Das WeltAuto is a website where those who are looking for a used Volkswagen vehicle in Malaysia can go to and check out the available models. Launched in September 2019, it is Volkswagen’s global used car program which offers certified used cars for sale.
“What makes Das WeltAuto different from other used car channels is that you can expect the same exceptional level of service as a new car purchase experience from a dealer you can trust, with experienced sales staff who will provide the best advice and maximum transparency. All this from a brand you can rely on – and most importantly, a product you can trust,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM).
To improve the user experience, the website has been refreshed and now presents a more minimalist look. The interface has also been revamped and various new features have been introduced to provide convenience.
Most notably, owners can sell their Volkswagen to authorised dealerships through the ‘Sell Your Car’ function. This completes the Das WeltAuto ecosystem as it now provides both the purchase and sale of certified used Volkswagen cars within the same platform.
The process for ‘Sell Your Car’ is simple as owners only need to submit their vehicle’s details via the website. A preferred dealership will then arrange for a free inspection either at home or on-site before a competitive offer is made. Attractive trade-up support is offered if the owner wants to purchase a new Volkswagen from the dealership.
Another feature is the ‘Nearly New Cars’ section that lists certified cars with less than 12,000 kms mileage and are within a year of the original registration date. These might be company-owned vehicles that have been used as demonstrators and can often be a great deal for buyers as they are almost as good as new.
Das WeltAuto follows Volkswagen’s global know-how, standards and processes so customers are assured of the same level of meticulousness for the used cars as if they were purchasing a brand-new one. All vehicles are accepted for trade-in and will undergo a strict and thorough 133-point check by Volkswagen Technicians.
Peace of mind is also guaranteed as all Das WeltAuto vehicles are fitted with genuine parts (where necessary); are accident-free and flood-free; and come with complete proof of scheduled services at authorised Volkswagen service centres. Purchasers also get a 1-year extended warranty and 12 months of complimentary roadside assistance.
Car companies do their best to provide as much convenience as possible to customers and owners of their products. Whether it is enquiring about a new model or sending a vehicle for servicing, the more convenient it is, the better the experience of the brand.
For this reason, many companies have made their retail outlets 3S or 4S types, meaning sales, service and sale of spare parts are all at one location. ‘4S’ includes additional services such as accident repairs and refinishing. It is the norm these days and businessmen who wish to become dealers must be willing to make the big investments to build such facilities.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has followed this policy and can now say that virtually all its authorised dealerships in the country are now either 3S or 4S outlets, with the exception of one which is 2S (service and spares). There are currently 17 Volkswagen dealerships and one service partner, strategically located in key regions to provide customers with sales and aftersales services.
All dealer groups are equipped with the expertise, personnel and equipment to maintain Volkswagen models. In addition, VPCM is continuously working with its dealer partners to enhance customer satisfaction by providing professional, attentive, and top-level services. These efforts are evident in the Car.Advisor ratings given by customers. Car.Advisor is an independent third-party platform that manages customer satisfaction for the Volkswagen brand.
Volkswagen Malaysia has achieved an average 4.93/5 star for its sales experience on Car.Advisor, whilst aftersales services received 4.76/5 star (these annual results are as of April 2022). Ratings and reviews for each dealership are transparently shown on the website and accessible by the public.
Providing 3S and 4S outlets that offer the full range of services at one location is part of the company’s Volkswagen Cares initiative to enhance the ownership experience for customers. According to Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM, a smooth and memorable ownership experience is important. “Customer service makes all the difference because it elevates the ownership experience. Now with a strong network of 3S and 4S centres, we are providing convenience for Volkswagen owners from around the country. We are also practising transparency with our customer satisfaction because ratings and reviews are available on the Car.Advisor website, and this pushes us and our dealer partners to continue improving our offerings too,” he said.
When the second generation of the Volkswagen Tiguan was launched around 6 years ago, there were two body versions – short wheelbase with 2-row seating and long wheelbase with 3-row seating. Initially, it was thought that the 3-row version was for China where extended bodies are preferred but it turned out that the longer Tiguan, known as the Tiguan Allspace, is offered globally as well.
