206kW, AWD Volkswagen Passat R-Line coming in November

Volkswagen Australia has announced it will be introducing a 206kW, all-wheel drive Passat R-Line in November.

Billed as the spiritual successor to the iconic Passat R36, the 206TSI Passat R-Line is available as a sedan or wagon and shares its power and drivetrain with the 206TSI Skoda Superb, which it in turn borrows from the Golf R.

While the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine will send the hot hatch from 0-100km/h in 5.0 seconds, it will take the Passat R-Line 5.5 seconds (5.7 seconds in the wagon) to accomplish the task.

It is matched with a six-speed DSG transmission and comes with adaptive chassis control as standard.

As seen in the current Passat Highline range with the optional R-Line package, the 206TSI features a sports body kit, stylish 19-inch alloy wheels and dynamic LED headlights.

Inside, the performance theme continues with leather-trimmed R-Line seats, flat-bottom multi-function sports steering wheel with paddle shifters and alloy pedals. As part of Volkswagen’s MY17 product updates, the R-Line also comes with the new Active Info Display, or digital instruments to you and me.

Volkswagen Australia General Manager of Sales says while the Golf GTI and R model are popular, there “remains a strong appetite for a sporting Volkswagen sedan and wagon”.

“You need only look around – there’s any number of lovingly maintained R36s on the road. While the Passat remains one of our most well-appointed and comfortable cruisers, the R-Line is a genuine performance car – not just a sports kit. It’s both a worthy successor to the R36 and a car to throw a fright into the prestige brands.”

The order books are now open for the Passat R-Line, with customer deliveries starting in November 2016.

Passat 206TSI R-Line  $57,990
Passat 206TSI R-Line Wagon  $59,990

Metallic or pealescent paint  $700
Panoramic glass sunroof  $2000