Want to know more about the Volkswagen range in Malaysia? There are 23 authorised dealerships around Malaysia where you can view the various models. Better still, because Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) believes that Volkswagen products are Better Experience than Explained, you should also go for a test-drive.
Until February 23, there’s also a 24th location you can check out Volkswagen models if you’re in the Klang Valley. VPCM is having the first Volkswagen Tour of the year at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre. The display of vehicles is at the Ground Floor of the Centre Court in the old wing, from 10 am to 10 pm.
2020 Volkswagen Passat Elegance
Models that are on display are the iconic Beetle, Vento, Tiguan, Golf R-Line and GTI as well as the new Passat Elegance which was launched just last month. A benchmark within its class, the new Passat has an updated 2.0TSI petrol engine and is the first front-wheel drive Volkswagen model in Malaysia to come with a new 7-speed wet clutch dual-speed gearbox (DSG).
Test-drives are also available at the venue and if you are convinced that you want to buy a Volkswagen, you can place a booking there. Customers who make a booking at the event will receive an additional RM1,000 petrol cash voucher on top of existing rebates.
If you really can’t get to the event or any showroom, you can still find out more about Volkswagen vehicles, services and offers in Malaysia online at www.volkswagen.com.my.
Authorised Volkswagen dealers nationwide are having an Open House this Saturday (February 8) and they have offerings which follow the tradition of ‘wong’, Volkswagen’s Chinese New Year’s theme that focuses on the Chinese character “旺”. This means good luck and prosperity, which Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is giving to new and existing owners through rebates and aftersales offerings. And not forgetting a CNY feast complete with ‘yee sang’ and other exciting activities for the whole family.
The newly launched Passat 2.0TSI Elegance, priced from RM187,990, will be a highlight of the event. Featuring a redesign of the exterior and interior, improved connectivity and updated lighting signatures, it also comes with the first year of insurance coverage paid by VPCM (limited time only).
Another offering which comes with one year of insurance paid by VPCM as well as a year’s supply of petrol is with the Tiguan variant (Highline, JOIN and Sound & Style).
Note: Savings applicable to all model variants. Monthly calculation based on 9-year H-P loan tenure with 10% downpayment and based on 2.5% interest rate. Subject to terms & conditions, while stocks last.
All new Volkswagen models come with 3 years of free scheduled maintenance, 5 years warranty with no mileage limit, and 5 years of complimentary roadside assistance.
Existing owners are not forgotten
Volkswagen owners are also invited to book a slot for complimentary 20-point vehicle inspection while they are at the showroom. They can also enjoy up to 20% discount on batteries and tyres.
Those with free maintenance vouchers who spend a minimum of RM388 will receive a free fluid top-up consisting of coolant, windscreen cleaner and engine oil, while those without a voucher will only need to spend a minimum amount of RM488 to take advantage of the offer.
VCP (Volkswagen Care Plus) customers can enjoy the same with a minimum spend of RM288. This offer is subject to terms and conditions and is valid till February 29, 2020.
With more than 30 million units sold to date, the Volkswagen Passat ranks second to the Golf as one of Volkswagen’s most successful models. More significantly, this model (along with the Golf) has also been among the Top 10 bestselling cars of all time. That’s an achievement which makes it the most successful mid-size sedan worldwide.
Its widespread popularity could be one of the reasons why Volkswagen chose the model to be the first one to be assembled locally in Malaysia. That was in 2011 and since then, it has been a strong seller in the range.
Launch of the first locally-assembled Passat in 2011 at the DRB-HICOM complex in Pekan, Pahang.
It’s still in its eighth generation and in March last year, an updated version was unveiled but the German market launch only began in September. It’s clear now that planning to assemble the new version, which is in the form of the Passat 2.0TSI Elegance, must have begun some time back because just 4 months after going on sale in Germany, it is now launched in Malaysia.
That’s quite a quick development for a model that’s assembled locally as it normally takes 9 months or so (unless there has been advance planning) because of localisation of parts. In this case, Volkswagen must have worked closely with the local suppliers earlier so the model can be launched today.
