After being spied on numerous occasions, previewed at the 2014 Volkswagen Auto Show and appeared recently in Langkawi for a media test drive, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has officially introduced the eighth-generation Passat to the Malaysian market.
As with the Vento and facelifted Jetta, VPCM has offered the Passat B8 in three different trims – Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. With a competitive price tag and generous amount of equipment, Volkswagen’s flagship model may just be what the brand needs to recapture the hearts of the people.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI Trendline | Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI Comfortline | Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI Highline |
| Engine | 1,798cc; inline-4 turbo with BlueMotion technology | 1,984cc; inline-4 turbo with BlueMotion technology | |
| Transmission | 7-speed DSG (Dry Clutch) | 6-speed DSG (Wet Clutch) | |
| Max Power | 178 hp @ 5,100 – 6,200 rpm | 217 hp @ 4,500 – 6,200 rpm | |
| Max Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,250 – 5,000 rpm | 350 Nm @ 1,500 – 4,400 rpm | |
| Price | RM159,990 | RM179,990 | RM198,990 |
EXTERIOR
Based on the group’s MQB platform, the Passat has grown in every dimension and it now measures 4,767 mm in length, 1,832 mm in width, 1,456mm in height and 2,791mm in wheelbase. It is also 90kg lighter than before. Thanks to the stretched wheelbase, boot space has gone up by 21 litres to 586 litres.
Starting from the top of the range, the Passat Highline is equipped with full LED headlamps and tail lamps, keyless entry, “380 TSI” badge and trapezoidal bumper integrated twin tailpipes. It rides on 18-inch “Dartford” alloy wheels wrapped in 235/45 profile Continental SportContact 5 tyres.
The middle spec Comfortline wears the similar kit except for the “280 TSI” badge, twin exhaust pipe outlet and 17-inch “Istanbul” alloy wheels wrapped in 215/55 profile Continental PremiumContact 5 tyres.
Opt for the entry variant, you lose out the full LED headlamps for a pair of halogen reflector headlamps and get an even smaller 16-inch “Aragon” design alloy wheels wrapped in 215/60 profile Continental PremiumContact tyres.
INTERIOR
Moving inside, the cabin features a familiar design to the Passat B7. As standard, all variants get a leather wrapped three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, push start button, electronic parking brake with auto hold function, tri-zone climate control with rear air vents, powered folded heated wing mirrors, cruise control and Park Distance Control (PDC).
Adding on to the standard features, the entry level Trendline features manual operated fabric seats, analogue instrument cluster with digital display, silver interior trim and 5.0-inch Composition touchscreen infotainment system.
The Comfortline adds a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with MirrorLink (Apple CarPlay and Android auto), reverse camera, paddle shifters, Park Pilot (self-parking feature), leather seats, 12-way powered driver’s seat with memory and massage function, six-way powered front seat for the passenger and powered boot.
The top of the line Passat gets a 6.5-inch “Discover” touchscreen infotainment system with MirrorLink and navigation, wood and piano black interior trim, Active Info Display, ambient lighting and powered rear windscreen sunblind.
PERFORMANCE
Under the hood of base Trendline and Comfortline is a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine producing 178 hp and 250 Nm of torque, up 20 hp from the previous generation B7. Drive is sent to the front-wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch DSG transmission (dry clutch). Despite its performance, the all-new Passat has a rated fuel consumption of 5.7 litres per 100km.
Powering the Highline is the same combination from the Golf GTI – 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI mated to a six-speed dual clutch DSG transmission (wet clutch) producing 217 hp and 350 Nm of torque. Like the Golf GTI, power is sent to the front-wheels albeit with a different tuning. Fuel economy is rated at 6.2 litres per 100km.
To match the capabilities of the Golf GTI powertrain, VPCM has equipped the Highline with electronic differential lock (XDS) that applies individual brakes on the inner wheel to reduce understeer and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) that features five different driving modes for the engine and suspension damping – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual.
SAFETY
As expected of cars from this segment, the Passat is equipped with six airbags, ABS with BA, ESC, hill start assist, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS). However, only the Highline gets Lane Assist that corrects erratic steering inputs.
WHAT ELSE?
The Passat B8 is available in seven exterior colours – Pure White, Deep Black, Reflex Silver, Indium Grey, Crimson Red, Black Oak Brown and Harvard Blue (pictured above). Every new purchase of the Passat comes with a 5-Year manufacturer warranty and for a limited time only, VPCM is throwing in a 5-Year free service package for Passat models registered before the end of 2016. We’ve experienced the Passat first hand in Langkawi, if you are keen on the Passat B8, be sure to check out our full review of the Passat B8!
IMAGE GALLERY
Volkswagen Passat B8 Launch
Passat Highline 2.0 TSI
PASSAT COMFORTLINE 1.8 TSI
