Should you buy a refreshed Volkswagen Magotan?

Mar 25, 2024

In the mid-size B-class car market, Volkswagen has always been influential. VW Passat and VW Magotan models have always been known for their stable style, giving people a sense of business atmosphere. However, the all-new generation of Volkswagen Magotan is about to debut, with significant changes in design, which is highly anticipated.

The vehicle dimensions have been determined, and although they have increased slightly, the overall size has not changed much compared to the old model. The body length is 4990mm, width is 1854mm, and wheelbase is 2871mm. Compared to American car models such as the Buick Regal or Ford Mondeo, the wheelbase is slightly shorter. However, compared to Japanese car models such as the new generation Camry, the Volkswagen Passat still has an advantage in wheelbase, so the rear passenger space is slightly more spacious.

The lowest selling price of the Passat is $19,500, with the highest discount being ~$8K. Among 480,000 car enthusiasts in the second-hand car market, with prices starting at $1,400 and a total of 1,352 vehicles available.

The changes in the new generation of Magotan are still quite attractive. Before, people were accustomed to the business style of the Volkswagen Magotan, so seeing this kind of design now is quite unexpected. The change in the front grille is really significant; the previously dense chrome grille has disappeared, replaced by integrated daytime running lights and a illuminated logo. There is also much less chrome decoration. Sometimes, change can be quite refreshing!

The side of the Passat's body hasn't changed much, but the waistline and other details look sportier. The rear features a through-type taillight design. The overall feeling is quite good.

The interior design of the Magotan (Passat) is quite interesting. As you know, Volkswagen has always been known for its conservative approach to the center console, but this time, the design of the Magotan is all done domestically, with no prototype car overseas. So, the center console has directly become like a domestic car, and they have even added a separate entertainment screen for the passenger's side. In addition, the suspended car's large screen size is quite large, and combined with the ambient lighting system, it is much more radical compared to the Japanese cars such as the Accord and Camry.

The new generation of the Volkswagen Passat entry-level model is equipped with a brand new 1.5T turbocharged engine. Compared to the previous 1.4T engine, the power configuration this time is more simplified and clear. In addition, the 2.0T version also offers two choices of high power and low power. This new engine has already been applied in domestic-produced models such as the Sagitar, achieving an output power of 160 horsepower and significantly improved performance.

The 2.0T version of the car model will be a high-power version, called the 380TSI. In its factory state, it has an output power of 220 horsepower and is equipped with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. Considering these parameters, it is expected that the 0-100 km/h acceleration of this car can be completed in at least 8 seconds. Although this may not provide a very strong sense of acceleration, it will at least not feel sluggish.

What do you think of the new Magotan, is it worth buying?