The Tiguan Allspace has become a success story for Volkswagen as around 1.5 million units were sold worldwide, and this version accounts for 55% of all Tiguan production. With SUVs being popular, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) chose the model to add to its locally-assembled range with the completely knocked-down (CKD) kits coming from the global production hub in Mexico.
With the addition of the Allspace version, VPCM decided to stop assembling the 2-row version and now has two offerings – the Tiguan Allspace Elegance and R-Line 4MOTION. Both have been updated for 2022 with cosmetic changes and upgrades within. They are priced at RM174,745.68 and RM219,443.59, respectively, without insurance and with full exemption of sales tax (until June 30, 2022).
The overall form of the Tiguan Allspace remains recognizable but up front is a redesigned grille flanked by slimmer headlamps. The headlamps are LED units and said to have wider light distribution to better illuminate the sides of the road. The headlamps also include an all-weather light system and dynamic cornering function.
Like the front, the rear lights also use LEDs, with dynamic turn indicators typically found on premium models these days. The taillight cluster with a distinctive lighting signature puts on an interesting ‘show’ (Click-clack effect) when braking.
Other changes include redesigned bumpers and the signature LED illuminated light strip. Sharp-eyed observers will also notice that the brand logo is new, the result of what was said to be one of the world’s largest rebranding campaigns carried out in 2019 and 2020. The logo is reduced to its essential elements and has a new design that is flat and two-dimensional.
Plush and functional space for 7
Inside the new Tiguan Allspace is a plush and functional interior for 7 persons. Seats are all wrapped in Vienna leather with the addition of active climate 12-way adjustable seats at the front. The 11.7-inch Digital Cockpit has been improved and offers customizable displays on a TFT colour panel with resolution comparable to a premium smartphone.
The driver can operate and manage numerous functions from the multifunction sports steering wheel which has haptic-touch controls (needs a bit of getting used to). However, for more intuitive operation, there are upgrade knobs and buttons on the dashboard to adjust the air-conditioning systems. The shifter panel display has also been redesigned and gear positions are shown on the interface with illumination to highlight which gear is engaged.
Around the cabin, 30-colour ambient lighting is provided with light strips extending across the doors, creating a contemporary and personalised atmosphere to suit any driving modes, occasions, or moods. Newly added is the Easy Open and Easy Close feature that enables handsfree opening and delayed closing of the tailgate. The cargo volume can be expanded to 1,775 litres by folding down the rear backrests.
The infotainment system has also been upgraded to a new generation 9.2-inch Discover Pro unit. It now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and includes a navigation system as well as accepts voice commands. For the Tiguan Allspace R-Line, there is an additional Off-road display to provide information when this driving mode is selected. Also exclusively for the R-Line 4MOTION is the premium Harman Kardon 480W audio system with 10 speakers.
2-litre and 1.4-litre powertrains maintained
Technically, the powertrains are unchanged with the Elegance version having a 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged engine and 6-speed DSG (150 ps/250 Nm) and only front-wheel drive, while the R-Line 4MOTION uses the 2-litre TSI turbocharged engine and 7-speed DSG (220 ps/350 Nm). Power is transferred to all four wheels via the all-wheel drive system.
1.4-litre TSI turbocharged engine for Tiguan Allspace Elegance2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine for Tiguan Allspace R-Line 4MOTION. The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system distributes power between front and rear axles on an infinitely variable basis. continuously adjusted to actual driving conditions. Mostly, it would be towards the front wheels but in slippery conditions, there will also be distribution towards the rear wheels for stability and grip.
The Tiguan comes with Dynamic Chassis Control for more personalised settings for driving behaviour, and there are 4 additional modes as part of the 4MOTION system – On-road, Off-road, Off-road Expert, and Snow. It is also fitted with progressive steering for sharper and more precise maneuvering.
