Volkswagen Passat: Old vs new

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) recently introduced the 2020 Passat in the Malaysian market. The D-segment sedan has been updated on the design and equipment fronts. Additionally, with some slight modifications to its heart, it is now a detuned version of the 2.0-litre TSI mill fitted inside the previous model.

On the outside, there are subtle changes which are hard to notice by people who are less interested in cars. However, being an auto enthusiast, you’d be able to see the changes, including on the grille, headlamps, air intakes and others.

Unlike before, Volkswagen is now offering the Passat with the sole variant called the 2.0 TSI Elegance. It retails at RM 189,012 (OTR without insurance), positioned between the previously offered models, the 1.8 Comfortline and the 2.0 Highline in terms of price. The new Passant Elegance comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, 5 years roadside assistance and 3-year free service package.

Let’s get into the details and know what are the differences between the new Passat and its previous model.

What has changed on the outside?

Talking about the front fascia, the new Passat has gained several enhancements. Starting with the front grille, it has been redesigned for a sharper look to match the new and sleeker LED headlamps with eyebrow DRLs. The bumper has been redesigned too along with the air intakes and fog lamps. Also, there are new sequential indicators.

Over the sides, there is not much to comment other than the new multi-spoke 18-inch alloys and character lines that are more pronounced than before. At the back, the new Elegance model gets PASSAT lettering in the centre just below the logo, revamped bumper with sharper creases and wider diffuser-like inserts, new LED taillamps with L-shaped graphics and sequential indicators.

What has changed on the inside?

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat gets a new multi-function steering wheel, redesigned doors, and a new Discover Pro infotainment system with a bigger 9.2-inch touch display with gesture control, voice control and a customizable split-screen function. The infotainment system comes with the new Wireless AppConnect System that supports Apple CarPlay.

The analogue clock placed at the centre of the dash has been replaced with the Passat script. The USB ports are now USB-C ports. The manual sun blinds at the rear door panels are now hidden in the panels itself. The rear windscreen blind is now electronically-controlled. The 11.7-inch Digital Cockpit display is also new with a thin-film and high-resolution transistor for ultimate clarity for both, media and navigation.

Other notable bits from the new Passat specs sheet include three-zone climate control, 12-way powered electric driver’s seat with massage and memory function, cruise control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, reverse camera, and auto lights and wipers.

What has changed under the hood?

Powering the new Passat is the detuned version of the previous 2.0-litre TSI mill, which comes with a turbocharger and makes out 190 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque, 30 PS lesser power and 30 Nm lesser torque than the previous 2.0 TSI petrol engine.

The transmission duties on the Passat are now handled by a 7-speed wet dual-clutch automatic gearbox, whereas, the same was taken care of by a 7-speed dry-type DCT on the 1.8 TSI model and by a 6-speed wet-type DCT automatic transmission on the 2.0 TSI model.

The 2020 Passat is a front-wheel-drive model which is claimed to deliver a fuel efficiency of 15.3 Kmpl, tested on the WorldWide Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle.

What’s new on the safety front?

Aside from the standard safety features like six airbags and stability control, the 2020 Passat gets new driver assistance systems like Side Assist Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-traffic Alert and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. There are however other safety aids available, including ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Hill-hold Control, Intelligent Crash Response System, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Proactive Passenger Protection System.

Also Read: 2020 VW Passat - Safety explained

Final Word

The 2020 VW Passat is an improved D-segment sedan with better styling, advanced features and comfort. The powertrain fitted inside is capable of producing appreciable power despite the reduction of 30 PS. It also has a fairly good fuel economy that won’t dig into your pockets.

Also Read: 2020 Volkswagen Passat - Top alternatives