The eighth-generation Volkswagen Passat (B8) is considered by many to be the stepping stone into the premium car segment, and this D-segment sedan pulls it off with a rather reasonable price tag. Our tester here is of the Comfortline Plus variant which gets LED headlights, 18-inch Monterey 10-spoke alloys and a host of other features, all for the price of RM186k.
That puts it right in the sweet spot for those looking to move into the D-segment space, one that pits it squarely against the venerable Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, albeit for a bit more dough. But is it truly a genuine alternative? Well, you’ve got to watch the video above to find out.
To recap, power comes from a 1.8 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, producing 180 PS at 5,100 to 6,200 rpm and 250 Nm from 1,250 to 5,000 rpm. All that is sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed DSG dry twin-clutch automatic gearbox. Packaged along with the car is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.
Now, feast your eyes as Hafriz takes you through the ins and outs of the Passat 1.8 TSI Comfortline Plus. We’ve also compared the range-topping Passat 2.0 TSI against two formidable premium compact plug-in hybrids in the first episode of the latest Driven Web Series, so be sure to check that out as well.
For a more detailed look at the Passat’s equipment and specifications, head over to CarBase.my. Tell us, dear readers, what will be the D-segment sedan of your choice?
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
The venerable 2018 Toyota Camry. Fullstop
New gen Camry Accord not reached, dunno what spec-price offer by local dealar umwdrb songklap king …
The interior of this car is so ugly
Haven’t been around D segment cars lately have you? They look very similar like the Passat actually.
its like preve to be honest. But opt to 2.0 the interior will be a it more premium actually
Hei Hafriz, I like this video, its informative and with sufficient opinion. Your pesentation is improved too, I don’t need to see sub-title as often as I used to. Good Job.
Thanks, buddy!
LIE.
They never improve, never admit their mistakes.
VW Passat simply too underrated here.
Full length aircon vents. Wow! Follow HRV style kah?
DSG ok?
Better than your Toyota’s jammed brakes that killed so many people.
Stepping stone? This Passat is on the same league as the Accord and Camry, no?
It’s a stepping stone into the premium car segment ;)
Perhaps not for those who alredi owned luxury cars.
At that price point, I rather choose Accord with Honda Sensing.
The car is powerful and nice to drive. Unfortunately, parts are only designed for 5 year life span (according to an SA). My B7 started giving load of problems after driven for 5.5 years and problems came one after another, from clutch, mechatronic, fuel pump, oil seal, water pump to speed sensors; and parts are very expensive too.
Finally sold my B7 for a Japanese car. Good bye Vw
Nice story, bruf
Ken enough la. Go back to your Toyota showroom and eat kacang while waiting for customers to walk in.
Also had similar issues after the ‘5-years warranty’ golden period. Things starts to fail one by one. Mechatronic, air bag relay sensor, water pump and sensor, timing belt snapped once (or is it air cond belt, can’t remember though). But hey, it is one of the better car compare to other jap makes, at least to me.
Still very much enjoying it’s outright power and comfortable ride. Now already into 6th year, will keep on drive.. Yeap…
I heard the similar story from my customers too about the VW (I worked in automotive related industry). Even the BMW will giving problem gradually after 5 years expecially those models before 2010 always facing the wiring issue. I withness a BMW E60 change of entire car wiring cost RM15k part and labour coz the shop owner show me the bill (sweating).
I think the most reliable continental car is Mercedes. My friend’s father driving a Merc C200 year 2001 until now. Even though there are rattling sound here and there but no major problem so far except wear and tear parts.
Thanks for the review and I believe it is a better car than the B7. I like every aspect of this B8 Passat. Every aspects are great except the instrument panel, it should offer the same full color instrument like 2.0 high line. Btw I strongly believe this is sales gimmick where VPCM will offer this in FL model.
Wait for the new Peugeot 508.
Oh my, my polo stalled in middle of road this early morning near to Giza, what a day !!!
i’ll wait for the accord 2.0 turbo and smoke this passat.
Don’t dream lah, the Accord 2.0T won’t match the Passat 2.0T for a very simple reason, the DSG. This is the main reason why Civic 1.5T lost to Jetta 1.4T in acceleration.
Why spend so much money on a proven failure?