2011 Volkswagen Passat Launched In Malaysia

This is the 2011 all-new Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI priced at RM 184,888, though one would expect the D-segment sedan's pricing to become more attractive once local assembly commences in November 2011. Complementing the long equipment list is a powertrain with a claimed class-leading fuel economy of 14.3 km/litre, in large part due to the class-leading seven ratios of the DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

Motivation comes from a 1.8-litre turbocharged, direct-injected TSI engine producing 160 PS at a top rev range of 5000–6200 rpm and 250 Nm from just 1500 rpm to 4200 rpm. The figures may be trumped by the Ford Mondeo EcoBoost's 203 PS and 300 Nm, but they are more than adequate to propel the Volkswagen Passat from rest to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, with enough in reserves to hit a top speed of 220 km/h.

Wearing a fresh styling, along with all-new body panels, said to be inspired by the Phaeton—which instead ended up resembling the Jetta's a little too much—the 2011 Volkswagen Passat is however based upon the same platform as the previous Passat, with virtually identical dimensions including a wheelbase that has grown a meager 3 mm.

Outside, the daytime running lights may serve no real purpose except for decoration but the bi-xenon headlamps, complete with automatic activation and dynamic range adjustment, are genuinely useful in poorly-lit areas. Like before, the leather-clad cabin features a typically German no-nonsense design, though the instrument dials, interior finishes and seats are all-new.

Also available inside is a multi-functional leather steering wheel with paddle shift control, dual-zone climate control, electrically-adjustable front seats with memory function for the driver's seat, push-start button, cruise control, electric parking brake, tyre pressure monitoring system, and a 6.5" touch-screen LCD colour display linked to a 6-disc CD-changer and 8 speakers.

In the event the unthinkable happens, you can count on the Passat's Euro-NCAP five-star rating, accomplished by the use of six airbags, braking controls (ABS, EBD, brake assist), traction controls (TCS, EDL, EDTC), stability control with counter steering assistance, anti-whiplash front headrests and ISOFIX anchorage points. An interesting and potentially life-saving feature is the Rest Assist, a drowsiness detection system which comes in handy when fatigue sets in. Enjoy the 2011 Volkswagen Passat official gallery below!