VW finally joins its other German rivals in offering a sporty (looking) variant on its large sedan.
Following on from the local launch of the new Arteon four-door coupe and the 7-seat Tiguan Allspace SUV, VW today has also announced that a new R-Line variant of the Passat will soon be joining the model lineup.
As per what BMW does with the M-sport package and Mercedes does with its AMG-line cars, the R-Line is plainly a sporty cosmetic package added on to the regular VW cars. Supposedly taking inspiration from the hottest Volkswagen R models, the new Passat R-Line is the second Malaysian VW to receive this sporty design treatment. The first being the VW Golf Mk 7 R-Line.
In line with the sporty theme, the new Passat R-Line receives new more aggressive looking front and rear bumpers. R-Line badges adorn the front wings of this Passat, and 19” Verona alloy wheels help differentiate this new Passat from its non-sporty looking variants.
On the interior too, the R-Line package brings with it Nappa carbon-style black leather seats, steering wheel and aluminium sports pedals. Volkswagen’s 9.2 inch Discover Pro infotainment system is also standard on this variant of the Passat, and features include gesture control, a customizable three-view split screen and Wireless App-Connect with Apple CarPlay.
However as mentioned prior, the Passat R-Line is but an aesthetic change. Thus under the hood of this sporty-looking Passat is still the same 2.0 TSI turbocharged engine you would find in the previously top-of-the-line Passat Elegance. Paired with a 7-speed wet-clutch DSG gearbox, the Passat R-line generates a modest 190 PS and 320 Nm of torque.
What trade off made in the power department may be made up for with increased safety as Side Assist and Rear Traffic Alert active safety features are now also standard on this top-spec Passat.
This locally assembled sporty-looking VW sedan is open for pre-bookings staring today, with prices expected to be between RM 200,000 and RM 210,000.
More information can be found in the press release below:
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is now accepting pre-bookings for the new Passat R-Line. The sportier big brother of the Passat Elegance, the new Passat R-Line is also locally assembled and is expected to be priced between RM200,000 to RM210,000.
Taking its inspiration from the Volkswagen R models, the R-Line range was created to offer drivers a way to express their individuality and make a statement, while still providing great value. The Passat R-Line is the second R-Line model offered by VPCM after the Golf R-Line.
The Passat R-Line is decked with sporty touches, thanks to new R-Line front and rear bumpers, side R-Line badge, chrome trims and 19” Verona alloy wheels. As for the interior, R-Line trim is evident on the Nappa carbon-style black leather seats, steering wheel and aluminium sports pedals.
Powering the Passat R-Line is a new 2.0TSI turbocharged engine that produces 190PS and torque of 320Nm. Paired with a new and improved 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG), one can expect an exhilarating and effortless driving experience.
Safety is strengthened with Side Assist with 180-degree detection range of up to 50 metres; and Rear Traffic Alert which warns drivers reversing out of parking spaces of vehicles approaching at an angle of 90 degrees.
For driver connectivity, the Passat R-Line fitted with Volkswagen’s Discover Pro infotainment system with a 9.2” touchscreen. Convenient features include voice control, gesture control, a customizable three-view split screen and Wireless App-Connect with Apple Car Play.
The Passat R-Line will be available in six colours. Metallic colours are Aquamarine Blue, Tamarind Brown, Manganese Grey and Reflex Silver; and two pearl-effect colours are also available at no additional charge, Deep Black and Oryx White.
Bookings and viewing arrangements can be online or at authorized Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. For more information, please visit www.volkswagen.com.my
