If you were tired of the traditionally Japanese-dominated D-segment here, the Volkswagen Passat was the last continental large sedan you could get here until it was discontinued recently.
While it wasn’t perfect, it did offer that continental sophistication with an impressive ride and the current B8 Passat was even crowned the 2015 European Car of the Year.
Unfortunately though, the new Passat that’s due for a September 2023 debut will likely not make its way here. The reason comes down to the fact that it’ll be exclusively available in a station wagon body style and we all know how popular those are here.
Also Read: Used VW Passat B8, the continental choice from RM75k? What to look out for?
The Passat was Europe’s best-selling midsize car in 2022, seeing 66,621 units out the door. Nonetheless, that figure was still 20 percent lower than 2021’s numbers. Sister brand Skoda and its Superb sedan that’s based on the same MQB platform as the Passat occupied second place in that segment with 45,042 sold.
Similarly, the new Superb and the new Passat will share similarities but the Skoda gets a sedan body style and will launch a little after the VW. Therefore, if you still insist on the D-segment sedan from Volkswagen, the only option is the pricier Arteon that’s still available in Malaysia.
Also Read: Review: Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TSI Elegance – Better to drive than the Camry?
Both models will be built together at Volkswagen Group’s plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, after the group consolidated production of the new models from Emden, Germany, and Kvasiny, Czech Republic.
Skoda developed both models, displaying the synergies of how VW Group’s volume brands are cooperating more closely without diluting each marque’s DNA.
The Passat’s former home in Emden now rolls out EVs, having started with the ID4 last year and will soon be assembling the ID7 as well.
On the other hand, the Bratislava plant will carry on assembling large SUVs for the group, including the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg alongside the Volkswagen e-Up electric minicar.
Source: All-new 2023 VW Passat to launch in September but Malaysia won’t be getting it.