This is the 2019 Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI Highline. This Passat B8, its model code name, was first launched over in Europe sometime in 2014 and it has been sold here in Malaysia since the end of 2016. We had a go at it when it was launched and recently, we had another go at it courtesy of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia. This to me is a recap to this outgoing model as you can already see plastered on the Volkswagen Malaysia homepage, the teaser pages of the very soon to be launched, 2020 Volkswagen Passat Facelift.
Speaking about the facelift, it was first launched early 2019 and we will be getting it early next year from what I have heard. By early next year I mean sometime at the end of January or early February 2020 where you will see the Passat get a slight nip and tuck with better equipment inside. You will see new bumpers, slightly different LED headlights and DRLs upfront (these already are LEDs by the way), a slightly different dashboard and more connectivity with a slightly different touchscreen infotainment unit complete with the usual Apple / Android connectivity as well as a re-tuned engine and new wet clutch DSG 7 speed dual clutch gearbox (most likely). Also, if you like the current 18 inch alloy wheels (with 235 series tyres) it will be changed too.
Passat Facelift interior
So with the facelift model coming in so soon, what can the old pre-facelift Passat 2.0 TSI Highline still be a worthy proposition? Well, the answer is yes if you like having an analog clock on the dashboard and like having three bars on the front grille instead of two. There could be upgraded active safety stuff (hoping for Blind Spot Sensors) and there is that upgraded infotainment system.
The new one will not have a clock on the dashboard (compare the two photos directly above) and in its place is the Passat wording in script and the hazard button moved up instead. There will also be P A S S A T spelt out on the bootlid like the Arteon. Aside from that, driving dynamics could be only slightly better especially if Volkswagen shove in the new 7 speed DSG in place of the 6 speeder you get here. In terms of engine sizes, we can confirm that the 2.0liter variant will still be offered but no news on the 1.8liter TSI variant.
Now back to the car you see in the pics here. It still is very, very competent. For RM195,000 or thereabouts it still offers a lot of car for your money. It comes in priced close to the Toyota Camry 2.5 sold here and it could be a viable option if you wanted a company car. It is different from something like the Camry as it is so cleanly styled compared to the butch and muscular Camry.
In terms of pricing, the CKD or locally assembled Passat offers European driveability which is so coveted by most people. It is light and easy to drive in and around town (especially when it has a rear camera and all round sensors) and the steering is nice and light at parking speeds. With that 220hp 350Nm turbocharged engine, it makes light work out of overtaking and can cruise upwards of 160km/h easily and it will cross over 200km/h easily too.
As stated in my previous review, the car is extremely fun to drive for a full-sized, D segment sedan. It is also very nice to sit inside it too. It still is after being around for quite a while already. The leather seats with its ribbed pattern is nice and comfy. The rear seating area is large and roomy with lots of legroom. The boot is huge and can swallow a lot of luggage. The technology fitted inside is still good for 2019 with the exception of little active safety systems but heck, if you've been driving and like the control a nice handling car gives you, the 2019 Passat Highline still gives you a lot of driving pleasure. - Go read my original review on the car here.
So does buying this run-out model mean you are losing out? Well, if you can get the sales people to give you a discount I think you should. Especially if you like the clock inside. I personally think Volkswagen should have kept the analog clock there as in the case of the Passat's cabin, it does make it look a little more premium (in the ol' skool sense). Like you are sitting in a luxury sedan kinda thing if you know what I mean. I don't think I need to be told that I am in a Passat actually.
Well, the script is not large, it will not be glaring but I do think the clock makes a nice centerpiece when its there.Volkswagen may have saved a couple of Dollars by omitting the clock and that's about it. But that's the upcoming car. This is still sold with a clock and this, with its zebrano styled wood trimming and black interior combo is very executive in nature. Seems suitable for a General Manager or someone working in a bank. It has that business-like look to it inside and out.
In terms of styling, the B8 Passat is well styled and after so many years, it still looks current and contemporary. It is so cleanly styled and will not date. In fact, so Audi in many ways until you don't really need an Audi. This is also because in terms of equipment levels, Volkswagen Malaysia have fitted this Passat Highline with equipment like any Audi A6 with its turbocharged 2.0liter engine and that interior complete with the digital instrument cluster and infotainment unit (huge and very easy to use in this 2019 Passat).Okay. What about faults? This pre-facelift model lacks USB ports. There are one 12 volt outlets up front and one more for the rear passengers but I believe only one USB connection for the infotainment system which has that Apple Android connectivity suite. So more charging ports could be good.
Aside from that is that some may prefer a more premium badge or more ostentatious styling which more chrome ch a large more upright grille here in Malaysia. But as I said, this is for those who like a bit of incognito in their lives where a car like a BMW or a Mercedes may be too flashy. But this is Asia....so you know how it is.
Conclusion
So yes, it still is relevant. It may be Pre-facelift but if you are bargain hunting, this sedan will still offer you a lot of D segment car for you. Get one of the final batches and it will still serve you very well for the number of years you are using it. If you aren't a badge snob, this is the car for you as you will fly under the radar in terms of badge but you still get most in terms of driving feel and cabin ambiance. The rest is psychological.
Now, I had this car for a whole week and we are usually pretty tough on our test cars. No issues whatsoever and it isn't enough a time to find out any long term niggles. The Passat here had over 10,000KM of mileage on its clock but it still felt tight and taut.
Furthermore, over the years of facing tons of customer backlash they have fine tuned their powertrain and drivetrain to suit our climate and our driving style. You may still hear many complain but most of these are from earlier customers. Also, the folks at VPCM, who now distribute Volkswagen here are a little more focused and less of that 'I am a large conglomorate, I don't have to listen to you' kinda people. They do take things up a few notches in terms of aftersales.
Now, Volkswagen is offering 3 years Free Maintenance, 5 Year Warranty and 5 years of Roadside Assistance. So, if you face any issues, it could be settled under the warranty package offered. So the risk is less. I mean if you are the type that changes cars every 5 or so years, this is still a good car to buy especially if the price is right.
As for driving it, it still brings some happiness when I push it hard. One of the better D segment cars to drive out there. Again, if you need a D sedan under RM200k, this would do fine. Of course, if you must have the newest and the latest, then wait for end January or early February 2020. The new Passat should be launched by then according to what I've heard.
Again, read the previous review for more specs on this model. The link is HERE.
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