I had a go at the locally assembled Volkswagen Passat 1.8TSI (B7) recently. This is Volkswagen's full sized or D segment competitor here in Malaysia and it has been around in this form since 2011 with local assembly in Pekan, Pahang since 2012. Now this B7 series Passat has a long history to it in terms of production life cycle. It actually started its life as a B6 Passat in 2005 and was heavily facelifted in 2010 for the 2011 production year. And by heavily facelifted, it really is some extra engineering compared to the usual facelift of a change of bumpers and lights.
The B7 Passat actually only keeps the roof of the B6 Passat. The rest of the body panels are new. The changes to the 2005 chassis are also quite extensive with a 2mm increase in wheelbase (2,711mm) and a 4mm overall increase in length (4,769mm). The interior of the car gets a slightly redesigned dashboard (especially below the vents with the addition of an analog clock and better quality trim) and more soundproofing with thicker glass all round. The Malaysian spec Passat B7 gets the 1.8 TSI engine with the 7 speed dual clutch transmission as standard.
I actually thought that the Passat was all new when it was first launched in 2011. This was mainly because it was a Passat. Passats look a little too staid and conservative in their styling. This B7 Passat is no different. It may have been touched up, restyled, but I still find the car to be a car for one's uncles or aunties to drive. This 2015 B7 Passat has that tall and upright glasshouse and cabin. Good for visibility but it makes the car, with its boxy looks a tad too conservative for me. And then there's the overhangs front and back - the wheels sit inwards instead of at the edges of the car, or at least the front wheels. This design does not make the Passat a sporty looking sedan. But notice that even in all of its accountant type styling and not rock star looks, I still requested for one to try out. The reason for me doing so is that I wanted to see how this outgoing model stands up just before the all-new Passat B8 model is launched in Malaysia.
Yes, the new model will eventually be out sometime next year. This B7 Passat will still soldier on till then so the question is – Is a car that was originally launched in 2005, redesigned and re-engineered in 2010 so that it is essentially almost a whole new model relevant in 2015?
I suppose it is. You see, we seem to be in an era where vehicle platform life cycles are much longer than what they were before. Costs are taken into account right down to the final cent and it is accountants that run everything. Scientists, dreamers, racecar drivers and engineers all take a back seat. So we have the Passat.
When you get into one you can see that the car is typically Volkswagen. This is a very good thing. The instruments are clear and the controls easy to use. Everything seems familiar and where it is supposed to be. The seats, especially the driver and the front passenger seats, are supportive and fully wrapped in a lot of leather. It has loads of adjustment and is easy to get comfortable in. Lots of equipment too with electric everything that you actually need. The dashboard is a little bit conservative with a brushed aluminium strip right in the middle with an analog clock in the middle of it. That little bit looks classy. The rest looks all businesslike without any extra 'bling' to it. Whilst the materials used are top notch and well put together, it is the apparent feel that its all business in here that somehow gets to me. I would love it if it were a little bit more playful inside. Actually, it's like the outside. It needs more of that presence instead of blending in all of that quality. More shouting, less whispering would be good.
But it isn't as bad as the outside. Very, very conservative with the exception of the grille up front with its four horizontal chrome lines and a large VW logo in the middle. Granted, a Volkswagen must sit in the Volkswagen Group hierarchy right in the middle, waaaay below Bentley, a step or two below Audi, slightly above or hovering around Skoda and less sporty and forward looking than a Seat. So many toes to not step on does that to a car's design. So you get something so conservative, whilst not outrageous or ugly, will not win any beauty awards. I think some angles the Passat looks quite handsome (front three quarter, taken from a certain height...like below). Some, especially from the side, makes it look very 'uncle'-like. This is actually a face an accountant will love. Or those that love space more than anything else – it has a boot than has 565liters of space, it is large. And from RM173,888, plays right smack into the D segment class prices and a price accountants will also love too. Anyway, it is conservative, both inside and out. But things are indeed better when you drive it.
Driving the Passat B7
The Passat is actually quite good on the move. It feels very quiet. As quiet as the best the D segment has got to offer in terms of on road comfort and refinement. When it comes to refinement on the move I have to say that it is close to that of something with the cachet of the current W212 Mercedes Benz E-class. It is very refined and quiet with a little bit of road noise coming through. Less than even my W204 C-class. The turbocharged TSI engine is also very refined in that it revs cleanly to the redline without any strain or change in note. There is no harshness all the way to the redline.