Volkswagen pays a lot of attention to safety and would be right up there with other global brands. But unusually, the Tiguan doesn’t seem to have an integrated active system package that usually includes autonomous emergency braking. It does, however, come with a Lane Assist system which helps to keep the SUV within its lane. If it starts to move out of the lane, a gentle steering force will guide it back.
Nevertheless, all the other usual active safety systems like ABS, and stability control which works with the advanced Electronic Differential Lock (XDS). 6 airbags are also installed in the front and sides of the cabin and ISOFIX childseat points are provided in the front passenger’s seat as well as the rear seats.
The new Tiguans are now in authorized Volkswagen showrooms which have specific test-drive events this weekend. For those who do buy one, there’s a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, free scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years as well as complimentary roadside assistance for the first 5 years.
“SUVs are increasingly popular among Malaysians, and we see an opportunity for us to fill the gap in providing premium SUVs for the discerning. What we have in the Tiguan Allspace is an all-rounder that has more to give – more space, more performance, more value,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM.
To know more about the new Tiguan Allspace or to locate a showroom, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
As far back as July last year, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) had already confirmed that the new Golf 8 would be coming to Malaysia. That was good news but the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic and then the global microchip shortages must have delayed the plans although what had not been mentioned also was that the new 8th generation model would be assembled in Malaysia. That too would have added a bit more time as all previous generations came from Germany completely built-up (CBU) and ready for delivery.
And it’s not just the Golf model being assembled here again but it is the GTI – the original hot hatch – which is something special because there are only two other places in the world where it is made: Germany and China. Malaysia’s market size being tiny compared to China makes it a significant development although having started assembly of MQB platform models (the first being the Tiguan) has made this easier.
The last time the Golf was assembled in Malaysia was in the mid-1970s when the Mark 1 was introduced as the successor to the Beetle. However, due to changes of distributor and also Volkswagen’s strategy for the region, successive models were not assembled and while Auto Dunia (the distributor from 1984 through to the end of the 1990s) did sell some Golfs, most were imported by independent dealers who focussed on the GTI version that was the most popular.
It was only when Volkswagen Malaysia was established in the mid-2000s that a serious effort was made to market Volkswagens in the country. Of the different models imported, the GTI was the bestseller, accounting for 50% of sales at one stage. Since then, every generation of the GTI has occupied a strong position in the range sold in Malaysia and now, with the 8th generation, local assembly means it can sell in bigger numbers as the incentives that the government offers help offset the production costs to bring the price down to RM211,689 (without insurance and sales tax).
Coming soon: the new Golf R-Line with a 1.4-litre TSI engine, to be priced between RM155,000 and RM165,000.With 320 ps/400 Nm, this is the most powerful Golf R to be produced. Imported CBU, it is priced at RM356,412 and the limited number of units available are almost sold out.
The GTI isn’t the only version that is being assembled locally as there is also the lower-priced Golf R-Line which will be priced within the range of RM155,000 to RM165,000, but will only go on sale a bit later (although you can book one now). The price is certainly lower than the last listed price for the CBU Golf R-Line of the 7th generation (well, 7.5 to be more correct).
This is not to be mistaken for the very powerful Golf R which is also available in limited numbers as a CBU import, priced from RM356,412 (without insurance). That’s a lot more money than the GTI but according to the VPCM people, they are almost running out of stocks of the Golf R.
With a model as iconic and legendary as the Golf, especially the GTI, the designers have to be very careful how they shape it. While having to modernise in keeping with the latest trends, there is also a need to retain the heritage so the Mark 8 has evolutionary change from its predecessor and incorporates the signature elements like the honeycomb front grille and red pinstripe trim. But because it has the same basic form as the other versions, it is a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’.
The standard LED headlights are positioned low down and dominate the striking front end in conjunction with the radiator grille. A narrow edge below the bonnet, red in colour, reaches across the entire front. This creates the new face which is also in line with the current new models of the brand.
