Owning a Volkswagen Passat will undoubtedly give much driving pleasure and Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is enhancing that ownership experience with a complimentary stay at the Pangkor Laut Resort in Perak. The offer is for customers who purchase a new Passat Elegance or Passat R-Line before April 30, 2021.
Additionally, during this promotion period, the Passat Elegance comes with insurance premium (worth RM5,500) covered by VPCM for the first year, while the Passat R-Line comes with a year’s free supply of petrol (worth RM2,500).
The Pangkor Laut Resort stay is for two nights for two persons in a Hill Villa up on the hillside of the island which offers a magnificent view of the sea and overlooks beautiful tropical gardens. Inclusive in the package are all three daily meals, and guests will also receive a 50-minute massage treatment. The package covers return scheduled speedboat transfers to and from Marina Island Pangkor on the mainland.
Pangkor Laut Resort in Perak
Valid until December 2022
Of course, for now, interstate travel is not permitted so new Passat owners from outside Perak would not be able to drive to Lumut, from which the speedboat starts. However, the stay is valid until December 20, 2022 which is over one year away so restrictions should end by then. You can help bring that end as soon as possible by doing your part to bring the COVID-19 case numbers down.
“The current travel implementations by the government meant that we have not been able to travel and get away from the hustle and bustle of our city lives. With this campaign, we are delighted to offer our customers the opportunity to experience two award winners – the Passat, the world’s best-selling mid-sized sedan – and Pangkor Laut Resort, previously voted ‘Number One in the World’ by Condé Nast Traveller,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM.
The Passat Elegance and its sportier sibling, the Passat R-Line are the world’s best-selling mid-sized sedans. Both are powered by a 2.0TSI turbocharged petrol engine with 190 ps/320 Nm output, and paired with a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG). The top-of-the-range R-Line also comes with Dynamic Chassis Control and other technologically advanced features. With the current sales tax exemption (until June 30, 2021), the Elegance is priced at RM181,856 and the R-Line is at RM203,411 (excluding insurance).
The Passat Escape
On April 10/11, Volkswagen dealerships nationwide will be hosting ‘The Passat Escape’, an event to showcase the features of the two models and highlight attractive deals and promotions. Customers are invited to tune in to the respective dealers’ social media channels or visit any authorised showroom.
All Volkswagen models come with 3 years of free scheduled maintenance, 5 years warranty with unlimited mileage, and 5 years of complimentary roadside assistance. For more information on the Passat and other models available in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
Do you live in an urban area with mad traffic? Somewhere like KL, Penang or even JB? Do you work long hours at the office and take pride in working overtime? Perhaps you have spent years and years of your life working up the corporate ladder and now you are almost at the top.
Your family life is near perfect. Kids are in school, your trophy wife is dedicated to ensuring the home always remains comfortable and the kids balance their time between work and play.
And now it has come time to reward yourself.
But you are a price conscious man. You do not want to spend too much money on a car that takes you to work and home and back to your parents home in a town three to four hours away every three to four months away. But we are talking about a Volkswagen here, so you can accept a little bit of depreciation.
Or maybe you are none of the above and just want a nice car to go about your daily business then. It does not matter what category you fall into, or if there is even a category to define you.
Lets then talk about the Volkswagen Passat R-Line – a car so fine that you won’t mind spending hours stuck in traffic in it. And yet it falls short of being perfect.
What we love about it:
Design
The design of the Passat has come a long way. Even without the R-line kit the Passat is already a handsome car, but the R-line kit simply accentuates its good looks and adds a dash of sportiness to it. The R-line gives you bigger, sportier wheels, sports bumpers, a sportier steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery, and a lot more inside and outside the car, but it does not add more power and add any electronic gizmo. Everything else remains the same.
We particularly loved it in white and as the saying goes, if you don’t look back at your car after parking it, you bought the wrong car. The Passat R-line had us looking back at it a lot, and we think you will too.
Interior
The interior is spacious and comfortable. The drivers seat is adjustable in 14 different ways, so it is impossible to not get comfortable in it.
We particularly appreciate how well built everything feels, and though it does not exude luxury and opulence, it is a great place to be in. When compared to the competition in its segment especially the current throne-sitters like the Camry and Accord, the Passat and its European build and style makes it feel as if it were a bargain at a little under RM205,000.
And yes, it is more expensive than its segment competitors and price-wise at least, it deserves to be put up against the likes of the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class and the Audi A4. And even then it would still seem like a bargain as you get so much more living space for a lot cheaper.
If you don’t mind the badge, then the Passat offers a lot more value for money than its Euro rivals. And if you don’t mind spending a little more than the Asians, you will love the interior ambiance and comforts.
