Volkswagen Passat R-Line to arrive in November

Volkswagen has revived a successor to the much loved Volkswagen Passat R36 performance wagon with the new 206TSI R-Line.

The new performance variant will sit atop the regular Passat range and be offered in both sedan and wagon bodystyles. It arrives in Australia in November, sporting a $57,990 sticker for the sedan and $59,990 for the wagon.

Adding to the German brand’s existing performance range, which includes the best-selling Volkswagen Golf GTI and R model hatchbacks, the Passat R-Line offers buyers needing the space of a sedan or wagon the added benefit of sporty performance.

The European built 206TSI will replace a cult-followed R36. The new kid on the block has ditched the R36’s 3.6-litre V6 engine while still matching its performance figures, producing 206kW from a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine taken from the popular Golf R, and send to all four wheels through Volkswagen’s on-demand AWD system, 4MOTION, and DSG six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

This helps the 1589kg Passat R-Line hit 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds.

The 206TSI will also feature distinctive styling, featuring a sports body kit, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and unique badging. A $700 metallic or pearlescent paint coating and a $2000 panoramic glass roof are the only extras available on the range.

Drivers will benefit from the comfort of leather trimmed seats, flat-bottom multi-function sports steering wheel with paddle shifters and alloy pedals, merging comfort and a premium feel with sporty performance.

“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,” Sales for Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles Ryan Davies said.