The only bugbear is the initial acceleration of the dual clutch gearbox. Like any dual clutch transmission, it feels less refined when you are moving away. It feels as if the clutch on the first and second gears slip a little before biting. A very common trait of a dual clutch setup. Of course, when you are actually moving, it feels superb. Like most Volkswagen dual clutch gearboxes (DSG) do. Gearshifts are super rapid up and down the seven speeds this 'box gives you. And paired with the 160ps /250Nm 1.8liter TSI turbocharged engine, it makes some pretty rapid progress.
It could do with more steering feel though. And a little bit more weight to it. But don't mind me. I usually demand more than most people do. Oh, 0-100kmh was tested at 8.0seconds flat and it would do a nice highway cruise at between 160- 180kmh without me feeling all worked up and the need to concentrate like crazy. This is a sign of a car that has good levels of refinement and stability. Most large German cars like this Passat have this fully sorted out feeling that makes me want to drive them often. However, it could do with a little more soul. It does feel clinical when you're driving at normal speeds.
So when you are driving the B7 Passat fast it feels fun. Like most Volkswagen sedans and hatchbacks of today, the drive is pleasurable when you are going for it. It may not have handling that is totally addictive like the new Ford Mondeo, but it is actually better than most of the Japanese and Korean offerings out there. Haven't tried the local French option as yet, so I wouldn't know how it compares. The B7 Passat is a good drive. Whether you're belting it or if you want to just waft down some road after work. There is definitely some driving pleasure to be had here. Its just the overall styling that I find too conservative.
Again, its like dating super plain Jane. But she is very, very good in bed, and being European, plain Jane may have some higher maintenance costs too.
2015 Malaysian Spec (CKD) Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI B7
Pros: Comfortable, very refined, high equipment levels, good performance, high speed stability, space, interior quality, good discounts since it is a run out model, quality materials used inside....
Cons: Very conservative looks, good performance but slightly clinical in approach, DSG low speed refinement, actually a super duper facelift instead of a totally new model, new model out sometime next year, quality materials used inside by not enough 'wow' factor, some may have fears about the DSG (of course, make sure you know what you're getting yourself into and be aware of the warranty terms and conditions at all times)
Conclusion: It may be based on the earlier B6 Passat but it is still one of the most refined D segment cars around (circa 2015) with very usable performance when you need it. But it could do with a little more soul the next time around. Fit and finish of the interior is very good if slightly conservative. And do note that the word 'conservative' has been used in here many a time.
Volkswagen Malaysia should be giving a good discount on this model since the new one should be landing in about 4-6months time. Its dull looks can be actually fixed with a set of 5 spoke alloy wheels from the CC or the Passat Sports line or R line models (if you can find them). It would make the car look sportier and younger too. As it should be.
Price: From RM173,888 (but there should be a dealer's rebate/discount around now)
0-100kmh: 8.0seconds (tested)
Max speed: 220kmh (manufacturer's figures)
Weight: 1,517kg
Engine & Gear Box | | |
Interior | | Analogue clock in dashboard Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror ‘Climatronic’ air conditioning system with 2-zone temperature control Cruise control Electronic parking brake with auto-hold function Front centre armrest with storage box and 2 air rear vents Front seats with electric 12-way adjustment with memory function for driver's seat ‘Iridium printed’ decorative inserts for dashboard, doors, trim panels and centre console Leather gearshift knob Mobile device interface MEDIA-IN & AUX-IN with USB adapter cable Multi-function display ‘Plus’ Multi-function leather steering wheel with control for MFD, radio and paddle shift ‘Press & Drive’ comfort start function Radio ‘RCD 510’ touch-screen with Bluetooth, 6 CD changer and 8 speakers Remote unlocking for luggage compartment Split-folding backrest with centre armrest Tilt and telescopic steering wheel ‘Vienna’ leather seat upholstery
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Exterior | | Automatic headlight activation with ‘Leaving Home’ and manual ‘Coming Home’ function Bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights Dynamic headlight range adjustment, with dynamic bending light Electrically adjustable, foldable and heated exterior mirrors with environment lighting and auto dimming with memory function on driver’s side Front fog lights Headlight washer system Heat-insulating green-tinted glass LED tail lights ‘Minneapolis’ alloy wheels 7.5J x 17", tyres 235/45 R17 Park distance control PDC (Front & Rear) Rain sensor Rear fog light
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Safety | | 3-point front seat belts with height adjustment and belt tensioners Anti-lock braking system ABS with brake assist BA Anti-theft alarm system Child seat anchor for child seat system ISOFIX Curtain airbag system for front and rear passengers Dual front airbags with front passenger airbag deactivation Dual front side airbags Electronic stability control ESP including counter steering assistance Electronic vehicle immobilisation device Euro NCAP 5-Star rating for adult occupant protection Flat Tyre Indicator Hill-hold control ‘Rest Assist’ drowsiness detection system
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