Volkswagen Passengers Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is pleased to officially launch the new Passat R-Line to the Malaysian public via live telecast on its social media channels. The sportier big brother of the Passat Elegance, the new Passat R-Line is priced at RM203,411.18 (without sales tax) and is locally assembled at the Volkswagen plant in Pekan.
Taking its inspiration from the Volkswagen R models, the R-Line range was created for drivers to express their individuality and make a sporty statement, while still providing great value. The Passat R-Line completes the current Volkswagen R-Line range in Malaysia.
The dynamic sedan is decked with special performance interior and exterior trims that enhances its overall appearance. This includes new R-Line front and rear bumpers, side R-Line badge, chrome trims and 19" Verona alloy wheels. As for the interior, the R-Line trim is evident on the Nappa carbon-style black leather seats, steering wheel and aluminium sports pedals, and black roof headliner.
Driving experience is enhanced with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) and Driving Mode Selection that allows for the driver to customise and select up to 15 driving style preferences.
As with all Volkswagen models, convenience and comfort go hand in hand, and features such as a personalised Digital Cockpit, wireless App-Connect Apple Car Play provide instant connectivity for the driver. Front seats are 14-way ErgoComfort seats in Nappa carbon-style black leather, while the driver seat also comes with massage and memory function.
Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM said that the Passat has always mirrored the course of technological progress at Volkswagen, and till today continues to set the standards in the sedan segment in terms of technology and quality. "Pairing the Passat with the R-Line heritage is a winning combination for us. The New Passat R-Line will appeal to those who demand a certain level of aesthetics and driving satisfaction. If you appreciate the finer things in life and are a firm believer in expressing your own individuality, you're going to want a ride that stands out from the sea of cars on the road. This is your car."
Exterior
The Passat R-Line carries a more commanding stance, thanks to an aggressive new front bumper, complete with R-Line badge on its grill. Other distinguishing R-Line trims are visible on the new rear bumpers, the side R-Line badge, and chrome trim along the side of the vehicle. Adding character to its rugged profile are new 19-inch Verona alloy wheels.
As for lighting signature is distinctly Volkswagen - an all-LED headlight system, front and rear sequential turn signals and a three-wing taillight design completes the overall look.
Interior
The Passat R-Line sets itself apart in the interior with new finishes and materials, including new Dark Diamond Flag decorative trim and black headliner for a more premium finish.
The R-Line identity is visible on the seats, leather multi-function steering wheel, complete with shift paddles and ergonomic multifunction buttons; aluminium sports pedals; and aluminium front and rear scuff plates.
The new Passat R-Line is fitted with ErgoComfort electric seats in Nappa carbon-style black leather seats for optimum comfort. The driver seat is also equipped with memory and massage function.
Complementing the interior aesthetics is the ambient lighting function, which allows the driver to select from 30 colours. The ambient lighting's colour highlights are also reflected in the Infotainment system and Digital Cockpit.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the Passat R-Line carries new 2.0TSI turbocharged engine. Paired with a new and improved 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG), it produces an output of 190PS and torque of 320Nm for a truly dynamic driving experience.
The fuel economy of the Passat R-Line is impressive with a reading of approximately 6.5l/100 km, based on real-life driving data as defined by the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure).
For a thrilling drive, the new Passat R-Line comes with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), which offers up to 15 selectable increments - or drivers can simply choose from one of three available modes, sport with stiffer dampers, comfort, or normal. With the Driving Mode Selection (DMS), drivers can select their driving preferences, from Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual, which allows further driving customisation.
Connectivity
A 11.7" Digital Cockpit provides clarity of another level with high-resolution colour display that is like a premium smartphone. Access intelligence at your fingertips a six-view customizable screen with over 30 combination options, including 2D and 3D navigation.
Infotainment is accessible via the Discover Pro system with 9.2" touchscreen. Navigation through the system is convenient with voice control, gesture control and customizable three-view split screen. App-Connect is available through Android Auto, Mirrorlink using this Type C USB, and wireless connection for Apple Car Play.
Safety
Safety is never compromised at Volkswagen. The new Passat R-Line is packed with premium safety features, including Rear Cross Traffic Alert with 180-degree detection range of up to 50 metres; and Side Assist which helps detect objects in blind spot areas of up to 70 metres with 110-degree detection range while the vehicle is in motion. Another crucial safety feature is the Electronic Differential Lock (XDS) system to improve traction and reduce understeer.
The Passat R-Line is fitted with the new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System which monitors individual tyres pressure; and manoeuvre braking that automatically applies brakes to prevent collision when it senses an object at speeds of up to 10kmph.
Other safety features as standard are Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Brake Assist (BA), Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) as well as Hill-hold Control, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Proactive Passenger Protection System.
Space and Convenience
Boot space is an impressive 586-litres for the Passat R-Line, and a contactless Easy Open function uses sensors in the rear to electronically open the boot by detecting a specific movement of the driver's foot beneath the centre of the rear bumper.
Sound
The new Passat R-Line comes fitted with a complimentary Helix 300W Soundbar worth RM2,400. This Volkswagen Approved Accessory is manufactured by German hi-fi audio specialist, HELIX and is installed in the luggage compartment of the car. The soundbar is a 5-channel amplifier with an integrated sound processor and subwoofer, which elevates the vehicle's already-advanced sound system to a higher level of quality and clarity, with precise calibration of sound profiles.
Colours
The Passat R-Line is offered in six colours: Metallic colours are Aquamarine Blue, Tamarind Brown, Manganese Grey and Reflex Silver; and two pearl-effect colours are also available at no additional charge, Deep Black and Oryx White.
Price
The new Passat R-Line is priced at RM208,888 and comes with 3 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years roadside assistance. With the current sales tax break, the recommended retail price of the new Passat R-Line is RM203,411.18 until the 31st of December 2020.
