Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM)
has finally launched the facelifted Passat here in Malaysia. The updated
D-segment sedan comes with a new look, a mildly refreshed interior and some
added kit, with the range paired down to just a single 2.0 TSI Elegance model. It
retails at RM 189,012 on-the-road without insurance, meaning that it slots
between the old 1.8 TSI Comfortline and 2.0 TSI Highline variants in terms of
price. Included in the price is a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, a three-year
free service package and five years’ roadside assistance.
As the variant name suggests, the car is
powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine, but it’s been detuned
slightly compared to the previous 2.0 TSI mill. It now makes 190 PS and 320 Nm
of torque, decreases of 30 PS and 30 Nm, although VPCM would probably like to
point out that it’s still significantly more muscular than the old 1.8 litre
unit – 10 PS and 70 Nm more, to be exact. Paired to this engine is a new
seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, making it the first front-wheel drive
Volkswagen model to come with the gearbox in Malaysia, coming after the
all-wheel drive Golf R. So equipped, the Passat 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.
Visual changes are numerous but fairly
subtle in nature, led by the redesigned twin-slat grille and revised graphics
for the LED headlights, complete with eyebrow-esque daytime running lights that
also function as sequential indicators. The air intakes have also been
re-profiled, with a body-coloured strip that forms a “wing” under the front fog
lights. At the back, the tail lights are also new and come with triple L-shaped
graphics and sequential indicators, while the rear bumper has also been
redesigned with sharper creases and a wider diffuser-like insert; the Passat
badge is also now positioned in the middle of the (powered) bootlid, in a
spaced-out fashion. Completing the look are 18-inch Liverpool multi-spoke alloy
wheels in a painted grey finish.
On the inside, the facelift adds a new
three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and removes the centre analogue clock,
replaced by the Passat script. The door cards have also been redesigned, and
the rear panels now hide manual rear sun blinds, while the rear windscreen gets
powered blinds. Technology has also taken a step up with the new Discover Pro
infotainment system, equipped with a larger 9.2-inch touchscreen, voice and
gesture control and a customisable three-view split screen function. It also
comes with the new Wireless AppConnect system that also includes wireless Apple
CarPlay – the second such application of the feature in Malaysia after BMW. The
ports are now all USB-C front and rear.
The rest of the kit list includes keyless
entry, push-button start, triple-zone climate control, 12-way power-adjustable
front seats with driver’s side memory and a massage function, leather
upholstery, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, cruise control, auto lights and
wipers, eight speakers and a reverse camera.
The facelift also introduces some driver
assistance systems for the local market, though as before, the Passat still
isn’t offered with autonomous emergency braking. However, it does now get Side
Assist blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, along with a tyre
pressure monitoring system. Six airbags and stability control continues to be
on the standard safety kit list.