18-inch Richmond alloy wheels (with 225/40 tyres) with red brake calipers are at each corner while at the rear end, LED tail light units provide a distinct visual signature. There is, of course, the mandatory spoiler on the edge of the roof and under the bumper, individual tailpipes on either side.
Like an increasing number of new models today, the brand or model name is larger on the rear panel and in this case, the ‘GTI’ letters below the VW logo can be spotted from some distance (for the R-Line, ‘GOLF’ is used).
The original hot hatch – the first Golf GTI launched in 1975.
Under the bonnet is a familiar power unit, the EA888, which is a 2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with direct-injection. With the latest version of the engine, output has improved to 245 ps/370 Nm (15 ps/20 Nm more than the previous GTI 7.5). That’s more than double the power and torque of the original 1.6-litre engine in the Mark 1 which was 110 ps/137 Nm. The proven 7-speed wet-clutch DSG continues to be used to deliver power to the front wheels.
Further along the driveline, there’s an XDS+ Electronic Differential Lock that was initially developed for the Golf GTI (an earlier generation) which enhances handling to be more precise and more neutral. It is an extension of the electronic differential lock (EDS) integrated in the ESP system. It uses the ESP hydraulic system to apply braking forces to the relevant wheel to achieve optimum traction. Thus, the XDS acts like a limited-slip differential to compensate for the understeer typical of FWD cars during fast cornering.
The Golf GTI also comes with a new Vehicle Dynamics Manager (VDM) with Dynamic Chassis Control that has up to 15 settings. The driver can choose pre-set modes for economy or sporty driving, or even customise specific aspects such as the steering, drivetrain and even engine sound. Using a new software application, the VDM intelligently manages the electromechanical running gear systems to provide the driver with an even higher level of control than before.
While the suspension layout is similar to the previous generation’s, there has been some reconfiguration of the front struts and the front axle spring rate is said to be 5% higher than before. The use of a new aluminium subframe also takes away a bit over 3 kgs while maximising rigidity. For the multi-link rear axle, the engineers designed a new wheel mount and increased the spring rate by 15% while also upgrading the damping characteristics.
‘Digital’ and ‘connected’ are the two words that are dominant in the description of the new Golf. The clearest demonstration of this is the new Digital Cockpit, which is part of what Volkswagen calls the Driver’s Workspace. Though looking traditional at a glance, the dashboard is actually revolutionary and presents information in a clearer, neater way. Virtually all of the displays and controls are digital with two display screens – a 10.25-inch TFT panel for the meters and a 10-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Because the instrument panel is digital and graphic, the display can be personalised with different colour themes and views, including a GTI-specific skin.
The 10-inch panel towards the middle of the dashboard displays 3D navigation and has connectivity options that include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to put smartphone apps on the screen and use them. Intuitive operation in the Golf GTI can also be supported by new, natural voice control on request. The system is simply activated by saying ‘Hello Volkswagen’ or pressing the voice button on the steering wheel. The Golf reacts to intuitive voice commands such as ‘Play some music’ or ‘I’m too cold’, activating or adjusting systems as necessary.
The sporty leather-wrapped steering wheel also deserves highlighting with its multifunction haptic controls. This is new technology so for some (maybe computer gamers will be familiar with it), it may need getting used to. Your fingers don’t need to be ultra sensitive as the feedback is strong enough that you will eventually get used to it.
Ambient lighting around the cabin is the in-thing these days as it can create a more pleasant ambience for greater motoring pleasure. Volkswagen’s interior designers have installed accents of indirect lighting in various places and there are 30 colour choices to personalise from, or you can just pick one of the 5 preset themes (Infinity, Eternity, Desire, Euphoria, Vitality).
The sports front seats are upholstered in Vienna leather and for the feet, there are brushed stainless steel pedals. 3-zone climate control provides more personalised comfort to each front occupant as well as the rear occupants, while 4 USB ports (two of which are USB-C type) allow almost everyone to be able to recharge their devices while on the move.
