Chevrolet Malibu 2.4 LTZ (A) vs Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI DSG (A)
09 Oct 2013|38,097 views
The family sedan segment is one of the most intensely contested in the industry. It is the almost definitive symbol of a grown-up man - one that brings home the bacon and puts huge responsibilities on his shoulders.
Though the latter is a dwindling trend in our society (females no longer rely on bacon (or man) alone to survive), automakers haven't been relaxing their muscles to flex out more mighty offerings.
Exterior
Standing stout next to the Passat, the Malibu has a clearer, more composed presence. With part credits to its novelty (being launched at a later date than the Passat), it is safe to say that the Malibu is the head turner of the two.
Though the latter is a dwindling trend in our society (females no longer rely on bacon (or man) alone to survive), automakers haven't been relaxing their muscles to flex out more mighty offerings.
Exterior
Standing stout next to the Passat, the Malibu has a clearer, more composed presence. With part credits to its novelty (being launched at a later date than the Passat), it is safe to say that the Malibu is the head turner of the two.
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Measuring 4,865mm x 1,855mm x 1,465mm (L x W x H), the Malibu is almost 100mm longer and 35mm wider than the Passat. It sits closer to the ground too, which helps to give it a better sporting stance on the road.
The Passat, on the other hand, is a no frills sample of how a family sedan should be. Instead of shouting with bold angles at either ends, the Passat is penned with more elegance.
It dons the right decorations at the correct spots - the distinctive LED daytime running lamps, chromed air inlet grilles and strips underlying the boot lid and bumper. What it falls behind the Malibu, perhaps, is the sense of character.
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Interior
The interior is where the origins of both cars are more starkly revealed. The Passat, in true blue German fashion, reeks strongly of robust build quality.
There is a wide display of contrasting materials - brushed aluminium, soft plastic and leather trims - to give a very executive-like feel. The parts and components also feel better put together than those in the Malibu.
The Malibu's cabin manages to exude a more vibrant ambience - thanks to the cool turquoise lighting, which delights in both day and night
In comparison, the Malibu's control panel has more buttons, and can feel overtly complexed and a tad confusing to operate on the move.
The interior is where the origins of both cars are more starkly revealed. The Passat, in true blue German fashion, reeks strongly of robust build quality.
There is a wide display of contrasting materials - brushed aluminium, soft plastic and leather trims - to give a very executive-like feel. The parts and components also feel better put together than those in the Malibu.


In comparison, the Malibu's control panel has more buttons, and can feel overtly complexed and a tad confusing to operate on the move.
That said, the Malibu's interior is more capable in lifting spirits. While the Passat offers all you'd ever need in a commute, the Malibu does it in a more lively, vibrant manner.
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Occupants will feel at home in either of the sedans, with both offering commensurate comfort with more than adequate allowances, particularly in the leg room.
In the Passat, though, there is 565 litres of boot space to work with, which makes the Malibu's 462 litre rump look pale in comparison.
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The Drive
Despite up to 600cc difference in their engine capacities, the Malibu and Passat are closely matched in terms of power output. The former has a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated lump - which means the horses are dispatched in a linear and creamy manner.
The Passat uses the renowned TSI force-induction technology to push out 160bhp - just six less than the Malibu from its 1.8-litre engine. While the Passat picks up in a relatively lag-free manner, it does not quite match up to the linearity of the Malibu's.
Chevrolet's 2.4-litre lump uses atmospheric pressure to churn out 167bhp and 225Nm of torque, while the VW employs turbocharging for 160bhp and 250Nm of torque
That said, the Passat's DSG dual-clutch gearbox makes up for fewer ponies with urgent shifts, which help the car to pick up speed quickly.
From the helm, the Malibu feels like a well-trained canine that does things according to your bidding - in a loyal and diligent manner.
Of course, the Passat will also dish out your orders to the wheels - albeit in a more clinical manner. Compared to the Malibu, there is less involvement in the way it responses to the driver's input.
