Thursday, November 17, 2016

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT B8 OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED IN MALAYSIA - Prices from RM159,990 onwards (UPDATED - with full press release)

Florian Steiner, Managing Director of Volkswagen Passengers Cars Malaysia with the new Passat.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has officially launched the eighth generation Volkswagen Passat (B8) here in Malaysia. It is available in three variants with two engines. The 1.8 Trendline at RM159,990, 1.8 Comfortline at RM179,990 and the 2.0 Highline at RM198,990. All are prices in Peninsular Malaysia without registration and insurance charges. 


The Volkswagen Passat has officially been around in Malaysia since 2006 and it was also part of Volkswagen Malaysia's history as it was the first Volkswagen car to be assembled at the DRB-Hicom plant in Pekan Pahang. The Passat has been Volkswagen's large sedan since the 1970s and to date, over 22 million Passats from all eight generations have been sold. It is one of Volkswagen's most successful models. 


Back to the cars and its variants. The Highline comes with 2.0L TSI turbocharged engine and a 6-speed wet clutch type direct shift gearbox (DSG), delivering 220PS and 350Nm of torque from 1,500rpm to 4,400rpm. The Trendline and Comfortline has the slightly smaller 1.8L TSI turbocharged engine that is paired with a much improved 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG). The 1.8 makes 180PS, and a torque of 250Nm between 1,250rpm to 5,000rpm. 

The Highline variant of all-new Passat comes with a cutting-edge Active Info Display system which is  a completely digital instrument cluster in place of the traditional instrumentation that is interactive and fully customisable (with navigation). The highline is especially well specced and has nearly every user comfort and safety features that you can think of and more. 

The all-new Passat comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, and is available in seven colours – Pure White, Deep Black, Reflex Silver, Indium Grey, Crimson Red, Black Oak Brown and Harvard Blue.

Now the Passat comes with 5 year manufacturer's warranty but those 'early birds' that place their bookings now would also receive a 5 year free service package! This means that you can drive your new Passat and have total peace of mind. (Terms and conditions apply obviously). Whilst this isn't a permanent thing, it is a good move by VPCM in building customer confidence back in the brand. 

I have driven the new Passat in 1.8 Comfortline and 2.0 Highline forms in Langkawi a while ago. I did enjoy the drive. Volkswagen cars is all about how it drives. The car is a marked improvement over its predecessor and this new one gives you a lot more car for what it is offered at. The 1.8 Comfortline is good by the 2.0 Highline is great. It feels like a larger Golf GTI when you punt it around or you could say that it a more affordable Audi A4 or even an A6 as it is considered a full sized sedan (D-segment). Actually it is more affordable than the Golf GTI too. 


Aside from that, the Trendline was not available for the drive in Langkawi and I was curious to how much different it would be. You can see that it is a more basic car from the chart you can see above. No electric seats for the driver and passenger, fabric and not half leather seats, no LED headlights (just halogens - which to my opinion is actually good enough), smaller 16 inch wheels which come in a decent enough pattern that does not look that odd compared to the larger 17inches on the Comfortline and the 18 inch on the Highline. 

Everything is slightly more basic in the Trendline but more than enough as I think that the specs are close to what was offered in the previous Passat 1.8. At a cheaper EEV tax break price too. The old Passat was listed at over RM173,000 whilst this comes in at RM159,990. 

Have a look at the photos of the 1.8 Trendline as well as the official Press Release (which states down all of its equipment) below the photos. 














WHEEL SIZE COMPARISON 16, 17 AND 18 INCHES



PRESS RELEASE

As advanced as you are – The all-new Passat

officially launches in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 November 2016 – Volkswagen Passenger

Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is pleased to announce the launch of its

flagship model, the all-new Passat.

Available in three variants, the all-new Passat is priced at RM

159,990 for the Trendline, RM 179,990 for the Comfortline; and

RM198, 990 for the Highline.

The eighth generation of the world-wide best-seller features

superior design, economical engines and state-of- the-art

technologies.