Technology
During the entire review period, the Passat appealed to the techie in us. Whether it was the digital meter panel or the eight speaker sound system, or the armada of safety technologies, the Passat has plenty of tech to offer.
The Wireless App-Connect smartphone connectivity in particular was shockingly easy to use. The iPhone connected to the onboard Apple CarPlay quickly and drama free, and most importantly, wirelessly. It was perfect and for those of you who suffer from cable-anxiety where you have to carry cables everywhere, this tech is God sent. Sadly, this tech is only available for Apple iPhone users, Android users will still need to suffer the inelegance of carrying cables around.
The drive mode selector too is just two quick dabs of a button away – touch the Drive Mode button located by the gear shifter and then touch the 9.2-inch screen to select your preferred mode. The Passat R-line has five driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual, which lets you adjust things like steering wheel heft, accelerator pedal sensitivity and gear shift speed. Because the Passat also comes with Dynamic Chassis Control, you can also adjust how comfortable the car feels, a plush for those highways cruises, and hard suspension for when you feel like attacking corners and for ultimate chassis and suspension response.
Power and Economy
We hear the groans, yes we know 190PS (187hp) and 320Nm of torque does not warrant us talking about power, but it honestly feels good enough in the Passat.
Keep in mind that this is a car that has been designed for comfort and safety for the family. Yes this is a family man’s car, and we beg of you not to kit it up with a spoiler and loud ‘wannabe’ akrapovic exhaust kit, because that will just make you look stupid and the car is not designed for this (yes, there actually are people that do such things to a Passat).
The Passat R-line is designed for the daily grind, and that’s what it does best – to keep you comfortable and to keep your money in your wallet and not poured into the fuel tank. Volkswagen Malaysia says the Passat R-line needs just 6.5 litres of fuel for every 100km, real world figures suggest something along those lines and up to 7.6 litres for every 100km when you’re not flooring the right pedal all the time. But we do believe their claim that the Passat is capable of 1,000km per tank. Of course this depends on your driving style, but if you keep your right foot on a leash, those figures are achievable.
All-round daily runner
This is what we love the Passat for, a no-nonsense, fuss-free, comfortable, loving car. It has everything you will want in a car and has it all packaged handsomely. It is a car that you can drive to the office and to impress your clients and to show that you are a person with taste yet don’t want to spend silly money on a car that ultimately does not give you back as much. It is also a car that your family will love and will also ultimately impress the cousins and kampung folks with its good looks.
But there are also things that we don’t quite like, such as ….
Road Noise
The 19-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli Cinturato P7 (235/40 R19) rubbers are good in the wet and have decent dry weather handling, but are extremely noisy at highway speed. And this noise creeps back into the cabin to the point where you actually have to raise your voice significantly to have a conversation. This can get irritating and uncomfortable at highway speed. It is particularly annoying when you have to make and accept phone calls, hands free of course.
Confusing entertainment system and a screen that loves fingerprints
As great as the entertainment system is, we suspect that non-tech inclined drivers and passengers will find the onboard systems a little confusing to use. There is no doubt that the systems are especially friendly towards iPhone users (no complains there for this iPhone user), but the entire Discover Pro entertainment system requires a little getting used.
As for the screen that too easily smudges, this irritates the neat freak in us because the screen somehow does not cope very well with all that fingering around. After a day’s driving, the screen is full of smudges. Of course there is a way around it and that is to visit your favourite accessories story and to install a screen protector. It is not a deal breaker, but still very irritating.
Uninspiring dashboard
Yes yes we were raving about how well built the interior feels and all that jazz, but if you are artistically inclined the design of the dashboard may leave you longing for more. Of course less is always more, and the overall interior quality feels great, but as far as exciting interior designs go, the dash of the Passat will perhaps leave you longing for more after a while.
All in all …
There is little not to love about the Volkswagen Passat, especially in R-line trim. It may be pricey especially when compared to the Japanese rivals, but you get good value for money. There are plenty of complaints about Volkswagen and retaining its used car prices, but we are firm believers in living in the moment and worrying about the future when the time comes, so if you want a car that looks good and makes you feel great as well, then the Passat R-line checks all the boxes.
And for those concerned about owning a Volkswagen, the company has heard of such concerns and now offers a 5 year unlimited mileage warranty, 3 year free maintenance as well as 5 year free roadside assistance. Talk about drama free ownership.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has announced that the great deals for the Volkswagen Passat Elegance and Passat R-Line have been extended. Customers get the first year of insurance free (worth RM5,500) as well as 1-year of free petrol (as a rebate) rebate worth RM2,500. Those who place their booking via the Volkswagen eShowroom will enjoy additional RM3,500 of rebates, bringing the total savings to as much as RM11,500.
