Yes, despite going against the likes of the Chevrolet Malibu, the Nissan Teana and the Toyota Camry in Singapore, the spanking new Volkswagen Passat is now more comparable to the big players in its segment.
No longer is it the regular luggage you carry on business trips. It has been upgraded to a sleek and sexy aluminium Rimowa, just like how most cars should be when they reach a certain model generation advancement.
Ever since it was offered here in the mid-90s with its fourth iteration, the Passat has been an alternative choice for businessmen, with sufficient space and sensible good looks. Having these qualities also justified its global sales of 22 million units since it was incorporated in 1973, with 1.1 million units sold last year alone.
Exterior
Volkswagen has been digging through seven generations of the Passat in search of a balanced approach that is neither too traditional nor trendy and it's only with this lucky number eight that Volkswagen has succeeded. The sheet metal, while brash, has its appeal, thanks to sharp and simple lines on the bonnet and the sides of the car.
No longer is it the regular luggage you carry on business trips. It has been upgraded to a sleek and sexy aluminium Rimowa, just like how most cars should be when they reach a certain model generation advancement.
Ever since it was offered here in the mid-90s with its fourth iteration, the Passat has been an alternative choice for businessmen, with sufficient space and sensible good looks. Having these qualities also justified its global sales of 22 million units since it was incorporated in 1973, with 1.1 million units sold last year alone.
Exterior
Volkswagen has been digging through seven generations of the Passat in search of a balanced approach that is neither too traditional nor trendy and it's only with this lucky number eight that Volkswagen has succeeded. The sheet metal, while brash, has its appeal, thanks to sharp and simple lines on the bonnet and the sides of the car.
What's also appealing is its sportier stance. Unlike before, the overall length and height of the Passat has decreased by 2mm and 14mm respectively, while the width has increased by as much as 12mm. LED daytime running lights that are made up of two modules - a big and a small U-shaped light strip - further highlight the front fascia of the car.
Admittedly, like the Rimowa Salsa Air (which happens to be ridiculously light), it's hard to ignore the fact that engineers and designers have worked harmoniously and intelligently to reduce the weight of the car by 85kg. Credit doesn't just go to lighter body structure and advanced materials like high-strength and hot formed steel but also to a new air-conditioner and new engines.
That's not to say the car has changed dramatically. As expected, the car is instantaneously recognisable, which will reassure both VW fans and current owners alike. However, this will also mean that the car remains as tame as the previous model, with an obvious decision not to amend a successful recipe.
Admittedly, like the Rimowa Salsa Air (which happens to be ridiculously light), it's hard to ignore the fact that engineers and designers have worked harmoniously and intelligently to reduce the weight of the car by 85kg. Credit doesn't just go to lighter body structure and advanced materials like high-strength and hot formed steel but also to a new air-conditioner and new engines.
That's not to say the car has changed dramatically. As expected, the car is instantaneously recognisable, which will reassure both VW fans and current owners alike. However, this will also mean that the car remains as tame as the previous model, with an obvious decision not to amend a successful recipe.
Interior
It is equally impressive on the inside. Like the high-end Rimowa luggage with an interior where form meets function, the configuration of the Passat's cabin comes across as a premium product without being too loud. For example, cup holders and cubby holes by the doors are nicely lined up with soft corduroy material.
Additionally, the dashboard has been revamped. With an eye towards function, the lean dashboard now sports a consistent horizontal structure, where the air vent now stretches across the entire width of the cabin. Thus, there are no separately placed air vents in the car. Rather, it looks like a continuous element.
It is equally impressive on the inside. Like the high-end Rimowa luggage with an interior where form meets function, the configuration of the Passat's cabin comes across as a premium product without being too loud. For example, cup holders and cubby holes by the doors are nicely lined up with soft corduroy material.
Additionally, the dashboard has been revamped. With an eye towards function, the lean dashboard now sports a consistent horizontal structure, where the air vent now stretches across the entire width of the cabin. Thus, there are no separately placed air vents in the car. Rather, it looks like a continuous element.
Space wise, the new Passat Variant is a sweet spot. The once 32-litre cabin sized luggage has been upsized and upgraded to a 36-litre one, making it a more practical and purposeful product without becoming too big to 'lug around'. A good example is the trunk space, where it has been increased by 47 litres to 650 litres.
