Its new physique may turn some people off, not just because it’s not particularly exciting to look at but the fact that there’s little differentiating it from its predecessor. Forget about the mundane exterior for now. First, let me assure you, VW’s latest Passat is definitely all-new inside and out and I am pleasantly surprised by its impressive refinement, and power.
I’ve the privilege of acquiring this test unit, specifically the Highline 2L Turbo 380 TSI, 6 speed DSG from our friends up north, Lee Motors. The premiere multi brand car dealership including VW cars based in Alor Setar.
Having been acquainted with the GTI powered 380 badged Passat B8, here are my first impression gathered:
Interior is more than decent, not jaw dropping but definitely pleasant. Dash, panels and trims feels good to the touch. Night ambient lighting strips surround the interior. It’s noticeable yet sophisticated. Rear space is enormous and feels almost like a Passat-Long version as a passenger. Elsewhere in the interior, the seats are conventional looking, based on signature VW design like the previous Passat CC.
Steering feel is great, a little light but responsive and precise. In operation, the bigger wheelbase than before (B7=2,711mm vs B8=2,791mm) new Passat manages its real estate well and manoeuvres very much like a Golf 7. However, it’s length can be felt when parking and negotiating obstacles. At times it does feel like a bigger BMW F10, no complaints there.
Instrument cluster is supreme. These new age screens are definitely here to stay. UI is crisp and informative, there’s almost no telling it isn’t analog either, especially after a moment’s usage. Movements are super responsive while crucial needle action is smooth and in real-time. Multifunction steering controls the screen and reveals navigation, vitals, audio and so on.
Power is impressive for a GTI engined executive and builds pace really well. This new platform also means it’s 90 kg lighter than before. Stretching the legs of this 380 TSI unit, I have to say it feels almost as quick as a MK7 GTI. New 380 badge signifies its torque figure.
Check out our short acceleration video of the Passat B8 380 TSI as posted on Instagram
DSG is brilliant as usual. Transmission operation is creamy smooth with zero fuss be it at stop go’s, heavy traffic or at full swing. Shift times are swift, not PDK level but still, damn swift.
Drive is undoubtedly refined and faultless, far surpassing previous Passats where they were more akin to barges with a Golf engine and hardly inspring to drive. This B8 is truly well sorted.
Suspension although still mechanical, is miles ahead of previous Passats in ride comfort and high speed stability. The Passat B8 is very much like a longer Golf 7 in overall nibmbleness but with added benefit of a longer wheelbase. It’s not taut, it’s not anywhere near enthusiastic in the handling department but it tries. The good news is, it is largely an enjoyable driving experience. It does however retains VW’s inherent and distinct thud at low speed, sharp bumps.
I love how the car feels entirely, I like how it exudes a genuine premium feel across the board. Finishing is superb everywhere. User experience wise, VW’s got that part covered incredibly well. Every button, stalk or door handle is weighted to perfection.
I can’t say the same for the exterior of the B8 Passat though. Yes it’s got a lot of good bits and details to justify the more mature demeanour but its not even remotely refreshing.
You’d be forgiven to think it looks much like the B7 generation. However, when you take a step back and start appreciating subtle changes made, it’s quite obvious how the new Passat strive to integrate familiar 7 series muscular tone and ridges across the sides of the car.
New age gimmicks such as powered boot and door lighting just elevates the Passat’s status and desirability, after all, this is the top of the range Highline, costing almost exactly RM200K. Still, the Passat B8 is pretty feature loaded for the money.
Launch Article: 2017 VW PASSAT NOW IN MALAYSIA!
As Posted by Amirul Here: http://www.zerotohundred.com/2016/2017-vw-passat-now-in-malaysia-1-8l-2-0l-tsi-3-variants-eev/
What’s the deal?
Volkswagen has unveiled its flagship sedan, the B8 Passat today. Replacing the B7 sedan, the new Passat is locally assembled in the company’s manufacturing facility in Pekan.
3 flavours are available, comprising 2 types of direct-injection turbocharged engines. The base Trendline is powered by a 1.8-litre TSI, together with the Comfortline that sits in the mid-range. Topping the range is the Highline, powered by a 2.0-litre TSI unit.
Volkswagen Passat B8
Engine: Trendline and Comfortline: 1.8-litre TSI; Highline: 2.0-litre TSI
Power: Trendline and Comfortline: 177hp; Highline: 217hp
Torque: Trendline and Comfortline: 250Nm; Highline: 350Nm
Zerotohundred: n/a
Transmissions: Trendline and Comfortline: 6-speed DSG (dry clutch); Highline: 6-speed DSG (wet clutch)
Dimensions: 4,767mm (L), 1,832mm (W), 1,456mm (H)
Price: Trendline: RM160,937; Comfortline: RM180,937; Highline: RM200,030
Exterior
Dimension wise, the 8th generation Passat is 2mm shorter, 12mm wider and 14mm lower compared to its predecessor. Built on VW’s versatile MQB platform, the new Passat is also 90kg lighter over the outgoing one.
The widened and lowered overall exterior gives the Passat a sportier and more dynamic stance. Despite being shorter in overall length, its wheelbase is extended by 79mm, thus giving a larger cabin and shorter overhangs. Bootspace is at 586 litres, which is 21 litres more than the B7 Passat.
The new B8 Passat is available in 7 colours – Pure White, Deep Black, Reflex Silver, Indium Grey, Crimson Red, Black Oak Brown and Harvard Blue.
Trendline
- 16-inch ‘Aragon’ alloys
- Front and rear fog lights
- LED tail lights
Comfortline
- 17-inch ‘Istanbul’ alloys
- 215/55 ContiPremiumContact 5 tyres
- Full LED headlights with DRLs
Highline
- 18-inch ‘Dartford’ alloys
- 235/45 ContiSportContact 5 tyres
- 380 TSI badging – indicating the rough amount of torque produced
- Twin integrated chrome exhaust outlets
Interior
Trendline
- Seats – manual with adjustable lumbar supports
- Composition colour 5-inch touchscreen
- Colour multi-info display
- Multi-function steering wheel
- Push start button
- Heated electric foldable wing mirrors
- Front and rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
- Climatronic 3-zone air-cond
Comfortline
- Push start button with ‘KESSY’ keyless entry
- ‘Vienna’ leather seats
- 12-way adjustable driver’s seat with memory and massage
- Composition colour 6.5-inch touchscreen
- Park Assist with reverse camera
- Steering paddle-shifters
- Powered boot
Highline
- Rear screen blind
- Active Info Display virtual cockpit
- Ambient lighting
- ‘Carolina’ wood trim
- Lane Assist
- Discover colour 6.5-inch touchscreen with MirrorLink and navigation
Engine
Two engine choices are available, 1.8-litre TSI and 2.0-litre TSI. The former is powering the Trendline and Comfortline variants, while the other powers the range topper Highline. The 1.8-litre unit is good for 177hp and 250Nm of torque and the 2.0-litre mill produces 217hp and 350Nm of torque.
Safety
The new B8 Passat gets standard safety equipment across the variants, consisting of 6 airbags, a Driver Alert System, ABS with Brake Assist, ESC, anti-skid regulation, hill-hold control and ISOFIX tethers. The Lane Assist function is exclusively equipped on the Highline.
VPCM announced that cars registered before the end of the year will be entitled to a 5-year free service programme.