Given the high performance of the Golf GTI, it would be expected that the levels of occupant protection would also be very high. Apart from the very rigid structure, the occupants are also protected by 6 airbags on the front and sides of the cabin. Active safety systems help the driver to maintain control or stabilise the car and if there is a major collision, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System activates to prevent the car from ‘bouncing’ about and crashing again.
Like other locally-assembled Volkswagen models, the new Golf GTI comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years, plus complimentary roadside assistance for the first 5 years.
To locate a showroom in Malaysia to view and test-drive the new Golf GTI, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
Going into its second year in the Malaysian market, the Volkswagen Passat R-Line has received upgrades as well as a boost in performance. The new model is priced from RM211,916.88 (without insurance) and being assembled locally in Pekan, Pahang, customers can buy it without having to pay sales tax (until June 30, 2022).
The 2.0TSI turbocharged engine has its output now raised to 220 ps/350 Nm, all of which goes to the front wheels through a 6-speed wet-clutch DSG transmission. Dynamic Chassis Control enhances the driving experience, allowing the drive to personalise the handling character of the car.
Besides the engine improvement, the other change is to the audio system which is now a premium system from Harman Kardon. It comes with no less than 12 high-performance speakers and 700W amplifier to provide an immersive sound experience for every occupant in the cabin. There is also a haptic-touch air conditioner control that is simple and intuitive to use.
There are 5 colours choices – Scale Silver, Aquamarine Blue, Manganese Grey, Deep Black and Oryx White – for the latest Passat R-Line. Sharp-eyed Volkswagen fans will spot the new brand logo on the grille and rear end. It is the second model with this new logo.
“The Passat is built on a successful combination of class and performance, which makes it the sedan of choice for the sophisticated both globally and locally. We have retained the unique features of the Passat R-Line but fine-tuned its performance so that it becomes an ideal partner for the discerning driver,” said Erik Winter, Managing Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia.
Each new Passat comes with 3 years of free scheduled maintenance, a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, and complimentary roadside assistance for the first 5 years. To locate an authorised Volkswagen showroom in Malaysia to view the range of models available, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
In line with the National Recovery Plan and the latest list of permitted activities and businesses, most authorised Volkswagen showrooms in Malaysia have resumed operations. However, those located in Melaka, Johor, Kedah, Pahang, and Kelantan are still awaiting approval to operate.
To ensure the health and safety of both visitors and employees, all the showrooms will adhere to strict Government guidelines and #SafeHands measures. These include MySejahtera registration and temperature scans, mandatory facemask usage, regular sanitisation of showrooms and display cars, and others specified in the Standard Operating Procedures.
Whether visiting the showroom or service, all visitors must follow the Standard Operating procedures which now include the requirement for full vaccination.
Must be fully vaccinated
Only fully vaccinated visitors are allowed, and they should have completed no less than 14 or 28 days (depending on the vaccine taken) after receiving their vaccination. Visitors are encouraged to make an appointment prior to their visits by contacting their preferred Volkswagen dealer whether to the showroom or service centre.
“The closure of showrooms in the past months affected our business performance, but we look forward to seeing the industry reopen and move forward, together with the support of our dealers,” said Managing Director of VPCM, Erik Winter, who welcomes the government’s decision to reopen sales and manufacturing operations.
Use Volkswagen’s online channel to buy Volkswagen’s global bestseller in August and you can save extra money.
Special offers for Merdeka month
In conjunction with the reopening of showrooms and the upcoming Merdeka holiday, authorised Volkswagen dealers will be hosting a virtual showroom event on their social media channels this August 27 – 31. As part of the celebration, Volkswagen is offering exclusive online savings of RM4,500 on the Tiguan Allspace Highline and RM7,500 on the Passat R-Line until August 31, 2021. Remember that there are additional savings as sales tax is exempted until the end of this year.
For information on the Volkswagen product range and locations of dealers in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
As with other car companies these days, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has to use online media to launch its new products and today, it officially introduced the new Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4MOTION. Assembled locally, the 4-door fastback is priced from RM247,671 without insurance and with full sales tax exempted (until the end of 2021).