The most radical new feature, however, is the fully digitalised 12.3-inch instrument panel. Dubbed the Active Info Display, this interactive display allows drivers to have a clearer and more comprehensive view of the map in Navigation mode by relocating the speedo and tacho to the sides. The Passat that you see here is also the first Volkswagen car to have this feature.
The most radical new feature, however, is the fully digitalised 12.3-inch instrument panel. Dubbed the Active Info Display, this interactive display allows drivers to have a clearer and more comprehensive view of the map in Navigation mode by relocating the speedo and tacho to the sides. The Passat that you see here is also the first Volkswagen car to have this feature.
Drivetrain
On the go, the Passat Variant is a joy to pilot. The bi-turbo four-pot diesel powerplant under the bonnet works impeccably with the seven-speed DSG autobox, despatching 236bhp and 500Nm of torque to all wheels in a smooth and steady fashion.
Thus, the car picks up its speed linearly but quickly, too, allowing us to hit the 100km/h mark in just 6.3 seconds. Considering the weight of the estate to be over 1.7 tonnes, the performance figure here is impressive, me thinks.
Surprisingly, the said heft isn't painful at all to haul around meandering roads in sunny Sardinia, as we've experienced. It allows the tail to slide out ever so slightly, despite its 4MOTION keeping all wheels safely and soundly glued to the road, almost making itself known to be a feisty yet frisky machine.
The brakes work pretty darn well, too. They aren't oversensitive, which is always a good thing because they give you adequate confidence to shed off speed right before you enter every curve.
The roads in Sardinia were mostly smooth, which did our backs some good. But even when we came across a certain broken and uneven stretch, the Passat Variant held its own very well as it soaks up unwelcomed bumps and ruts without sending judders to the cabin.
On the go, the Passat Variant is a joy to pilot. The bi-turbo four-pot diesel powerplant under the bonnet works impeccably with the seven-speed DSG autobox, despatching 236bhp and 500Nm of torque to all wheels in a smooth and steady fashion.
Thus, the car picks up its speed linearly but quickly, too, allowing us to hit the 100km/h mark in just 6.3 seconds. Considering the weight of the estate to be over 1.7 tonnes, the performance figure here is impressive, me thinks.
Surprisingly, the said heft isn't painful at all to haul around meandering roads in sunny Sardinia, as we've experienced. It allows the tail to slide out ever so slightly, despite its 4MOTION keeping all wheels safely and soundly glued to the road, almost making itself known to be a feisty yet frisky machine.
The brakes work pretty darn well, too. They aren't oversensitive, which is always a good thing because they give you adequate confidence to shed off speed right before you enter every curve.
The roads in Sardinia were mostly smooth, which did our backs some good. But even when we came across a certain broken and uneven stretch, the Passat Variant held its own very well as it soaks up unwelcomed bumps and ruts without sending judders to the cabin.
The diesel powerplant is certainly on par with some of the better petrol cars that are available in the market now, exposing none of the diesel clatter and vibration. The car is also generally well-insulated, but a wee bit of wind noise intrudes the cabin when the speedo hits high into the three-digit region.
Conclusion
At the moment, only the 1.8-litre and the 2.0-litre sedan variants are confirmed for Singapore and will arrive sometime in the second quarter of next year. It's a tragic waste that the Passat Variant isn't on the list just yet because it's a car that's really hard to fault.
Much like its sedan sibling, it's accomplished in more ways than one, with competent handling and generous equipment. Plus, with its estate form, you know you're going to get an extra dose of flexibility without compromising on good looks.
As for the cost, we're unable to get an estimated figure just yet. But like high-quality and reliable luggage, you can be rest assured you'll get what you pay for.
Conclusion
At the moment, only the 1.8-litre and the 2.0-litre sedan variants are confirmed for Singapore and will arrive sometime in the second quarter of next year. It's a tragic waste that the Passat Variant isn't on the list just yet because it's a car that's really hard to fault.
Much like its sedan sibling, it's accomplished in more ways than one, with competent handling and generous equipment. Plus, with its estate form, you know you're going to get an extra dose of flexibility without compromising on good looks.
As for the cost, we're unable to get an estimated figure just yet. But like high-quality and reliable luggage, you can be rest assured you'll get what you pay for.
