There was a time when the Volkswagen Passat was priced closer to a BMW 3 Series or a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and a brand-new Honda Accord can be bought for less than RM 150k. Today though, prices for these two have pretty much equalized.

The 2020 Honda Accord 1.5 TC-P is priced at RM 187,390 (0% SST) while the 2020 Volkswagen Passat R-Line is priced at RM 204,433 (0% SST). Both the 2020 Honda Accord and 2020 Volkswagen Passat made it into our very own shortlist for Car of the Year awards.

We love the Honda Accord for its regal character that befits the purpose of a D-segment sedan – to be comfortable and relaxing to drive. It’s also impressively equipped, with the full suite of ADAS that includes Low Speed Follow, the only car in its segment with this feature at the moment.

It’s powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that puts out 201 PS and 260 Nm of torque, mated to a CVT that powers the front wheels. 0-100 km/h is tested at 8.7 seconds.

The Volkswagen Passat on the hand, specifically the R-Line variant, boasts a duality in its character. This is largely due to the adaptive dampers (DCC); in comfort mode, it wafts along beautifully even on 19-inch wheels and in sport mode, it tightens up body movements in corners for added confidence.

Powering the Volkswagen Passat R-Line is a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that pushes out 190 PS/320 Nm, channeled to the front wheels through a slick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG). 0-100 km/h sprint is tested at 8.1 seconds.

The Honda Accord won Ratings for the highest overall score. The Volkswagen Passat could’ve been a closer match if it were to be equipped with ADAS. But alas, the crown goes to Honda.

Also, our Car of the Year awards is still happening so be sure to vote for your favourite car of 2020 by clicking the photo above.