Facelifted version
The Arteon, as flagship of the Volkswagen range in Malaysia, has been in the market since 2020 and the one launched today has the cosmetic changes of the updated model that made its global debut last June. Besides the exclusivity and sportiness that the R-Line package adds, the new model also comes very extensively equipped with high-tech and premium features as standard.
These include a full-LED headlight system with Dynamic Cornering Lights while the LED 3D rear taillights have sequential turn signals. The driver’s seat has 14-way adjustment while the luxurious ambience can be personalised with a selection of 30 colours (of adjustable intensity) for ambient illumination.
New, more powerful engine
Under the bonnet, the powertrain is a new and more powerful one. While being similarly turbocharged and having a 2-litre displacement, the EA888 TSI engine in the latest Arteon produce 280 ps with 350 Nm of torque available between 1,700 and 5,600 rpm. These numbers are 70 ps and 30 Nm more than before and still flow through a 7-speed DSG wet dual-clutch transmission. The claimed acceleration time is 5.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, with fuel consumption said to be up to 13.5 kms/litre.
All-wheel drive with 4MOTION
What’s significant for the new model is that the power goes to all four wheels, instead of just those at the front. The system enabling this is 4Motion, Volkswagen’s all-wheel drive (AWD) system. While many people may think that AWD is only good for off-road driving, it is actually useful on the road too.
With all 4 wheels powered, traction is improved and this will be appreciated on wet or slippery roads. Acceleration can also be improved and grip during cornering is also better. Of course, the Laws of Physics still apply so having 4MOTION doesn’t mean that you can drive around a corner faster than the capability of the tyres to grip the road.
AWD systems like 4MOTION have ‘intelligence’, sending power to whichever wheel needs it at any given moment. If it senses a wheel starting to spin, the system cuts the power going to that wheel and sends more power to whichever of the other wheels can best use it. Because it all happens automatically, the driver can focus on driving.
The 4MOTION system in the Arteon R-Line is one of two versions which Volkswagen developed. In Arteon application, because the engine is mounted transversely, an electro-hydraulic Haldex coupling is used whereas the other version for models like the Touareg SUV employ a mechanical Torsen centre differential to distribute power to the front and rear wheels. This is because of the engine being installed in a longitudinal orientation.
Power delivery is on an infinitely variable basis by a multi-plate clutch. Normally, power is mainly transmitted to the front axle, which saves energy. However, in the event of an impending loss of traction, the rear axle is activated in a fraction of a second. The distribution of power to all four wheels becomes active before wheelspin occurs, rather than being reactive. A loss of traction is therefore virtually excluded. However, should any wheel slip occur, power is immediately transmitted to the wheels where it is needed. An Electronic Different Lock also helps to improve traction and reduce understeer.
Dynamic Chassis Control, which is standard, has up to 15 selectable increments which are varied using the adaptive dampers. There are also 5 different driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual) so driving preferences can be personalized.
Extensive safety features but no AEB
In the area of safety, Volkswagen has always made sure that its customers get the best possible protection and as the flagship model, the Arteon has an extensive list of safety systems to help the driver avoid accidents. These driver assistance systems include Lane Assist, Side Assist, Driver Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. There’s also a 360° Area View system which let’s the driver see all around the car not only for precise parking but also to spot hazards. The display is customisable to full or split views.
If an accident does occur, there’s a Post-Collision Braking System which prevents a second collision (if the car is propelled uncontrollably), and an Intelligent Crash Response System that activates to cut fuel supply, switch on hazard lights and unlock the doors to enable rescuers to get to the occupants.
The usual active safety systems like ABS with Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Control are also present but it is rather surprising to find Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) not available. This system activates to automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not do so when a collision is likely to occur. According to VPCM’s Managing Director, Erik Winter, AEB is available for the Arteon but the system is still undergoing tests in Malaysian conditions so it is not being installed yet.