With the current sales tax exemption (until June 30, 2021), the Passat Elegance is priced from RM181,856 and the Passat R-Line is from RM203,411.
The Passat Elegance and its sportier sibling, the Passat R-Line comes with a 2.0 TSI turbocharged engine paired with a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG). The output 190 ps/320 Nm which goes to the front wheels. The Passat R-Line also comes with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) and other hi-tech features to enhance driving dynamics.
Already an owner?
Those who already own a Volkswagen older than 5 years can take advantage of the Repair Package specials. These are available for the front and rear shock absorbers, front and rear brake discs – and from this month onwards – front and rear wheel bearings and timing belt. Additionally, the parts and labour on selected models come with a 30% discount and 2-year warranty for peace of mind.
When making replacements, all parts used are 100% Volkswagen genuine parts, including related components such as nuts and bolts. In some cases, related items are also replaced to ensure better performance and safety.
All work is carried out by trained Volkswagen technicians and in accordance with global standards with approved Volkswagen tools.
Volkswagen owners are required to download the Volkswagen Cares mobile app to be eligible, and in order to receive their item e-vouchers. These e-vouchers can then be presented at any Volkswagen authorized service centres throughout Malaysia.
VPCM also encourages booking of service appointments in advance and this can be done online. Owners can choose preferred dealership, date and time. Free pick-up and delivery services are also available upon request for those who are busy or who would rather not leave home at this time.
For those who do visit Volkswagen dealerships nationwide, you can be assured that all the facilities follow strict guidelines under the Volkswagen #SafeHands initiative. There are stringent hygiene processes in place including the sanitising of premises and key touchpoints, proper safety screenings, contactless vehicle acceptance and sanitisation of all display and test drive units.
This weekend, on February 20 and 21, Volkswagen dealerships throughout Malaysia will be hosting a virtual Open House from 11 am to 5 pm. During these sessions, there will be sales and aftersales offers to celebrate the Year of the Metal Ox.
Throughout the weekend event, detailed introductions and walkthroughs of various models will be presented online. From the comfort of their homes, viewers can send in their questions and Sales Consultants and Service Advisors will respond via Facebook Live.
Those who confirm the purchase a new Volkswagen using the Volkswagen eShowroom will enjoy ang pao rebates of RM1,000 (selected models), additional 1-year insurance at no extra cost or RM5,500 savings – on top of exclusive online deals.
Passat Elegance and R-Line
The weekend highlights include the Passat Elegance and Passat R-Line. These models come with a 2.0TSI turbocharged 109 ps/320 Nm petrol engine paired with a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG).
Additionally, the Passat R-Line also comes with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), with up to 15 selectable increments to suit adjust the driving dynamics to personal preference.
The Passat Elegance is priced from RM181,856 while the Passat R-Line is priced from RM203,411 (with sales tax exemption) and is available with up to RM10,000 in savings.
Tiguan Allspace Highline
As for the Tiguan Allspace Highline, this SUV is priced from RM164,430 with the sales tax exemption), and for the 2020 models, there are up to RM8,000 in rebates.
This model comes with a 1.4TSI turbocharged direct injection engine which may seem like a small displacement but produces an impressive 150 ps/250 Nm. The small displacement makes it more fuel efficient, with performance enhanced by a 6-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG).
The long wheelbase provides versatility with multiple seat configurations and a massive boot space of 1,775 litres – the best in its segment. The Tiguan Allspace Highline is priced at, and with up to RM8,000 savings on 2020 models.
For owners too
There are also aftersales specials for those who already own a Volkswagen. The following are the offers on parts replacements and genuine engine oil:
Additionally, authorised Volkswagen service centres are offering a complimentary 5-Star Service Check, and up to 20% discount on batteries and tyres. To make a service appointment, click here.
There may be a CMCO (Conditional Movement Control Order) on now but business goes on and having adapted to the ‘new normal’, some car companies are using the internet to launch their new models. It’s a safe way to do so as there are no crowds in a hall and the reach is also quite wide. Volkswagen Passengers Cars Malaysia (VPCM) was among the early ‘adopters’, having even organised online sessions to talk to the motoring media during the MCO period earlier in the year.
So with a new model – the Volkswagen Passat R-Line – to launch, the company used its social media channels today to do a live telecast with VPCM’s Managing Director, Erik Winter, and Julie Woon doing the presentation.
