Eighth Generation Passat Arrives Here

Volkswagen Singapore has announced the arrival of the all-new Passat here in Singapore.

In its eighth incarnation, it promises to be better than ever before, and uses completely new internals and externals to ensure it can take on its German rivals on equal footing.

Staying true to its name as the people’s car, Volkswagen have given the Passat advanced technology not even found on more expensive cars, at a price that proves competitive. These include full LED headlamps with cornering lights, a useful feature when you’re going round bends at night and need to see ahead, as well as an automated parking function known as Park Assist, which can now take on even head-in parking, a first for any sedan car in the world.

The rear of the car also comes with all-LED lamps, but with a twist. The rear LEDs illuminate in a horizontal bar during normal driving but as you brake, the lights immediately switch to vertical bars, immediately alerting the driver behind that the Passat is slowing down. This is called light scenes, a unique feature to Volkswagen.

This new generation Passat promises to be even more agile and dynamic than before, with Dynamic Chassis Control and adjustable dampers that ensure a sporty drive when you want but retaining comfort for cruising around. Five driving modes are available for the first time using the driving profile selector, ensuring that the Passat will be able to deliver whatever the driver’s mood is.

New EA888 TSI engines that provide 180 PS and 220 PS are available for the Passat depending on choice of trim, but both promise to consume up to 17 less fuel than the outgoing car. Claimed performance figures are at 7.9s 0-100 km/h and 6.7s respectively, much faster than other cars in the same segment. The Passat has also undergone someweight reduction, saving up to 85kg in various areas of the car as compared to its predecessor.

Interior updates include high quality Nappa leather as standard, something found only on high end cars. Three zone climate control with independent rear air-conditioning is also amongst standard equipment. Electric seats with 14-way adjustments also provide much need comfort for long drives. Avant-garde design features include an analogue clock mounted in the centre of the dash, giving the car a classy feel.

Other highlights include the new MirrorLink connectivity for the infotainment system. This allows users to connect their smartphones to the car and use apps directly from the infotainment system. A number of apps have been made available by Volkswagen, including a track day app for those who wish to know how much G-Forces they put their car through as well as an eco app that tells you how kind you are to the environment as you drive. Fast graphics processors coupled with a high resolution display provide an even better user experience.

At launch, four different versions of the Passat will be available to customers in Singapore. The Comfortline and Highline are both powered by the 1.8l TSI engine producing 180 PS, with the Highline model gaining additional features such as a panoramic sunroof, reversing camera and the ‘Discover Pro’ 8 inch touchscreen navigation system.

2.0 litre models available will include the 220 PS Exclusiveline and R-Line trims. The Passat 2.0 TSI Exclusiveline gets even more equipment such as ventilated front seats, Dynaudio sound system, Park Assist and Dynamic Chassis Control. The R-Line will have R-Line sporty body kit including a distinctive front grille with R-Line logo, chrome tail pipes as well as paddle shifters.

Prices at launch begin at $152,800 for the 1.8 TSI Comfortline and $161,300 for the 1.8 TSI Highline.

2.0 models' prices are to be announced.

Credits: Story and Photos by Alvan Sio