Despite up to 600cc difference in their engine capacities, the Malibu and Passat are closely matched in terms of power output. The former has a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated lump - which means the horses are dispatched in a linear and creamy manner.
The Passat uses the renowned TSI force-induction technology to push out 160bhp - just six less than the Malibu from its 1.8-litre engine. While the Passat picks up in a relatively lag-free manner, it does not quite match up to the linearity of the Malibu's.
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That said, the Passat's DSG dual-clutch gearbox makes up for fewer ponies with urgent shifts, which help the car to pick up speed quickly.
From the helm, the Malibu feels like a well-trained canine that does things according to your bidding - in a loyal and diligent manner.
Of course, the Passat will also dish out your orders to the wheels - albeit in a more clinical manner. Compared to the Malibu, there is less involvement in the way it responses to the driver's input.
Driven back to back, the Malibu feels heavier, which helps to imbue a sense of solid build quality into the drive. The downside is the more lethargic feel off the line, and being slightly more cumbersome than the Passat around corners.
While both cars come with keyless entry and start, the Malibu has an added option of remote engine starting - how cool is that?
Conclusion
Pegged at $174,999 (as of 9th October), the Malibu feels like a bargain with its long list of standard equipment and tech gadgetries. It is also a clear performer in the drive section, delivering an experience that belies its fleshy dimensions.
The Passat, on the other hand, does not disappoint either. We like the solid overall build quality. Smart packaging also means that the Passat manages to offer a more spacious cabin despite its nimbler proportions. And of course, its German bred drivetrain still remains to be a gem.
Hence, as a whole, it feels like a more complete choice for the family man. And while it demands a slight $2K more, it's where we'd place our money.


Conclusion
Pegged at $174,999 (as of 9th October), the Malibu feels like a bargain with its long list of standard equipment and tech gadgetries. It is also a clear performer in the drive section, delivering an experience that belies its fleshy dimensions.
The Passat, on the other hand, does not disappoint either. We like the solid overall build quality. Smart packaging also means that the Passat manages to offer a more spacious cabin despite its nimbler proportions. And of course, its German bred drivetrain still remains to be a gem.
Hence, as a whole, it feels like a more complete choice for the family man. And while it demands a slight $2K more, it's where we'd place our money.
The family sedan segment is one of the most intensely contested in the industry. It is the almost definitive symbol of a grown-up man - one that brings home the bacon and puts huge responsibilities on his shoulders.
Though the latter is a dwindling trend in our society (females no longer rely on bacon (or man) alone to survive), automakers haven't been relaxing their muscles to flex out more mighty offerings. Exterior
Standing stout next to the Passat, the Malibu has a clearer, more composed presence. With part credits to its novelty (being launched at a later date than the Passat), it is safe to say that the Malibu is the head turner of the two.
Though the latter is a dwindling trend in our society (females no longer rely on bacon (or man) alone to survive), automakers haven't been relaxing their muscles to flex out more mighty offerings. Exterior
Standing stout next to the Passat, the Malibu has a clearer, more composed presence. With part credits to its novelty (being launched at a later date than the Passat), it is safe to say that the Malibu is the head turner of the two.
Measuring 4,865mm x 1,855mm x 1,465mm (L x W x H), the Malibu is almost 100mm longer and 35mm wider than the Passat. It sits closer to the ground too, which helps to give it a better sporting stance on the road.
The Passat, on the other hand, is a no frills sample of how a family sedan should be. Instead of shouting with bold angles at either ends, the Passat is penned with more elegance.
It dons the right decorations at the correct spots - the distinctive LED daytime running lamps, chromed air inlet grilles and strips underlying the boot lid and bumper. What it falls behind the Malibu, perhaps, is the sense of character.
The Passat, on the other hand, is a no frills sample of how a family sedan should be. Instead of shouting with bold angles at either ends, the Passat is penned with more elegance.
It dons the right decorations at the correct spots - the distinctive LED daytime running lamps, chromed air inlet grilles and strips underlying the boot lid and bumper. What it falls behind the Malibu, perhaps, is the sense of character.
