Volkswagen releases top-spec Passat R-Line

VOLKSWAGEN Australia has rounded out its new Passat range that made its in October last year by releasing thespicy 206TSI R-Line flagship sedan and wagon, due in showrooms by October 17.

Originally slated for arrival in November, the 206kW all-wheel-drive R-Line will arrive ahead of schedule and have an asking price of $57,990 before on roads for the sedan, while its wagon sibling will go for $59,990 BOCs.

The R-Line will be powered by a 206kW/350Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine mated to six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is shared by the mechanically similar range-topping Skoda Superb 206TSI 4x4.

The 206TSI R-Line will gain the added features from the optional R-Line and Luxury packages offered for the Passat Highline variant including leather-trimmed R-Line seats, flat-bottom sports steering wheel with paddle shifters, alloy pedals, dynamic LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels and a sports bodykit.

It will also come with Volkswagen’s new active info display, which was first shown in the Tiguan mid-sized SUV that launched last month.

Speaking in August, Volkswagen Australia general manager of sales for Volkswagen passenger vehicles Ryan Davies said the R-Line, the spiritual successor to the Passat R36, would attract a special interest among customers.

“You need only look around – there’s any number of lovingly maintained R36s on the road,” he said.

“While the Passat remains one of our most well-appointed and comfortable cruisers, the R-Line is a genuine performance car – not just a sports kit. It’s both a worthy successor to the R36 and a car to throw a fright into the prestige brands.”

To go with the launch of the R-Line, the rest of the Passat line-up will receive a model-year update, with models across the range receiving extra kit as standard.

The whole range – which includes sedans, wagons and the Alltrack four-wheel-drive wagon – receives dual-zone climate control with air cleaning function and allergen filter as standard, while the optional Luxury package adds a luggage floor net and the optional R-Line package gets new 18-inch grey alloy wheels and active info display, with revised pricing.

The base variant Passat 132TSI gets new 17-inch alloy wheels and front assist with city emergency brake as standard, while the pricier models add 14-way adjustable front seats with driver’s massage, memory function for driver’s seat and door mirrors, power folding door mirrors, auto dimming driver’s door mirror and passenger side door mirror kerb view function all as standard.

The MY17 update is also accompanied with a price hike – $500 for the base 132TSI sedan and wagon, and $1500 for the rest of the range.

The 206TSI has an optional $2000 panoramic sunroof, while metallic and pearl effect paint will cost an extra $700.

MY17 Volkswagen Passat pricing*

132TSI (a)	$35,490 (+$500)
132TSI wagon (a)	$37,490 (+$500)
132TSI Comfortline (a)	$41,490 (+$1500)
132TSI Comfortline wagon (a)	$43,490 (+$1500)
140TDI Highline (a)	$47,490 (+$1500)
140TDI Highline wagon (a)	$49,490 (+$1500)
Alltrack (a)	$50,790 (+$1500)
206TSI R-Line (a)	$57,990
206TSI R-Line wagon (a)	$59,990

*Excludes on-road costs