However, while AEB is not present for now, there is something called Maneuver Braking which is active from around 1.5 km/h up to 10 km/h. It is active during reversing as well as moving forward, so it is effective during parking and prevents bumping into a wall or another vehicle. The Maneuver Braking system is basically an extension of the Park Distance Control system which has been around for a long time.
Arteon drivers will also be alerted to reduced pressures in the tyres by the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Once the normal pressures are set, any significant change will be noticed so the driver will not drive too far on an under-inflated tyre and damage it.
Interior with R-Line silver trim
The spacious cabin of the Arteon with R-Line silver trim has EgoComfort seats which are handsomely sculpted and upholstered in Nappa Carbon leather. The seats are structured for comfort and reduced fatigue on long journeys and for the driver, there are up to 14 adjustment options as well as a massage function. The ambient lighting has a choice of 30 colours with adjustable intensity to match just about any mood.
The high-resolution 11.7-inch Digital Cockpit not only shows the usual information like road and engine speeds but can also have a navigation map overlaid across the instrument panel. The display is customizable with 6 views for over 30 combinations, including 2D and 3D navigation.
The 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system comes with voice and gesture control and supports wireless App-Connect to Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Besides using the touchscreen, the driver can also go handsfree and use voice commands or switches on the steering wheel.
Going with the flagship status of the model is the premium Harman Kardon sound system which has 12 speakers (11 speakers plus an additional centre one). The speaker grilles are crafted from ultra-thin 0.5 mm high-strength steel to support optimal acoustic performance. The 700W digital sound system employs a 16-channel digital amplifier with surround sound that can be enhanced by pre-determined acoustic settings – PURE, CHILL OUT, LIVE and ENERGY.
Trade-up offer
VPCM has a Trade-Up campaign for existing owners of the Touran, Cross Touran, Sharan, Passat CC and Passat (B7) who want to buy a new Volkswagen. With this campaign, owners will be able to enjoy an additional RM3,000 in trade-in value for all models currently on sale, including the all-new Arteon R-Line. While the present FMCO conditions do not allow for showroom visits, bookings for the new Arteon (as well as other models) can be made via the Volkswagen eShowroom which is always accessible from a smartphone or computer. For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
How do you judge a car in just three or four days?
There really isn’t much you can say about it other than the way it drives, how the interior feels, and the overall efficiency.
That is the issue with motoring journalism in Malaysia.
So the best way to properly understand a car is to look into a forum where other owners share their experience.
Or to drive a somewhat high mileage car that has been properly used and abused by other members of the Malaysian motoring fraternity.
Which is what I did when Volkswagen Malaysia handed me a car with a little over 10,000km on the odo.
There is no doubt that the Volkswagen Arteon is one the best looking car of its segment.
It created waves when it was first introduced to the world, and it still turns heads today.
At about RM220,000, it seems a better buy than the established competition; the BMW 3-Series, the Mercedes C-Class and the Audi A4.
It is a lot bigger than the competition and a lot more spacious.
And surprisingly offers more creature comforts, though it does not offer as much safety tech as the other Germans.
And that is what makes it fall short of being utterly perfect.
But then again, the Arteon also has held up surprisingly well after 10,000km in the hands of motoring journos.
Of course the cars are fully refurbished before being passed from one journo to another, but there are things that simply cannot be done so quickly.
Such as seat bolstering, faded plastics, buttons that become undone and surfaces that are easily scratched such as the door sills.
I found none of that in this Arteon.
What I did find though is that in the 5-6 days that I had the car, the entertainment system failed on me, once!
This was when I wanted to switch from the Apple CarPlay, to which I was connected to wirelessly, to a regular radio station.
I had Google Maps running (not a fan of Waze) and perhaps the onboard processor had too much.
The system then wouldn’t respond for a couple of minutes, and then it went blank for another couple of minutes.
Shortly after it restarted and was fine for the rest of my drive time.
Just tech being tech, I guess.
But other than that though, I have nothing but praises.
I loved the spaciousness of the Arteon.
For the first time ever, I did not need to move the front passenger seat forwards to accommodate my kid’s rear facing car seat.
