A while back we covered the announcement that Volkswagen Group Australia will be introducing a sportier, more powerful, all-wheel drive version of the Passat, the 206TSI R-Line, as a spiritual successor to the Passat R36. Now, though, it’s come to light that it will be available from October 17, earlier than expected.
The arrival of the Passat 206TSI R-Line coincides with an update to the entire Passat range for 2017, which will start at $35,490 and comes with an updated pricing and equipment upgrades for all variants. A new standard feature being the Air Care dual zone climate control air conditioning system with air cleaning function and allergen filter.
Back to the new range-topper. While it doesn’t outright beat the older R36’s 3.6-litre narrow-angle V6 power figure of 220kW, the 206TSI’s turbocharged 2.0-litre EA888 four-cylinder delivers 206kW and an equal peak torque of 350Nm but offers it earlier at 1,700rpm. It’s mated to a 6-speed DSG transmission.
This levels the playing field where 0-100km/h sprint times are concerned and the 206TSI is a hair quicker (0.1s) at 5.5 seconds compared to the R36’s quoted time. The new car also comes standard with VW’s Adaptive Chassis Control with Comfort, Normal, and Sports drive settings.
Additionally, the R-Line package means that the extra performance is matched to a subtly more menacing exterior via a sports body kit, standard Dynamic LED headlights, 19-inch alloys, and some choice ‘R’ badging.
Inside, the sporty but understated theme continues with a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel with paddle shifters, leather-trimmed R-Line seats, alloy pedals, and an updated Active Info Display which premiered recently in the new Tiguan.
The Volkswagen Passat 206TSI R-Line will be priced at $57,990 for the sedan and $59,990 for the wagon. Buyers can also opt for a panoramic glass sunroof that’s not available in any other variant for an additional $2,000.
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