Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen Passat is Volkswagen's take on the luxury D-segment market in Malaysia. The Passat had just undergone facelift last January, and this time is only available in sole Elegance variant. Price starts at RM 189.012.

The Elegance variant slots in between the older Trendline, Comfortline and Highline in terms of specification, and it comes with a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, a three-year free service and five years’ roadside assist.

In its segment, the Passat competes again the likes of Mazda 6, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series.

New 2020 Volkswagen Passat – what’s new?

New 2020 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI facelift - lower price at RM 189,012, less power, but more features

2020 Volkswagen Passat Gallery

Design

The Passat retains its previous silhouette but visual changes are evident, led by the redesigned twin-slat grille and smoother, aerodynamic looking front bumper.

At the rear, the tail light graphic reminds us of the one on the Lamborghini Aventador, while the rear bumper has been redesigned with sharper creases and diffuser-like black insert.

Dimensions

Lighting

The Passat comes with IQ light LED headlight with LED daytime running lights, which incorporate sequential indicator, dynamic range control and dynamic cornering light.

Wheels

18' multi-spoke alloy wheel comes standard, wrapped around 235/45/18 tyres.

​Dashboard

The sleek dashboard retains, along with the streamline air-con vents design finished in silver, but the centre analogue clock has been removed, now replaced by the Passat script.

Instrument cluster

A newly redesigned Digital Cockpit resides in the instrument cluster, with the ability to display various function such as navigation, driving mode and tyre pressure.

Space and Practicality

Jump in the back seats and you'll find plenty of head and legroom – even if the transmission tunnel restricts foot space for the middle-seat passenger. Plus, there’s double cup-holder in the transmission tunnel and a central armrest in the back.

Upfront, there's plenty of passenger room and numerous storage areas including big door pockets, cup holders, and a decent-sized glovebox.

Boot

Boot space remains at 586 litres, nearly 100 litres more than you get in the Mazda 6 or BMW 3 Series. The boot is also fitted with a 12v socket.

2020 Volkswagen Passat Specs and Features

Safety Features

As with other Volkswagen, safety is never compromised. The Passat comes with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) Side Assist Lane Change, Proactive Passenger Protection, Rest Assist and ISOFIX.

Comfort Features

The interior has more avant-garde feel, with the ambient lighting that mimics its German rival. Seats are a combination of genuine and artificial leather, along with three-zone Climatronic' air conditioning which has anti-allergenic filtration function to keep the air inside at high level and reduce unpleasant substances such as fungal spores and allergens.

Infotainment

There is a new Discover Pro infotainment system, now with a larger 9.2-inch touchscreen, voice and gesture control alongside a customisable three-view split screen function. It also comes Wireless AppConnect system which includes wireless Apple CarPlay.

Engine

Under the hood resides a revised 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged TSI engine that produces 190 PS ad 320 Nm.

Transmission

The transmission unit has been upgraded to new 7-speed dual-clutch Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) with a wet clutch.

Drivetrain

The sole Elegance variant is front-wheel-drive.

Acceleration

Torque comes in as low as 1,500rpm for immediate pickup and response, which makes the Passat feels punchy and quick, yet done in a smooth and calmly manner.

Engine Performance

Despite being a 4-cylinder engine, the Passat willingly revs up whenever you need the power, and it feels lively as you come to expect from Volkswagen. Essentially, it feels like a matured version of a Golf GTI.

Transmission Performance

The new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is smooth as butter, while kick down is quick and the gearshift is snappy fast. It is less jarring while on idle too.

Steering and Handling

Steering is nicely weighted and feedback has also been improved, allowing the driver to have more fun in the corner shall you demand for it. The mechanical grip on the Passat is simply amazing, but you would probably run out of talent before the car runs out of traction.

Sound Proofing

Compared to its predecessor, Volkswagen put more effort into making the cabin quieter, so much that it makes you feel like you’re in a library. It makes the previous Passat feel like you’re at a concert.

Passenger Comfort

Ride quality is easily the best in its class – supple over poor surfaces yet firm enough to be pushed hard.

Fuel Consumption

Thanks to the revised TSI tune and new 7-speed DSG, it is capable of delivering a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.5 litres per 100 km on the new Worldwide Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle.

The facelifted Passat improves what the car has always been -, a premium yet fun and comfortable cruiser. Not only it offers a spacious amount of space and comfort, but it also drives and feels more expensive than it looks.

Volkswagen listened to their customer’s feedback and repackaged the Passat to become a more much more attractive proposition than its previous iteration. The fact that Volkswagen Malaysia launched the car four months after its inaugural launch in homeland speaks volume about how important the Malaysia market is to them.