Fast Facts: 2020 Volkswagen Passat R-Line launched

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today has officially launched the 2020 Passat R-Line on our shores, with prices starting at RM203,411 inclusive of the sales tax exemptions which is applicable until the end of 2020.

What’s Outside?

The R-Line treatment on the exterior of the Volkswagen Passat incorporate a more aggressively-styled front bumper with bigger air intakes and fog lamps that surround the corners, the R-Line gets a variant-exclusive rear bumper with quad “tailpipes exit” mouldings, lower side skirts, a strip of chrome lining encompassing the whole vehicle at the base, R-Line emblems on the grille and front fender, and completing the overall look is a set of large, 19-inch "Verona" wheels.

What’s Inside?

Inside the interior, the 2020 Passat R-Line gets sportier variant-exclusive trims, which includes a meatier flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminium sport pedals, black rooflining, carbon fibre-like dashboard trims, and black Nappa “carbon-style” leather seats.

Otherwise, the cabin equipment list basically reflects that of the Passat Elegance, which includes as standard an 11.7-inch digital instrument cluster display, a 9.2-inch Discover Pro touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, tri-zone automatic climate control, as well as a 14-way driver power adjustable front seats with memory and massage function.

How Fast?

Powering the Passat R-Line is the same engine found on the Passat Elegance which is the 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 190 hp and 320 Nm of torque, paired to a new wet-clutch DSG dual-clutch gearbox to send power to the front wheels.

No century sprint figures were provided for the 2020 Volkswagen Passat R-Line, though VPCM says that the sportier D-segment sedan achieves a fuel consumption figure of 6.5 l/100 km – which is identical to the Passat Elegance.

Although the R-Line and Elegance may share the same powertrain, the sportier R-Line variant does get some electronic and mechanical upgrades for a sportier driving experience. These include the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) driving mode selector with up to 15 selectable increments for different engine, throttle, and steering response, as well as Electronic Differential Lock (XDS) to help control understeer.

How Safe?

In terms of safety equipment it’s indistinguishable from the Passat Elegance, which means it has six airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, stability control, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Unfortunately, the Volkswagen Passat R-Line doesn't come outfitted with autonomous emergency braking and other advanced driver assistance features.

How Much?

Once again, the locally-assembled 2020 Volkswagen Passat R-Line is priced at RM203,411 in Malaysia, inclusive of the full sales and service tax exemption which is valid until December 31, which slots it pleasantly in the middle of the Passat Elegance and Arteon R-Line. Included in the price is a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, a three-year free service package and five years of free roadside assistance.

The Passat R-Line will be offered in six exterior colour choices: Aquamarine Blue Metallic, Tamarind Brown Metallic, Manganese Grey Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic; Deep Black Pearl, and Oryx White Pearl.