Volkswagen Passengers Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has finally launched the new 2020 Volkswagen Passat R-Line in Malaysia. The launch was done a live telecast on its social media channels as we are still in a pandemic lockdown sort of situation here in the Klang Valley right now. It is essentially a kitted out variant of the Volkswagen Passat Elegance, and is attractively priced at RM203,411.18 (without sales tax). This price is possible because the sportier looking Passat is also locally assembled at the Volkswagen plant in Pekan, Pahang. It does go to show that the way forward to ensure attractive pricing is to locally assemble any car.
The R-Line Volkswagen models takes its inspiration from the performance Volkswagen R models. It basically gets restyled bumpers, side skirts, spoilers, sportier looking alloy wheels and more sporty interior trim to finish it off. So the changes in the R-Line Passat include new R-Line front and rear bumpers, side R-Line badge, chrome trims and 19” Verona alloy wheels. The interior gets R-Line trimmed Nappa carbon-style black leather seats, steering wheel and aluminium sports pedals, and black roof headliner.
But unlike a full Monty Volkswagen R, the Passat R-Line is still basically a Passat Elegance underneath with the same 2.0liter TSI engine with similar 190hp 320Nm torque. The front wheel drive car gets the power transmitted to the front wheels via a 7 Speed Dual Clutch DSG transmission and is actually quite a nice drive with the equipped Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) and Driving Mode Selection which allows the driver to customise and select up to 15 driving style preferences.
As with all Volkswagen models sold in Malaysia, it is equipped with a lot of convenience and comfort 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.
The Passat R-Line was previously previewed at a recent Volkswagen roadshow and model launch about two months or so ago. It is basically the range topping variant in the Malaysian Passat line-up, which actually consists of this variant and the aforementioned Passat Elegance as well as a limited run Passat UNITED variant. If you are interested to watch on what we think the Passat Elegance drives, which is actually what this Passat R-Line should behave like on the road also, watch our video below.
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.” said Erik.
So we personally think that the R-Line complements the Passat range here in Malaysia. If you want all business and value for money, get the Passat Elegance. If you want a little more sportiness or aggressive looking styling or are the chap who likes putting stuff on your car, get the Passat R-Line so you don't need to head to the accessory shop and start modding your car with your credit card. This one, you can just package it in your financing package.
But the price is competitive and we have to state again that these days, we do get a lot of kit for the car especially if its locally assembled.
Launch Promotion via Dealer websites and the Volkswagen Malaysia eShowroom
This weekend, from the 17th to 18th October 2020, Volkswagen dealerships nationwide will be hosting a virtual event featuring detailed walkthroughs of the new Passat R-Line where customers are invited to send in their questions and interact with Sales Consultants via Facebook Live from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
Customers who place a booking over this weekend will enjoy additional RM2,000 rebate on top of RM3,500 exclusive savings on the full Passat range, via the Volkswagen eShowroom. There will also be an additional RM1,000 rebate on other Volkswagen models, with the exception of the Polo.
There is also a promotion on equipping the Passat R-Line (or any other Volkswagen model) with the better sounding Helix Soundbar bass box upgrade which makes the sound system really kick a little bottom.
The 2020 (2021 Model Year) Volkswagen Passat R-Line 2.0TSI Product Summary
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 31 st of
December 2020.
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