Owner Review: Comfort, safety, and performance - My 2020 Volkswagen Passat Elegance

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Basic information about my car:

2020 Volkswagen Passat Elegance, RM170,000

Reasons why I bought this car(purpose)

I intend to buy a new car , preferably  D segment car when my VW Jetta turns 5 years old and the warranty has ended too. In fact, the Jetta was a very reliable, fuel efficient and fun to drive car. Actually, the VW Passat is always in my mind ever since I test drove it (B8) about 2  years ago.  I have read and watched most of the reviews on the Passat prior to the purchase. Therefore, I signed on the dotted line without a second thought after the test drive session. I waited for 7 working days, and to get my car.

Car selection process

• I had of budget of up to RM200,000.
• Models that I have considered include: I also like the Peugeot 5008 & Renault Koleos Signature but unble to convince myself , undoubtedly D segment sedan is still my main preference

Reasons why I chose this car :

Comfort, safety measure & performance are my main concerns and this car fulfilled most of my requirements.
The 2.0TSi engine is very responsive yet fuel efficient. It has an output of 190 PS , 320 NM of torque  and mated to a 7 speed DSG (wet).
The cabin is unmistakably Volkswagen, the dashboard & door panels are made of soft material.  Comfort of the passengers are enhanced by the well insulated cabin and supportive leather seats. The rear passengers are also complemented by the 3rd zone climate control air cond.
The safety features of this car includes 6 airbags, TCS, ABS, AEB (front & rear), ICRS (intelligent crash response system), blind spot monitoring and cross traffic alerts.

User Experience

So far, I have done 3000km and average fuel consumption is 7.5L/100km.           

Since my purchase, my thoughts about this car are:

This car is about 3 months old now. My joyride (before emco) to Ulu Yam, Batang  Kali and Melaka was enjoyable and fun. Surprisingly the driving dynamics for a D segment car is so nimble, lively and handles corners very well.  Flooring the accelerator will result in rapid acceleration and feel of adrenaline rush which I think is addictive,  lol. So far, the fastest I have driven is 195km/h @ 4000 rpm.  When cruising at 110km/h, engine speed is about 1800 rpm which is relatively low, hence low fuel consumption. I also noticed that less jerkiness at very low speed  (10-15km/h) compared to my ex Jetta. I only knew that this car is equipped with rear auto emergency braking too (normally front only)  on that day I almost hit my gate when reversing due to my carelessness. The  car suddenly stopped in a hard braking manner and the "AEB" indicator appears in the instrument panel.

Pros and Cons

Pros of my car

1.  2.0TSi & 7-speed DSG combo work together very well
2.  Responsive yet fuel economy & seamless gear change
3.  Very stable at high speed
4.  Choice of 30-color ambient lighting (at door panel and dashboard)
5.  Gesture detect and voice command
6.  Keyless entry at 4 doors instead 2 doors
7.  Audi like digital instruments display
8.  Launch control. Actually I noticed this feature only after watching Wapcar video (Adrian review)

Cons 

1.    The tyres rolling noise is quite intrusive on rough
2.    Surface could be due to the 18" rim
3.    The classy analog clock is no longer available
4.     Lacking 360 degree camera
5.     Lesser horses and torque compared to the B8
6.     Coasting function has been removed

Ratings:

Total Score: 4

Performance: 5

Quality & Features: 4

Space: 5

Ride comfort: 4

Fuel Economy: 5

Price & cost: 5

Summary:

From my experience of  driving Japanese, French and German cars, I believe the Germans still pay more attention to  ergonomics. The Passat may not have the most attractive or futuristic design like the other German and French,  but it is high on practicality,  profile, balance between ride and handling.

Interesting things:

I got my car on 1/5/21 and one week later my sales advisor informed me that my car number came up twice in lottery draw , 3rd price and consolation, if not mistaken but unfortunately, I didn't buy.
However, I think health is more important than wealth especially during this pandemic time. Lastly, I want to wish all our readers here blessed with good health, and stay safe always.

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