KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 11 — Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) recently launched the new Passat 2.0TSI Elegance in Malaysia, four months after its German market launch in September.

In a statement, VPCM said the new Passat features a complete redesign of the exterior and interior, improved connectivity and updated lighting signatures.

A benchmark within its class, the new Passat boasts an updated 2.0TSI engine and is the first front-wheel-drive Volkswagen model in Malaysia to come with a new seven-speed wet clutch dual-speed gearbox, it said.

VPCM managing director Erik Winter said the Passat is an icon in its own right and a staple choice for executives around the world.

He said with more than 30 million units sold to-date, it ranks second next to the iconic Golf as one of Volkswagen’s most successful models.

"The new Passat features not only a technical update but a complete redesign of the exterior and interior, improved connectivity and updated lighting signatures.

"These advanced enhancements are executed without any compromise on performance. This is what we believe today’s discerning customers are looking for,” he added.

Currently, in its eighth generation, the Passat was first introduced in Malaysia in 2006. Local assembly began in 2011 at Pekan, made possible through a collaboration between Volkswagen AG and DRB-Hicom. — Bernama