The 563 litre booth accommodated everything you need to manage a child over a weekend, plus groceries, plus the wife’s bags, and then some.
Just for reference, the booth is slightly smaller than that of the Passat, but yet is bigger than the 4-Series and the Audi A5 Sportback.
The entertainment system, despite that one issue I experienced with it, was impressive with a 700W 12-speaker DynAudio sound system.
Metallica’s S&M album never sounded so good in a mid-segment passenger car.
The wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity is truly god sent, and something Mercedes-Benz and BMW should take a card from.
However, I do feel the engine does not do justice to the car’s good looks.
The 2.0-litre engine produces just 187hp and 320Nm of torque.
But for those with a need for speed, there is the Arteon R that produce over 300hp.
But it has never been officially offered in Malaysia save for that one time Volkswagen showcased a demo car to gauge public interest.
That didn’t go too well since it would have costed over RM300,000.
But the one great thing that the standard Arteon does incredibly well is fuel efficiency.
I did about 550km during my drive and still had about a quarter tank left when it came time to return the car.
Volkswagen also claims that the Arteon needs just 6.3 litres of fuel to travel 100km on the combined cycle.
And this technically means that in an ideal scenario, the Arteon can travel 1000km with its 66-litre tank. This does depend on how heavy your right foot is though.
Despite its frugal nature, the Arteon also offers the usual array of Drive Modes that make the car sharper or comfortable, all at the touch of a button.
This either stiffens or softens the suspension, adjusts the steering wheel and the accelerator according to the selected drive mode as well.
This did lead to a more interesting drive in Sport mode as the car generally felt more eager.
Even after 10,000km of being driven by people determined to bring out the worst in the car, yours truly included, the Arteon has been steadfast.
The interior is always the first place that wear and tear sets in, and is not easy nor cheap to restore, and despite that the interior of this Arteon has held well.
The powertrain too has proven to the naysayers that Volkswagen has left its old engine and gearbox issues firmly in the past.
And for if you regularly maintain it with care, then there shouldn’t be any issues.
If you do buy brand new, the entire ownership experience is made better with a five-year warranty and a three-year free maintenance program.
Also, it is also worth noting that the new 2021 Volkswagen Arteon is due to be launched in Malaysia real soon.
This means prices of the current Arteon will drop, making it an incredibly good buy in the used car market.
If you can look past the lack of power and appreciate the overall design and the efficiency of the car, then the Arteon would be well worth considering.
Especially when compared to the old guards from Germany.
The Volkswagen Arteon is priced at RM221,065.28 excluding insurance.
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.
To know more about promotions at BHPetrol stations, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.
Once again, the Movement Control Order (MCO) is in force, and businesses have to adjust to stricter conditions. However, this time round, there isn’t a total shutdown in the economic sector and where the auto industry is concerned, outlets and service centres can remain open. However, owners are limited by a 10-km range from their house during the MCO period.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) confirms that all its authorized dealerships and service centres remain operational nationwide. Owners are advised to book their service appointments online here.
Safe Hands initiative
The Volkswagen service centres follow strict guidelines under the ‘Safe Hands’ initiative, which includes contactless vehicle acceptance, video walkthroughs, sanitisation before and after service, cashless payments with e-invoicing and contactless car collection/return.
Additionally, in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures, stringent hygiene processes are followed, including regular sanitising of premises and vehicles, proper safety screenings, MySejahtera app check-ins and temperature checks.
Complimentary home delivery
Those who are shopping for a new Volkswagen can do so from home. They can obtain information at the Volkswagen eShowroom which is open 24 hours. Special deals are offered when booking online and home delivery serviceof the new vehicle is complimentary (within a 20-km radius from the preferred dealership).
The Roadside Assistance service that is enjoyed by owners also remains operational, although owners should not be travelling much at this time. Nevertheless, it would be a welcome service if the vehicle battery dies while it is parked at home.
For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my or contact any authorised Volkswagen dealership.
