Volkswagen Passat 2019

Volkswagen Malaysia has also upgraded the Passat of B8. But in addition, because the previous test drives were all 1.8 TSI versions, and the price of Japanese D Segment cars has been upgraded in a leaps and bounds recently, Passat has changed its market positioning this year.
There are not many small upgrades. The instrument panel has been replaced with an electronic full-screen dial from a traditional instrument. The infotainment system has also been upgraded. The screen is larger and more sensitive, and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both are moved from the brand new Golf GTi.
Volkswagen recently renamed the grades of its models. The engine capacity is no longer attached to the rear of the car. Instead, it is replaced by a code name based on the peak torque. If 280 is marked on the rear of the car, which means that the torque is below 280 Newton meters, 1.8TSI is within this range; the 2.0TSI with higher torque is marked 380, although the actual torque output is only 350 Newton meters. The prices of the two are similar, but the engine and gearbox configurations are completely different. The 1.8 version is configured with a 7-speed dry DSG transmission, while the 2.0 version is configured with a 6-speed wet transmission. But after getting to know it, Volkswagen Malaysia has slowly faded the 1.8 version of Passat out of their product line and replaced it with the Highline and Sound & Style versions, both using the same 2.0 TSi engine.
The Sound & Style version adds Helix 300W audio, aluminum foot pedals, aluminum side door version, 19-inch Verona alloy wheels, heat insulation film and "Sound & Style" logo. But our test drive this time is the Highline version.
The Passat 380 uses the familiar 2.0 TSi with a 6-speed wet DSG gearbox. Why do you say familiar? Yes, this collocation is completely transplanted from Golf GTi. With this high-performance engine under such a simple appearance, its performance cannot be underestimated.
Passat's positioning of the customer group is very clear, that is, some mature business people, high-level families with families and so on. Therefore, the adjustment of the body and suspension is extremely comfortable, and the suspension stroke is very long. Although comfort and handling performance cannot coexist, it is not unacceptable in terms of corner performance.
In terms of audio, although it uses a speaker system that does not have a brand, to be honest, its sound field makes the editor a little amazing. The good sound insulation and its sound system are indeed very enjoyable, even surpassing some famous brand speakers. The car model of the system, which makes me finally understand why they will specially launch the "Sound & Style" version to enhance its sound system.
The same uses the EA888 engine, but without the DSG Fart on the Golf GTi. Even so, the characteristics of the TSi are still there. When the accelerator is down, the chair seems to be kicked and accelerated. If the feet are not heavy, the smoothness is actually very high. But if you think its driving feel will be the same as the Golf GTi, then you are wrong. Volkswagen seems to want to tune it into a D-class car that can be easily and comfortably driven. In addition to the super soft suspension, the gearbox is also tuned. It is more gentle, the steering wheel is also very light, and the road feel is almost imperceptible.
When Passat was launched last year, its price seemed very "compared to the top and more than the bottom." Car owners with a budget would directly consider Mercedes-Benz and BMW, and those without a budget would only consider the more affordable Japanese D segment. At its price point, only Ford Mondeo can compare with it.
However, with the launch of the new Toyota Camry this year and the small facelift Mazda 6 2.2D, the price has soared, directly hitting the price of Passat. It means that Passat is also starting to compete with the Japanese D segment.
If you want to compare directly, it can be said that each has its own merits. Mazda 6 2.2D has excellent driving feeling and excellent assembly quality, but because it only uses Euro 5 diesel, it has some inconvenience in the suburbs. The Toyota Camry, which is known for its durability and reliability, has been criticized because of its sudden price spike and the use of the "10,000-year" 2.5-liter self-priming old engine. Although Passat only needs 95 gasoline to run, and it is equipped with the famous EA888 engine, it is full of fun. But the dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission, high maintenance costs and very low second-hand prices are indeed the main factors that make people deterred.
Another point worth mentioning is the active safety system. Both their own i-ActivSense and Toyota Safety Sense can be seen on Mazda 6 and Camry. However, this strategy of packaging many active safety systems into a package seems to be in addition to Volvo. It has not become popular in European cars, at least not in the Malaysian market. Not to mention Volkswagen, even its premium brand Audi does not necessarily have a full set of active safety systems, so there is no need to say more. However, Passat is equipped with a massage seat that is not available in its competitors.