This week, we're moving on to D-segment sedans in the WapCar Ratings. Starting with the 2020 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI Elegance, we'll evaluate all aspects from driving performance to purchase and cost.

Driving Performance – 37/50 pts, torquey engine and agile handling

There’s a reluctancy for the powertrain to get up and go upon throttle depression. It’s evidently calibrated with efficiency in mind. But once sport mode is engaged, it responds reasonably quick with commendable acceleration.

Highway as well as daily driving are effortless; the steering is light, brakes are easy to modulate, throttle response is gradual, even the dual-clutch transmission (DSG) is reasonably smooth in traffic. On the move, the DSG is seamless in operation.

It handles competently; steering is sharp, body control is good and it's rather agile considering its size.

Ride Comfort – 36/40 pts, intrusive tyre noise

The suspension balances comfort and sportiness well. It soaks up rotted tarmac pliantly but there’s a nuggety feeling in its ride, a hint of firmness to remind you that you’re in a German car.

Finding the ideal settings on the 12-way driver seat adjustment for lumbar support proved to be tricky. But side and thigh are good. Rear seats have good thigh support as well from the properly sized seat base.

While mechanical noises are well suppressed, there’s a surprising amount of tyre noise for a car of this stature. At 110 km/h, the sound level meter recorded an average of 69 dB. In comparison, the Camry averaged 67 dB at the same speed over the same stretch of road.

Quality and Features – 36.5/50 pts, lacks ADAS

Panel gaps deviated by no more than 1.0 mm from opposite sides, which indicates average build quality. Paint thickness consistency however, was remarkably consistent at 120s of µm.

Build and material quality is as expected from a Volkswagen, which is to say good but nothing jaw-dropping. Soft plastics are found on the top half of the cabin and trim quality feels par for the course.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity is available, with wireless capability for Apple CarPlay. The infotainment display is crisp and operation is responsive.

The biggest complaint is the lack of ADAS such as AEB. It only has Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear-cross Traffic Alert.

Space and Practicality – 36/50 pts, largest boot in its class

Interior space is rather impressive with 3 tennis balls of kneeroom and one tennis ball of headroom for a 177 cm tall adult.

Practicality is impressive as well. Side door bins are large, able to fit large 1.5-litre water bottles. And there's a drawer on the driver side dashboard to store miscellaneous items.

Fuel consumption – 15.5/30 pts, exactly as rated by Volkswagen

After completing a 78 km journey broken down to 70% highway and 30% city driving, the amount of fuel required to fill brim the tank is 5.1 litres.

Which gives a calculated figure of 6.5-litre/100 km. However, the trip computer showed 7.5-litre/100 km. In comparison, the Toyota Camry achieved 10.5-litre/100 km while the Honda Accord returned 8.8-litre/100 km.

Purchase and Cost – 25/30 pts, relatively low usage cost

The locally-assembled Volkswagen Passat Elegance is priced at RM 189,012 (with SST). Price without SST is RM 182,878, valid until 31 December 2020. It is slightly less expensive than the range-topping Honda Accord and Toyota Camry but isn't as well equipped.

The Passat claws back some brownie points with its 3-year free maintenance program and low fuel cost. 

Conclusion – 186/250 pts overall

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI Elegance offers a well-rounded package in terms of driving performance, ride comfort, space and practicality and fuel consumption. Usage cost is also relatively low from the 3-year free maintenance program and low fuel consumption.

The Passat would've had an excellent score in comfort if it weren't for the intrusive tyre noise and the not-so-ergonomic driver seat. But the biggest complaint has to be the lack of ADAS such as AEB.

If you're willing to accept the aforementioned shortcomings, then the Volkswagen Passat is a fine choice for a D-segment sedan.