Volkswagen Passat: Variants explained

Think of executive sedans and the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series, Volvo S60, as well as the Audi A4, come to mind. However, what if we told you that there is a car that will outlast all of these vehicles, have German engineering, as well as space equivalent, to a class above these vehicles? Ladies and gentlemen, please say ‘Wilkommen’ to the Volkswagen Passat. This executive sedan from Germany has been around for quite some time. For the Malaysian market though, it is a new entry. Volkswagen has kept things simple for probable customers. So, the Passat gets only two variants. A third has joined the lineup, however, we are being told it is for a limited period of time. The two variants we are talking about are the Comfortline and Highline. The special edition is based on the Comfortline but is called Join. We will be discussing each one of them in depth here.

Before talking about the variants in detail, let’s get the common things out of the way. The Volkswagen Passat measures 4,875 mm in length, 1,834 mm in width, and 1,472 mm in height. The wheelbase of both the variants is the same at 2,786 mm. Boot space is similar at 586 litres. Both look the same as well and like other Passats before it, the design has been kept stately and palatable. Nothing outlandish there, in short.

Volkswagen Passat Comfortline

Adaptive LED lighting system, automatic headlights with coming home function, auto wipers, chrome grille, DRLs, turn indicators embedded into external mirrors, power folding and heated ORVMs, front and rear fog lights, twin exhaust tailpipes and front as well as rear Park Distance Control. Headlamp washers, rearview camera and keyless entry/go is part of the package too. VW offers 17-inch Istanbul alloys with the Passat Comfortline.

In the cabin, you will find silver diamond decorative inserts, 3-zone climate control, 12V socket in front and boot, 12-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, massage for the front seats, Vienna leather upholstery, leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake, a multi-function display, and rear air conditioning vents.

Volkswagen has added an 8.0-inch touchscreen music system that takes in Apple, Android, and MirrorLink supported phones. In terms of safety, the Volkswagen Passat Comfortline offers six airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, anti-skid regulator, post-collision braking, engine drag torque control, electronic stability control, intelligent crash response system, hill hold assist, brake pad wear indicator, and seatbelt warning for all the seats and 3-point seatbelts for all the seats.

As far as the engine is concerned, it is a 1.8 TSI petrol unit that is turbocharged. It makes 170 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. The gearbox is a 7-speed dual clutch unit and it also has paddle shifters behind the wheel. Claimed fuel efficiency is 18.7 kmpl. The Volkswagen Passat Comfortline price in Malaysia is RM 177,619.

Volkswagen Passat Join

As discussed before, this one is based on the Comfortline and gets additional features. The Volkswagen Passat Join price is RM 188,690. The feature list of the Join includes aluminium sports pedal, 18-inch Marseille wheels, Join emblem, window film, and aluminium side scuff plates. The engine is the same unit too.

Volkswagen Passat Highline

The Volkswagen Passat Highline is the top dog as far as variants go. A chrome exterior package, heat insulated glass, dual chrome exhaust, and easy opening boot are some of the additions over the Comfortline. Inside, Brilliant Pine decorative inserts are used along with Active Information Display, auto dimming rear view mirror, navigation system, and radio remote control is on offer. In terms of safety, full-size alloy spare wheel, driver alert system, tyre pressure indicator, and electronic differential lock are offered. This is apart from what is specified in the Comfortline.

The Volkswagen Passat specification in the Highline trim includes a bigger 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine. This mill produces 220 PS of power and 305 Nm of peak torque. A 6-speed DSG sends power to the front wheels. A claimed fuel efficiency of 16.12 kmpl is quoted by VW. The Volkswagen Passat Highline price in Malaysia is RM 196,412.

Our choice out of the three will be the limited edition Join trim that is marginally pricier than the Comfortline but also brings in some of the features from the Highline.