It seems that Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has quietly introduced an update to the Tiguan Comfortline, Tiguan Highline and Passat Highline. The surprise comes in the form of an improved head unit, and the good news is there won’t be a price hike to compensate for the new system.

During its launch in April 2017, the Tiguan Comfortline and Highline both came with an eight-inch touchscreen head unit. The Comfortline’s Composition Media system supported Bluetooth, SD card, USB and AUX-in functions, while the Highline’s Discover Media unit bundled all that with navigation and a reverse camera.

The updated head units on both variants are part of the latest-generation Volkswagen MIB infotainment family, introduced in the Mk7.5 Golf. Both systems get flush-fitting screens and touch-sensitive controls instead of hard buttons, but retain their physical volume and tuning knobs. The top-of-the-range Discover Pro, not offered here, gets a full touch panel with a 9.2-inch display.

Additionally, the App-Connect package, previously a RM1,099 option on the Highline, is now standard on the Highline and Comfortline, granting smartphone screen mirroring functionality via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or MirrorLink.


The full-touch 9.2-inch Discover Pro head unit seen on the Golf GTD Variant

In terms of features and functions, they are pretty much the same, and both are hooked to eight speakers. Again, the only advantage Discover Media has over Composition Media – aside from a reverse camera – is integrated GPS navigation, but remember, both systems are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, so you can use Apple Maps (Apple CarPlay) or Google Maps or Waze (Android Auto) for navigation instead.

The Passat Highline, on the other hand, gets upgraded from the older 6.5-inch Discover Media to a larger eight-inch Discover Media unit – the same as that on the Tiguan Highline. The Passat Comfortline will continue to get the smaller 6.5-inch Composition Media unit, whereas the entry-level Trendline makes do with an even smaller five-inch Composition Colour touchscreen display.

For a detailed look at the Tiguan and Passat’s equipment and specifications, head over to CarBase.my. You can also read our full review of the Tiguan 1.4 TSI and Passat 1.8 and 2.0 TSI.