US-only Volkswagen Passat uses a 6-speed torque converter and not a DSG



Volkswagen has presented their new 2020 Volkswagen Passat at the 2019 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The US market exclusive sedan (internally known as Passat NMS) gets a more dynamic profile as well as a host of upgraded advanced driver assistance system.

While it gets a completely redesigned look compared to the previous model year, underneath all that glam is a revised PQ46 platform that underpins the Europe market’s Passat B6. The redesigned Passat features a tapering “coupe-like” roofline, dramatic “tornado line” and dominant horizontal grille similar to the Arteon. Wheel sizes measuring 17- to 19-inch in diameter are available while the LED headlamps and taillamps, as well as the Passat badging across the trunk lid, comes as standard.

Inside, the Passat NMS is not as pretty nor high-tech as the Passat B8 we have here in Malaysia. Standard items include an analogue instrument cluster (we get the option for full LCD Active Info Display), multifunctional steering wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and start as well as a glass covered infotainment touchscreen unit.

Available options on the NMS include V-Tex leatherette and Nappa leather seats, heated front and rear seats, power driver’s seat with memory, and dual-zone Climatronic® automatic climate control, Voice Control, and Easy Open trunk.

The new Passat NMS debuts with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI petrol engine with 174 hp and 280 Nm of twist. Interestingly, the TSI unit is paired to a six-speed torque converter with Tiptronic to drive the front wheels and not the brand’s famed DSG dual-clutch transmission.

As standard, all variants of the new Passat NMS gets Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) with Pedestrian Monitoring, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert. Other items such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Lane Keeping Assist (Lane Assist), Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.


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2020 Volkswagen Passat NMS Debuts