Targeted enhancements for a proven design
At a glance, the new Passat seems to retain the familiar formal profile that is appropriate for an executive sedan as well as a family car. However, look longer and you will notice the subtle changes that give a sharper and more dynamic appearance. The enhancements have been targeted because the design concept is a sound one which won’t age quickly.
The IQ Light Matrix LED headlights present a new lighting ‘signature’, complemented by front and rear sequential turn signals and a three-wing tail light design. An identifier of the 2020 version is the ‘PASSAT’ lettering that is now stretched across the rear end while at each corner are bold 18-inch ‘Liverpool’ alloy wheels.
New powertrain with 7-speed DSG
Under the bonnet, the new Passat is powered by a new 2.0TSI turbocharged petrol engine with an output of 190 ps/320 Nm. This goes to the front wheel through a new and improved wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG) which has quick shifting between 7 ratios. This is the first FWD Volkswagen model in Malaysia to come with a new 7-speed wet clutch DSG. The output may be high but the performance is balanced by efficiency that is reflected in the claimed 15.4 kms/litre fuel consumption, based on real-life driving data as defined by the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure).
Functional but luxurious too
Being a German product, there is the emphasis on functionality but a luxurious and stylish ambience is also created with an assortment of new materials and decorative design elements around the cabin. Updates include newly-designed door trims, a 30-colour (yes – thirty colours!) ambient lighting system, and a new leather multi-function steering wheel with a new ergonomic multifunction button pad for convenience and connectivity.
The Passat is well known for its comfort and with the new one, there’s supple leather upholstery and 12-way adjustment for the driver’s seat. Coolness throughout the cabin on the hottest days is ensured by the 3-zone Climatronic air-conditioning system and if the sunshine is too strong, there’s now a power-operated roll-up rear sunshade.
Better connectivity
‘Connectivity’ is commonly used nowadays and each carmaker tries to provide connectivity that is as advanced as can be. For the new Passat, there’s a new and improved 11.7-inch Digital Cockpit with its high-resolution display colour thin-film transistor (TFT) similar to that of a premium smartphone. Under any lighting condition, there’s absolute clarity for the 2D and 3D graphic display. A 6-view customizable screen offers a new level of personalization with over 30 variations.
The infotainment system has a 9.2-inch touchscreen and management can be by voice or gestures. The 3-view split screen is customisable to suit personal preference on what information is to be shown.
Android Auto is not mentioned by the wireless AppConnect with Apple Car Play is available in the new Passat for the very first time in Malaysia. Other connectivity options for mobile and audio streaming are Bluetooth and 3 illuminated USB ports. The USB ports are the new Type-C version which do not require a specific orientation for insertion of cables.
Enhanced safety
New for 2020 is Side Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, complete with 180-degree detection range of up to 50 metres. This is specially useful when reversing out of a parking bay and the view is blocked by other cars. On the move, the Blind Spot Monitoring System constantly scans the area along both sides of the car up to 70 metres. If another vehicle or motorcyclist is detected but the driver might not be aware, warnings will alert him or her.
Blind Spot Warning System
An added convenience is the new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, with integrated sensors on all four tyres to monitor individual pressure readings based on user preference. This not only means your hands don’t have to get dirty checking tyre pressures but you also have peace of mind. In the case of a slow leak, you will be aware so you can check before the tyre gets damaged due to under-inflation.
“The new Passat features not only a technical update but a complete redesign of the exterior and interior, improved connectivity and updated lighting signatures. These advanced enhancements are executed, without any compromise on performance. This is what we believe today’s discerning customers are looking for,” said Erik Winter, MD of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia.
Priced from RM187,990, The new Passat Elegance is available in 6 colours and 2 pearl finishes. The metallic colours are Aquamarine Blue, Manganese Grey, Reflex Silver and Tamarind Brown, while pearl-effect colours are Deep Black and a new Oryx White. Pearl-effect colours are available without any additional surcharge.
Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more about the new Passat and locate a showroom where you can test one.
