luxury, space, and advanced technology.
Tiguan (Gen 1)
The popular first-generation compact SUV, which continued to be sold in many markets even as its successor was launched. It was known for its solid build quality, comfortable ride, and car-like handling.
Tiguan (Gen 2)
The all-new second-generation Tiguan debuted in Europe in 2016, built on the new MQB platform. It was larger, more technologically advanced, and featured sharper, more muscular styling than its predecessor.
Touareg
Volkswagen’s premium mid-size SUV, sharing its platform with the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7. It offered genuine off-road capability combined with on-road comfort and a luxurious, well-appointed interior.
Touran
A highly practical and family-friendly compact MPV, with the all-new second generation on sale in 2016. It was praised for its flexible seating for up to seven, huge cargo area, and solid, Golf-like driving experience.
Sharan
A large seven-seat MPV perfect for big families, featuring convenient sliding rear doors for easy access. It offered a cavernous and versatile interior, making it a top choice for those prioritizing space and practicality.
Multivan / Caravelle (T6)
The passenger versions of the legendary Transporter van (T6 generation). The Multivan served as a luxurious people mover, while the Caravelle was a practical shuttle and the California was a fully-equipped, factory-built camper van.
Caddy
A compact van available as a versatile passenger vehicle called the Caddy Life. It offered immense practicality with seating for up to seven in the Maxi version and a rugged, crossover-style Alltrack model.
Amarok
A capable and refined mid-size pickup truck designed to compete globally. Unlike many rivals, it offered a comfortable, SUV-like ride and a premium interior, making it suitable for both work and family duties.
Santana
A legendary nameplate in China, reborn as a modern, affordable compact sedan based on the Polo platform. It became a massive seller due to its reliability, low cost of ownership, and brand recognition in the market.
Lavida
A compact car developed specifically for the Chinese market, where it was consistently one of the country’s best-selling vehicles. Available as a sedan or a wagon (Gran Lavida), it perfectly met local tastes for space and comfort.