Priced at RM203,411.18 (without sales tax until the end of the year), the new R-Line variant is the sportier big brother of the Passat Elegance that was launched earlier. It is also assembled at the assembly facility in Pekan, Pahang.
R-Line variants are not new to Malaysia but in earlier years, they were not promoted so much. However, with the high-performance R division in Germany aiming to grow its business, R-Line offerings have increased and VPCM has found the additional sportiness of the variants to appeal to many customers.
While having the same body design as the Passat Elegance, the Passat R-Line has an overall appearance oriented towards sportiness. To achieve this, it has R-Line front and rear bumpers, chrome trim and 19-inch Verona alloy wheels.
The LED lighting is advanced for safer motoring and also generates a ‘signature’ with the day running lights as well as front and rear sequential turn signals.
R-Line identity inside
As for the interior, the R-Line people have chosen Nappa carbon-style black leather upholstery for the seats, steering wheel (with shift paddles) and provide aluminium sports pedals as well as a black roof headliner. The Passat R-Line also sets itself apart with new finishes and materials, including new Dark Diamond Flag decorative trim.
But convenience and comfort are not forgotten and there are also features such as an 11.7-inch Digital Cockpit that can be personalised with different screens, Apple Car Play/Android Auto, and even 14-way adjustment for the front seats. The driver’s seat also comes with a massage function.
VPCM has also added in a complimentary Helix 300W Soundbar (worth RM2,400) which is installed in the 586-litre boot. This Volkswagen Approved Accessory is a 5-channel amplifier with an integrated sound processor and subwoofer, which elevates the vehicle’s already-advanced sound system to a higher level.
New 320-Nm TSI engine
Under the bonnet is a new 2.0TSI turbocharged engine with an output of 190 ps/320 Nm. It is fitted with a new and improved 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG) that has longer oil change intervals.
In the past, if you wanted to have more dynamic handling, you could only change the shock absorbers to a sports type. Now with more electronic systems, a driver can tune the car’s handing characteristics quite extensively.
With the Dynamic Chassis Control, there are up to 15 selectable increments or the driver can just choose a pre-packaged mode. Additionally, the Driving Mode Selection can vary the powertrain characteristics to suit personal preference from economical motoring to strong acceleration.
This weekend (October 17/18), Volkswagen dealerships nationwide will be hosting a virtual event featuring detailed walk-throughs of the new Passat R-Line where customers are invited to send in their questions and interact with Sales Consultants via Facebook Live from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
Colour choices for the Passat R-Line.
Order online and save money
Customers who place a booking during this weekend will enjoy additional RM2,000 rebate on top of RM3,500 savings currently offer for the full Passat range – via the Volkswagen eShowroom. There will also be an additional RM1,000 rebate on other Volkswagen models, with the exception of the Polo.
‘R’ is a popular alphabet among car manufacturers as it is associated with the word ‘Racing’. Usually, ‘R’ is used it to designate the sportiest variants of their models. Volkswagen began using ‘R’ with the 3.2-litre Golf R32 model some 15 years ago and then decided to have a R variant for each Golf generation that would be the most powerful in its time.
The R branding became increasingly successful and by 2010, the R GmbH division was established to look after the development and marketing of the hottest VW models. And while it has been performance-oriented, the division has this year announced that its direction will follow the trend of electrification. In fact, it has maintained the reputation of high performance even in EVs with the ID. R – the fastest car ever to race up Pikes Peak in America.
Then there’s also the R-Line which draws on the R image but without performance enhancements. The R-Line began as a trim level created by Volkswagen Individual but eventually became a range of its own, managed by the R division.
Golf R32The first R-Line model in Malaysia was the Passat CC R-Line, introduced in 2012.Current Golf R-Line
The first R-Line model in Malaysia was a version of the Passat CC introduced in 2012, followed by Golf Mk.7 a year later. Thus far, the Malaysian market has only had the R-Line available with the Golf but today, additional models have been launched to expand the R-Line to four models. Besides the Golf 7.5, which debuted in the early part of 2018, there is now the new Arteon R-Line, Tiguan R-Line and Passat R-Line.
Arteon R-Line (RM221,065)
The Arteon R-Line is the new flagship of the Volkswagen range in Malaysia. Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) obviously expects it to make a strong impression on the market and has invested in local assembly which is done at the plant in Pekan, Pahang.
“As our new flagship, the Arteon elevates the Volkswagen brand for us as it beautifully captures design, performance and function while offering a greater feeling of exclusivity. Having it as an R-Line model adds sportiness even more to the heart of the Arteon,” said VPCM’s Managing Director, Erik Winter.
