Volkswagen Malaysia adds a sporty looking variant to the local Passat lineup.
The Volkswagen Passat R-Line was officially launched by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today through a live telecast on its social media channels. First seen during the launch of the Volkswagen Arteon, this latest R-Line variant adds a sporty looking Passat to the local VW lineup.
Much like what Mercedes has with its AMG-Line range of cars, the R-Line is simply a performance aesthetics package. First appearing locally on the Golf Mk 7.5 R-Line, the Passat R-Line is the second model in the local VW lineup to get this sporty looking treatment.
To that end, the new Passat R-Line gains a sportier front bumper, complete with a more pronounced black bone-shaped air intake. Giving this German sedan a more aggressive front end aesthetic. A subtle R-Line badge on the front grille completes the front end additions.
Down the side meanwhile, the Passat R-Line rides on 19 inch Verona alloy wheels. A size larger than those found on the hum-drum Passat Elegance models. A chrome strip running down the length of the Passat, in addition to R-Line badges on the fender are also a new features included in this sporty aesthetic package. A sporty rear bumper with integrated (decorative) quad tail-pipes round of the R-Line exterior changes.
On the subject of those quad tail-pipes, as the R-Line is just an aesthetics packahe, under the hood of the Passat R-Line is still the same 2.0 TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is found on the non-sporty looking Passat variants. Pumping out the same 190 PS and 320 Nm of torque that drives the front wheels through the same 7-speed wet clutch DSG transmission.
There are some sporty fun to be had though as the Passat R-Line does come standard with VW’s Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) and Driving Mode Selection. Allowing drivers the option to select up to 15 driving style preferences on the fly. Moreover, the XDS Electronic Differential Lock system is standard on this car to improve traction and reduce understeer when sporty fun is underway.
Stepping inside the cabin of the sporty looking German sedan, the Passat R-Line adds ErgoComfort electric black Nappa leather seats with memory and massage function. Other R-Line interior trinkets include a leather multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters, not to mention aluminium sports pedals and sill plates to add a touch of sportiness in this leather-lined interior.
As for technology, a 11.7 inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster is standard on the Passat R-Line. As is the 9.2 inch Discover Pro central touchscreen infotainment system with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Contactless Easy Open hands-free tailgate is also standard on the Passat. A fun little feature too would probably be the interior ambient lighting that has up to 30 colour configurations available.
On the safety front, this sporty looking Passat features Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RTCA) and Side Assist blind-spot monitoring system. Manoeuvre Braking automatic emergency braking and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System are also standard on the Passat R-Line. The other passive safety features on the Passat R-Line are Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Brake Assist (BA), Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) as well as Hill-hold Control, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Proactive Passenger Protection System.
Assembled locally in Pekan, the Volkswagen Passat R-Line currently retails at RM203,411.18 during the sales-tax exemption period. A tad steep considering that the Passat Elegance currently retails at only RM 181,857. Representing nearly RM 21k difference between the two models. That said, ordering an R-Line now entitles one to a complimentary Helix 300W sound bar worth RM2,400. Prospective buyers of the Passat R-Line who book over this weekend will also enjoy ‘an additional RM2,000 rebate on top of RM3,500 exclusive savings on the full Passat range, via the Volkswagen eShowroom.’
PRESS RELEASE: Volkswagen Passengers Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is pleased to officially launch the new Passat R-Line to the Malaysian public via live telecast on its social media channels. The sportier big brother of the Passat Elegance, the new Passat R-Line is priced at RM203,411.18 (without sales tax) and is locally assembled at the Volkswagen plant in Pekan.
Taking its inspiration from the Volkswagen R models, the R-Line range was created for drivers to express their individuality and make a sporty statement, while still providing great value. The Passat R-Line completes the current Volkswagen R-Line range in Malaysia.
The dynamic sedan is decked with special performance interior and exterior trims that enhances its overall appearance. This includes new R-Line front and rear bumpers, side R-Line badge, chrome trims and 19” Verona alloy wheels. As for the interior, the R-Line trim is evident on the Nappa carbon-style black leather seats, steering wheel and aluminium sports pedals, and black roof headliner.
Driving experience is enhanced with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) and Driving Mode Selection that allows for the driver to customise and select up to 15 driving style preferences.
As with all Volkswagen models, convenience and comfort go hand in hand, and features such as a personalised Digital Cockpit, wireless App-Connect Apple Car Play provide instant connectivity for the driver. Front seats are 14-way ErgoComfort seats in Nappa carbon-style black leather, while the driver seat also comes with massage and memory function.
Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM said that the Passat has always mirrored the course of technological progress at Volkswagen, and till today continues to set the standards in the sedan segment in terms of technology and quality. “Pairing the Passat with the R-Line heritage is a winning combination for us. The New Passat R-Line will appeal to those who demand a certain level of aesthetics and driving satisfaction. If you appreciate the finer things in life and are a firm believer in expressing your own individuality, you’re going to want a ride that stands out from the sea of cars on the road. This is your car.”
This weekend, from the 17th to 18th October, Volkswagen dealerships nationwide will be hosting a virtual event featuring detailed walkthroughs of the new Passat R-Line where customers are invited to send in their questions and interact with Sales Consultants via Facebook Live from the comfort and safety of their own homes. Customers who place a booking over this weekend will enjoy additional RM2,000 rebate on top of RM3,500 exclusive savings on the full Passat range, via the Volkswagen eShowroom. There will also be an additional RM1,000 rebate on other Volkswagen models, with the exception of the Polo.
