We’ve finally got our hands on the new, significantly updated Volkswagen Passat and suffice to say, it’s got some new tricks up its sleeve.
Currently there is only one variant available, the Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI Elegance and it’s priced at RM189,012 on-the-road, without insurance.
Every significant aspect of the car has received an update. A new 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine puts out 190 hp and 320 Nm of torque. If you’re thinking, “Wait a minute, that’s a little less than the pre-facelift model“; you’re right.
Mated to the new engine is a new 7-speed wet clutch DSG transmission, which is the first front-wheel drive model in Malaysia to get it.
Both ends of the car get redesigned bumpers, which we think really fit with the Elegance moniker given to the car. However, the real highlight of the exterior update is the new lighting system.
The front headlamps have been restyled and now feature fully LED technology, with the DRLs moonlighting as sequential turn signal indicators. However, the IQ Light Matrix LED, which is a premium option in other markets, is not available here.
Also restyled are the rear combination light clusters, designed to look like three wings. They also feature sequential turn signal indicators and we think they look great.
A set of new 18-inch ‘Liverpool’ wheels, and the letters ‘PASSAT’ at the rear just below the VW logo provide the finishing touches to the exterior.
The dominant new feature inside is the 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display. There is Wireless AppConnect support for Apply Carplay, but what about Android Auto? We’ll have to find out. Interestingly, there are three USB-C ports in place of USB-A, and of course, there is Bluetooth connectivity.
Through the new infotainment display, you can select up to 30 different ambient light colours to suit your mood, and speaking of displays, there is also a new 11.7-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster. The displays are changeable through the new leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Rear passengers are not forgotten either. There are rear air conditioning vents, manual sunshades on both windows, and an electric one for the rear windscreen.
The new Passat is abound with safety features as well. The Side Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert has a range of 50 metres and a 180-degree view angle, while the Blind Spot Monitoring System can detect cars up to 70 metres.
Other safety features include EBS with ABS, Brake Assist (automatically increases brake pressure by up to 40%), Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), hill-hold control, Automatic Post-collision Braking System, and Proactive Passenger Protection System.
Pictured here is the Tamarind Brown colour, but the 2020 Volkswagen Passat Elegance can be had in five other colours. They are Aquamarine Blue, Manganese Grey, Reflex Silver, Deep Black and a new Onyx White. The last two are pearl-effect finishes.
And of course, like all other Volkswagen cars, it comes with a 5-years unlimited mileage warranty, 5-years roadside assistance and a 3-years free maintenance package.
A full review is coming soon, but for now, here are some pictures for you to whet your appetite.
IMAGE GALLERY
