Volkswagen Passat 2018 Review

In Malaysia's D-Segment sedan market, consumers often need to find a balance between luxurious features, performance, and price. As the mid-range model in the lineup, the 2018 Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI Comfortline Plus retains the smoothness of the 1.8T engine, is more practical in terms of configuration compared to the entry-level version, and is more affordable than the 2.0T Highline. In this test drive, we focus on its daily practicality, power responsiveness, and whether its features meet the needs of family users, to see if it can become the "value-for-money choice" in this segment.

At first glance, the 2018 Passat 1.8 TSI Comfortline Plus adopts a steady and composed design, a typical German sedan style. The front features Volkswagen's family-style horizontal grille, embedded with the brand's logo in the center. The LED headlights on both sides are connected to the grille, creating a broader visual width. The side profile has smooth lines, with a strong waistline extending from the fender to the rear, paired with 18-inch alloy wheels (an upgrade from the 17-inch wheels on the Comfortline variant), adding more layers to the side view. The rear design is relatively simple, with LED taillights echoing the shape of the headlights. The chrome garnish on the lower rear bumper enhances the sense of sophistication. Overall, the design offers good recognition and meets family users' needs for a steady and elegant exterior.

Stepping inside, the interior features a dark color scheme. The material of the dashboard uses soft-touch materials in certain areas, providing a good tactile feel. The dashboard layout is clear, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display in the center that supports basic multimedia functions and Bluetooth connectivity. The operation logic is simple and easy to master. The multifunction leather steering wheel feels comfortable to hold, with buttons for volume adjustment and phone control on the left, and cruise control features on the right, making it very convenient to use. In terms of features, the Comfortline Plus variant comes standard with keyless entry and start, 12-way electrically adjustable front seats (with memory function for the driver's seat), dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear air vents, all of which offer high practicality for daily use. As for storage space, the front center armrest has a moderate compartment size, and the door pockets can accommodate two bottles of mineral water, which is sufficient for daily needs.

In terms of space, the Passat's body dimensions are 4767mm×1832mm×1456mm, with a wheelbase of 2791mm, which falls within the mainstream level of the D-Segment. When the front seats are adjusted to a comfortable position, a 175cm tall passenger has about a fist's worth of headroom. The rear space is a highlight; passengers of the same height in the rear seat have two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, ensuring that even long journeys do not feel cramped. Although there is a slight bulge in the rear middle floor, it does not affect the comfort of the middle passenger. Additionally, the rear air vents and power outlets take the needs of rear-seat passengers into account. The trunk offers a capacity of 586L with a regular shape. The rear seats support a 6/4 split-folding function, allowing for an extension of storage space when needed, making it convenient for transporting luggage or larger items.

In terms of power, the Passat 1.8 TSI Comfortline Plus is equipped with a 1.8L turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 180PS, with peak torque kicking in at just 1250rpm. It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. During actual driving, the power response in the initial phase is very lively, and a slight press of the accelerator can create a noticeable push-back sensation. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is rated at 7.9 seconds, making it easy for everyday overtaking or lane changes. The transmission shifts quickly and smoothly when upshifting, though occasionally there might be slight jerks in low-speed congested traffic, which doesn't significantly impact the overall driving experience. There are three driving modes to choose from: Economy, Standard, and Sport. In Economy mode, the throttle response is more restrained, making it suitable for daily commuting; in Sport mode, the transmission delays upshifts to maintain higher RPMs, providing a more direct power delivery, which is ideal for driving enthusiasts.

In terms of handling and suspension, the Passat features a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension (Note: The original data did not specify the rear suspension type, but based on common knowledge of the model, this is supplemented. If strict adherence to the data is required, it can be substituted with "suspension tuning leans towards comfort"). During daily driving, the suspension effectively absorbs road bumps. When passing over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, vibrations are not very obvious, maintaining good comfort. The steering wheel is precise with minimal dead zones, and at high speeds, it becomes steady, giving a sense of confidence. When cornering, the vehicle's body roll is well-controlled, the suspension offers adequate support, and the overall handling performance is consistent with the positioning of a family sedan.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 5.7L/100km. We drove about 50km each on urban congested roads and highways, and the actual combined fuel consumption was around 6.5L/100km, performing moderately and meeting the expectations for this vehicle class. Regarding braking performance, the brake pedal feedback is linear, the braking force is sufficient, and during emergency braking, the vehicle's posture remains stable, providing a sense of safety.

For driving comfort, the seats in the Passat are moderately soft and provide good support, ensuring that even long drives don't cause fatigue. Noise insulation is excellent, with minimal wind and tire noise at high speeds, though engine noise is noticeable during sudden acceleration but remains within an acceptable range. The start-stop engine technology automatically shuts off the engine at red lights to save fuel, and the restarting vibrations are minimal, thus not affecting comfort. The electronic handbrake and automatic hold function are very practical for starting on inclines, preventing the risk of rolling backwards.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2018 Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI Comfortline Plus lie in its well-balanced product attributes: a steady and stylish appearance, practical configurations, spacious interior, smooth power performance, and commendable comfort. Compared with its competitors in the same class, its German-quality build and comprehensive safety features (6 airbags, ESP, front and rear parking sensors, reverse camera) are additional merits. Priced approximately 20,000 MYR less than the 2.0T Highline version and about 13,000 MYR more than the entry-level Trendline model, it adds 18-inch wheels and more practical configurations, emphasizing excellent value for money.

This car is suitable for family users who value space and comfort. Whether for daily commuting or weekend family trips, it can meet your needs well. At the same time, its power performance also delivers a certain level of driving pleasure, making it a good choice for those who appreciate the driving feel of German cars.

Overall, the 2018 Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI Comfortline Plus is a well-balanced and practical D-segment sedan with no obvious shortcomings, making it a worthwhile option for family buyers to consider.