“The all-new Passat is the perfect embodiment of style and

performance. Its design combines exclusivity with exceptional

dynamics, whilst its performance comes with the perfect balance of

power and practicality. Thanks to advanced engineering methods,

the all-new Passat has truly redefined its segment,” said Mr.

Florian Steiner, Managing Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars

Malaysia.

The Passat was first introduced in Malaysia in 2006. In 2011, the

seventh-generation Passat was the first Volkswagen vehicle to be

assembled locally at DRB-Hicom’s Pekan plant.


The all-new Passat Highline
Engine and Performance

A truly powerful car, the Passat combines a 2.0L turbocharged TSI

engine with a 6-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) to give an

impressive output of 220PS and a torque of 350Nm between 1,500

to 4,400rpm.

It boasts an impressive acceleration of 6.7 seconds from 0 to

100kph, with a fuel consumption reading of approximately 6.2l/100

km.

Enhanced entertainment features

The Passat’s infotainment system gives drivers diverse

connectivity options and easier navigation. The cutting-edge Active

Info Display system, a high resolution, completely digital instrument

cluster in place of the traditional instrumentation that is interactive

and fully customisable.

There is a preset of five different themes and different modes

tailored to the driver’s personal needs – Classic, Eco Mode, Driving

Assistance Mode, Fuel Consumption Mode and Navigation Mode.

Other features include a wide range of connectivity options through

a touchscreen display, while the head unit also supports the

rearview camera interface and complete car menu and

infotainment system. A MirrorLink system simplifies smartphone

operations for added driving convenience.

Efficiency

The Passat is now more efficient with start/stop function,

regenerative braking and aerodynamic design for superior fuel

efficiency.

Start/Stop deactivates your engine when the car is at a standstill

and reactivates when you move while regenerative braking

recycles the lost energy by storing it and using it for acceleration.

Low rolling resistance tires are fitted to give the Passat overall

energy and fuel efficiency.

Safety Features

Safety is at the core of all Volkswagen vehicles. The Passat is

equipped with key safety features such as Lane Assist, Dynamic

Chassis Control (DCC), Automatic Post-Collision Braking System,

Electronic Differential Lock (XDS). Other features include six

airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking

System (ABS) and Brake Assist (BA), Intelligent Crash Response

System (ICRS) as well as hill-hold control.

Recognizing the need for child safety, the Passat comes with anti-

pinch power windows and ISOFIX anchorage point for child seats.

Convenience

For the first time in a Volkswagen vehicle in Malaysia, the Passat

comes with Easy Open – a keyless sensor controlled trunk that

opens automatically by detecting the driver’s foot. The height of the

trunk opening can also be adjusted as desired.

Interior

Inside the cabin of the Passat is an assortment of aesthetic and

functional features such as a KESSY keyless entry and push start,

leather multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters for easy

maneuvering. Other features include auto-dimming rear view

mirror, cruise control, auto power windows, 3-zone temperature

control and Park Assist. It is finished with “Brilliant Pine” wood

decorative inserts.

The Passat is furnished with ‘Vienna’ partial leather seat

upholstery, height adjustable armrest with rear aircond vents, 12-

way driver electric seat and “Climatronic” air conditioning system

with 3 zone temperature control for the comfort of all passengers.

Exterior

The Passat comes fitted with 18-inch “Dartford” alloy wheels, and

adaptive LED headlights. This feature enhances the drivers’

visibility in all-weather conditions. An addition to this system is the

headlamp washer system for convenience and improved visibility.

Peace of mind

As of 1 st September 2016, all Volkswagen cars now comes with 5

years manufacturer’s warranty and 5 years roadside assistance.

Colors

The all-new Passat is available in seven colours - Pure White,

Deep Black, Reflex Silver, Indium Grey, Crimson Red, Black Oak

Brown and Harvard Blue

Bookings and test drive arrangements can be made at all

authorized Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. For more

information, please visit www.volkswagen.com.my

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