Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) have launched the facelifted Volkswagen Passat here in Malaysia. The Malaysian variant comes only four months after its German market launch and like the pre-facelift model, is locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang. Only 1 variant will be available for now - the 2020 Passat 2.0TSI Elegance which will come priced at RM187,990 on the road before any insurance.
The 2020 Passat 2.0TSI Elegance actually takes over both the 1.8liter and 2.0liter TSI variants here and is actually even cheaper than the sole 2.0liter variant sold here previously at RM198,990. The 1.8TSI started at RM159K for the base Trendline and RM179K for the Comfortline. So the single 2.0TSI seems to be good value and actually suits Malaysian car buying trends where the highest specification variant seems to be the one that sells the best in the long run. So VPCM bringing in only one top specced variant could be the best move for them... and for you buyers out there.
So what are the major changes to the B8 model Passat for this facelift?
Powertrain and Drivetrain
The main changes in terms of its mechanical bits are a new 2.0liter 4 cylinder TSI turbocharged engine and a new and improved 7 speed wet clutch direct shift dual clutch transmission (DSG). The engine, has been tweaked by Volkswagen to make 190PS and 320 Nm torque. While it makes slightly less horsepower than the outgoing 2.0TSI Highline variant (which made 220PS), it is actually the only 2.0liter variant for most global markets. There is no longer a 2.0liter petrol powered variant over in Germany and the United Kingdom where the main petrol engine is a 150ps 1.5liter turbocharged engine. So we are still one of the few markets with a 'large capacity' engine.
In terms of why there is a drop in horsepower, it is also because of Volkswagen going for the optimum combination of performance and efficiency. It is because of the tighter emissions controls that the engine now makes 190ps. But is still allows the Passat Elegance to have a fuel consumption of 6.5l per 100km based on the latest, more realistic fuel consumption measurement as defined by the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure). More stringent than ever as legistation does not want cars to melt polar caps or add to make more holes in the ozone layer.
Anyway, it gets a better DSG transmission too. With it being a wet clutch system, it should also be more reliable than ever with the latest tweaks. The new Passat is still front wheel drive
Interior Updates & Connectivity
In terms of the interior, the new Passat gets a new and improved Active Information Display instrument cluster for the driver. The 11.7" Digital Cockpit is now ever more clearer due to its high resolution colour TFT screen. It is like those found on premium smartphones and features 2D and 3D graphics for navigation and media. There is a 6 view customisable screen with over 30 combination options for display.
The infotainment display in the centre console has the same 9.2" touchscreen but added features, with voice, gesture control and customisable three view split screen. It has wireless AppConnect with Apple Car Play available. It now has USB Type-C style connectors front and back, with 12volt power ports for those who need even more power outlets. Not the USB-C style connectors needed and not the larger USB 2.0 style connectors are now installed. Very 2020 in some ways even though many of us still use the older style charging or connection cables.
Other updates include newly designed door trims (not much different from before), 30 colour ambient lighting, a new leather multi function steering wheel with ergonomic multi function buttons for more convenience.
Aside from that, it still has comfortable ribbed designed leather seats (which seat 5 people comfortably), 12 way electric adjustable driver's seat, 3 zone climate controls for all passengers (front and rear). It has that big 586liters boot and electric sunshades for the rear passengers.
What is now removed from the centre console or dashboard is the analog clock which sits over the middle vents. It now has the hazard light switch and the 'PASSAT' inscription in its place. There is now brushed aluminium decorative strip in place of the zebrano styled wood trim. It does seem that Volkswagen saved a few Dollars by removing the clock here. The more simple aluminium trim somehow make the car's interior feel a little more modern but a little less traditional premium. Some may prefer the pre-facelift variant offered, but since VPCM is selling the new Passat cheaper than the old one, it could be quite a good trade-off.
The Exterior
The new 2020 Passat Elegance gets a slight restyle. It now has new from and rear bumpers. "PASSAT" is now spelt on the bootlid, LED headlights and tail lights with DRLs and 18inch 'Liverpool' style alloy wheels on 235 series tyres.
Safety Features
The new Passat comes with Side Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. This is new and a welcome addition. There is also 180degree detection range for the system for up to 50 miters. While on the road, the new Passat gets Blind Spot Monitoring System, something which I personally believe is extremely good to have in any car these days. It can detect vehicles in your blind spot up to 70 meters away.
There is also a new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System with sensors in all four tyres. Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti Lock Brakes (ABS) and Brake Assist (BA) is standard. Aside from that, it also has Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) as well as Hill Hold Control, Automatic Post Collision Braking System and also Volkswagen's Proactive Passenger Protection System.
VPCM have announced that the new Passat Elegance will be available in 6 colours and two finishes. Metallic colours are Aquamarine Blue, Manganese Grey, Reflex Silver, Tamarind Brown. White pearl effect colours in Deep Black and a new Oryx White which can be had without any additional surcharge.
The car is now available for bookings and test drives at all authorised Volkswagen centres in Malaysia.
The Passat is a successful model in Volkswagen's stable. There have been over 30 million units of the mid-sized sedan sold globally and it has been locally assembled in Malaysian since 2011.
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