VW Passat R-Line introduced

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