Passat R-Line Makes It A Threesome And Compels You To Question Why Not Just Splurge On The Arteon

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) really pulled out all the stops by launching three new models at a go. We’ve already covered the earlier two so now we’ll finish up the threesome with the Passat R-Line.

Probably the least exciting of the trio after the Arteon and Tiguan Allspace, the Passat R-Line sits above the existing Passat Elegance and is distinguished with the usual R-Line cosmetics. However, it’s estimated pricing of between RM200,000 and RM210,00 puts it within spitting distance of the Arteon R-Line at RM221,065. Can you think of a reason to not just splurge on the extra RM10,000 or so and get the Arteon? Yeah, neither can we.

The Passat R-Line is powered by the same 2.0-litre TSI mill from the Elegance that makes 188hp and 320Nm of torque to the front wheels via the seven-speed wet-clutch DSG box with paddles shifters for the driver to truly feel the R in R-Line. No extra ponies don’t necessarily mean no extra drivetrain goodies as the R-Line gets Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive dampers and the XDS electronic differential lock found on the Golf GTI. No extra power but the R-Line will make better use of the existing ponies.

Up front, you’ll find the usual faux go-faster bits such as a more aggressive lower air intake on the bumper with the corners gloss-blacked out. At the sides, the skirts are deeper while the rear bumper gets quad tailpipe exits… faux of course. Lighting the way forward are LED headlights with the same treatment for the taillights that also includes sequential indicators. Wheels are 19-inch Verona rollers.

The cabin doesn’t miss out on the R-Line touch as well, getting a flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminium pedals, Nappa leather upholstery for the 14-way power-adjustable front seats that includes a massage function and memory for the driver while fake carbon weave trim inserts are peppered around.

Cabin electronics comprise the 9.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that houses the Discover Pro flagship navigation system and is capable of supporting Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay connectivity for music via the eight-speaker layout. The reverse camera displays on the same screen. The driver gets to play around with the Digital Cockpit and its myriad of customisable views and information feeds for driving.

Completing the list of bells and whistles are triple-zone climate control, cruise control, push-start button and keyless entry. Safety is made up of the usual six airbags, ABS with EBD and BA, stability control, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Although pricing hasn’t been confirmed, the Passat R-Line will come with a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty as well as three years of free maintenance and five years of free roadside assistance in case it ever breaks down.