The Arteon is the direct successor to the Passat CC and has the same sleekness with a fastback profile. It sits on the MQB platform (which made it easier to assemble locally) and comes with a 2-litre TSI turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine with an output of 190 ps/320 Nm.
Power delivery to the front wheels is through a new and improved 7-speed double wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG). Drivers can customize performance characteristics with five driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual – as well as Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) which offers up to 15 selectable increments.
As a flagship model, the Arteon R-Line obviously comes with a wide range of luxury items, along with the sporty image. Front passengers can sit comfortably on the 14-way ErgoComfort seats and the driver gets an additional massage function.
For audiophiles, the Arteon is fitted with a 700W Dynaudio sound system that comprises 11 speakers plus a subwoofer, and 16-channel digital amplifier. Adding to the luxurious ambience are Silver Rise aluminium inserts, Titanium Black headliner, an analogue clock and 3-colour ambient lighting.
The 11.7-inch Digital Cockpit keeps drivers well informed with data displayed on customizable screen views (up to 6) and over 30 combination options, including 2D and 3D navigation and a full 100% map view.
For connectivity, the 9.2-inch Discover Pro touchscreen (split view) infotainment system allows drivers to connect wirelessly via Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto and Mirrorlink also available via a Type C USB port. The system has voice control and gesture control for handsfree operation.
A first for Volkswagen in Malaysia is the car’s Easy Close feature which provides a 20-second delayed closing of the boot, giving the driver freedom to remove items in the boot using both hands. Handsfree opening can be easily done by just placing a foot under the rear bumper.
Tiguan Allspace R-Line (RM209,575)
The new Allspace variant signifies the longer wheelbase that makes possible the addition of a third row of seating, so up to 7 persons can be accommodated. While the Tiguan Allspace Highline comes with front-wheel drive and a 1.4-litre TSI engine, the R-Line version has Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Upholding its R-Line legacy, the Tiguan Allspace R-Line has the highest power and torque in its class – 220 ps/350 Nm – generated by a 2-litre TSI turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine. Like the Arteon R-Line, it also has a 7-speed DSG. Besides the 4Motion’s four modes for different conditions, the driver can also customize the powertrain characteristics as well as the chassis to suit personal driving styles and even to stretch each litre of fuel.
With three rows of seats, there’s the possibility of multiple seat configurations to suit different needs. The second and third row backrests can be folded individually and when both rows are flat, there’s a massive boot volume of 1,775 litres.
The interior is a combination of sportiness and functionality with connectivity features such as a Digital Cockpit and 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with 8 speakers. Standard features include 3-zone climate control, cruise control, powered tailgate, LED lighting units front and rear and a tyre pressure monitor.
Passat R-Line (estimated RM200,000 – RM210,000)
The new Passat R-Line is not available just yet, but Volkswagen dealers will accept bookings from today. Like the Passat Elegance launched earlier this year, the Passat R-Line is also locally assembled. Being assembled locally, like the Arteon and Tiguan, means there is full exemption of the 10% sales tax until the end of the year.
The accessories developed by the R division for the Passat are sportier front and rear bumpers, side R-Line badge and a lot of chrome trim, plus 19-inch Verona alloy wheels. As for the interior, R-Line trim is in the form of Nappa carbon-style black leather seats, steering wheel and aluminium sports pedals.
For connectivity, the Passat R-Line has Volkswagen’s Discover Pro infotainment system with a 9.2-inch touchscreen. Convenient features include voice control, gesture control, a customizable 3-view split screen and Wireless App-Connect with Apple Car Play.
The Passat R-Line is not just about sportier looks but also delivers strong performance with its 2-litre TSI turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine (190 ps/320Nm) paired with the new and improved 7-speed wet clutch DSG.
The other models in the 2020 range
The Volkswagen range for Malaysia this year presently consists of the Arteon, Passat, Tiguan, Golf 7.5, Vento and Polo, with their respective variants. Prices range from RM221,065 to RM74,800 so there should be a Volkswagen to suit your budget.
There’s also the new Tiguan Allspace Highline with 3 rows of seats with only front-wheel drive and a 1.4-litre TSI engine, priced from RM165,000.
As part of its ‘Volkswagen Cares’ initiative, every new unit comes with 3 years of free scheduled maintenance, a 5-year warranty with no limit on mileage and 5 years complimentary roadside assistance.
If you are in the Klang Valley, you can get a closer look at the new Volkswagen R-Line models at the Volkswagen Tour which is on at the 1Utama shopping centre in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, until Sunday August 16. There’s also an opportunity to experience the cars at the same location, which is what VPCM encourages the public to do.
