The VW Passat R-Line introduced in the new Passat range
Hot on the heels of the launch of the VW Tiguan R-Line comes the news that Volkswagen has launched the VW Passat R-Line.
But the Passat R-Line (which will be available in both saloon and estate versions) is not really an addition to the Passat range, rather a re-working of the current model options. The Passat Sport and Passat SEL are dropped, and the new range now comprises S, R-Line and Highline.
But, just as with the Tiguan R-Line, this is not a power upgrade but merely a cosmetic one. It would seem that VW are intent on making their cars more ‘Butch’ looking without necessarily offering the power and performance we would normally expect from R-Line models. A nod to the ‘Eco’Times’, I suppose.
The bodykit for the new Passat R-Line is a product of VW’s Individual Division, responsible for other R-Line models such as the soon to be released VW Scirroco R20T. On the Passat the R-Line trim adds skirts all round, some chrome bits on the grill and louvres and a set of 17″ Monte Carlo alloys.
Inside the Passat R-Line gets better seats, tyre pressure monitoring and cruise control. Add to this the standard kit on the Passat S (on which the R-Line is based) which includes climate control, ESP, a stack of airbags and a half decent Radio/CD with MP3 functions, and you have a well-equipped, decent-looking Passat.
The engines, unfortunately, are the same and include a 1.4 and 1.8 litre petrol and a couple of 2.0 litre diesels offering either 110PS or 140PS. But of course, even though you don’t get power upgrades with the R-Line pack, you do still have the option of the Passat R36. I guess this is a way for Passat buyers to look like they’ve bought the top of the range R36 without spending the money.
Passat R-Line models start at £17,040, which is only £600 more than the Passat S costs, but you get £2.5k of extra kit. Not a bad option.
VW Passat R-Line Prices, Emissions and Fuel Consumption
| Passat R Line model |
CO2 emissions, /km |
Fuel economy, combined mpg |
Price, £ (RRP OTR) |
|
|
|
|
|
| 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS 6-spd manual |
157 |
42.8 |
17,040 |
| 1.8-litre TSI 160 PS 6-spd manual |
178 |
37.2 |
18,550 |
| 2.0-litre TDI CR 110 PS 6-spd manual |
143 |
51.4 |
18,150 |
| 2.0-litre TDI CR 140 PS 6-spd manual |
146 |
50.4 |
19,295 |
| 2.0-litre TDI CR 140 PS 6-spd DSG |
158 |
47.1 |
20,565 |
| Passat Estate R Line model |
CO2 emissions, g/km |
Fuel economy, combined mpg |
Price, £ (RRP OTR) |
|
|
|
|
|
| 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS 6-spd manual |
159 |
42.2 |
18,210 |
| 1.8-litre TSI 160 PS 6-spd manual |
186 |
36.2 |
19,270 |
| 2.0-litre TDI CR 110 PS 6-spd manual |
146 |
50.4 |
19,320 |
| 2.0-litre TDI CR 140 PS 6-spd manual |
148 |
49.6 |
20,465 |
| 2.0-litre TDI CR 140 PS 6-spd DSG |
159 |
46.3 |
21,735 |