Interior
The interior is where the origins of both cars are more starkly revealed. The Passat, in true blue German fashion, reeks strongly of robust build quality.
There is a wide display of contrasting materials - brushed aluminium, soft plastic and leather trims - to give a very executive-like feel. The parts and components also feel better put together than those in the Malibu.
In comparison, the Malibu's control panel has more buttons, and can feel overtly complexed and a tad confusing to operate on the move.
The interior is where the origins of both cars are more starkly revealed. The Passat, in true blue German fashion, reeks strongly of robust build quality.
There is a wide display of contrasting materials - brushed aluminium, soft plastic and leather trims - to give a very executive-like feel. The parts and components also feel better put together than those in the Malibu.
In comparison, the Malibu's control panel has more buttons, and can feel overtly complexed and a tad confusing to operate on the move.
That said, the Malibu's interior is more capable in lifting spirits. While the Passat offers all you'd ever need in a commute, the Malibu does it in a more lively, vibrant manner.
Occupants will feel at home in either of the sedans, with both offering commensurate comfort with more than adequate allowances, particularly in the leg room.
In the Passat, though, there is 565 litres of boot space to work with, which makes the Malibu's 462 litre rump look pale in comparison.
In the Passat, though, there is 565 litres of boot space to work with, which makes the Malibu's 462 litre rump look pale in comparison.
The Drive
Despite up to 600cc difference in their engine capacities, the Malibu and Passat are closely matched in terms of power output. The former has a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated lump - which means the horses are dispatched in a linear and creamy manner.
The Passat uses the renowned TSI force-induction technology to push out 160bhp - just six less than the Malibu from its 1.8-litre engine. While the Passat picks up in a relatively lag-free manner, it does not quite match up to the linearity of the Malibu's.
That said, the Passat's DSG dual-clutch gearbox makes up for fewer ponies with urgent shifts, which help the car to pick up speed quickly.
From the helm, the Malibu feels like a well-trained canine that does things according to your bidding - in a loyal and diligent manner.
Of course, the Passat will also dish out your orders to the wheels - albeit in a more clinical manner. Compared to the Malibu, there is less involvement in the way it responses to the driver's input.
Driven back to back, the Malibu feels heavier, which helps to imbue a sense of solid build quality into the drive. The downside is the more lethargic feel off the line, and being slightly more cumbersome than the Passat around corners.
Conclusion
Pegged at $174,999 (as of 9th October), the Malibu feels like a bargain with its long list of standard equipment and tech gadgetries. It is also a clear performer in the drive section, delivering an experience that belies its fleshy dimensions.
The Passat, on the other hand, does not disappoint either. We like the solid overall build quality. Smart packaging also means that the Passat manages to offer a more spacious cabin despite its nimbler proportions. And of course, its German bred drivetrain still remains to be a gem.
Hence, as a whole, it feels like a more complete choice for the family man. And while it demands a slight $2K more, it's where we'd place our money.
Conclusion
Pegged at $174,999 (as of 9th October), the Malibu feels like a bargain with its long list of standard equipment and tech gadgetries. It is also a clear performer in the drive section, delivering an experience that belies its fleshy dimensions.
The Passat, on the other hand, does not disappoint either. We like the solid overall build quality. Smart packaging also means that the Passat manages to offer a more spacious cabin despite its nimbler proportions. And of course, its German bred drivetrain still remains to be a gem.
Hence, as a whole, it feels like a more complete choice for the family man. And while it demands a slight $2K more, it's where we'd place our money.
Car Information
Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI DSG (A)
CAT B|Petrol|14.3km/L
Horsepower
118kW (158 bhp)
Torque
250 Nm
Acceleration
8.5sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volkswagen PassatChevrolet Malibu 2.4 LTZ (A)
CAT B|Petrol|12.8km/L
Horsepower
123kW (165 bhp)
Torque
225 Nm
Acceleration
9.7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Chevrolet MalibuThank You For Your Subscription.