It was in January 2020 that Volkswagen Malaysia launched the facelifted Passat. The D-segment sedan managed to grab everyone's attention with its new look, refreshed cabin, and added features. Now, after nine months, Volkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia (VPCM) has added a new variant to the Passat lineup, the Passat R-Line.

Compared to the standard model, the R-Line brings in a lot to the table. It receives numerous design changes that may be subtle but are easily distinguishable. The cabin benefits from a few aesthetic changes along with technological improvements. The safety kit is also updated, however, it still misses out on the autonomous emergency braking system.

With all these inclusions and more, the Passat R-Line is a tad bit expensive compared to the Passat Elegance. Priced at RM 204,433, the R-Line is around RM 21,600 more expensive than the regular Passat model. It is to be noted that the price tag excludes insurance and is exempted from sales and service tax (SST) until December 31. Also, part of the R-Line's price is a five-year, unlimited warranty, 5-year free roadside assistance, and a 3-year free service package. Besides, VW Malaysia is also offering buyers a 300-watt boot-mounted Helix soundbar for free, until the stock lasts.

Let's not discuss what we are here for, the Passat R-Line first impression, starting with the exterior design.

The Passat R-Line surely raises the bar when it comes to design and style. The R-Line accents include specially tailored front and rear bumpers, LED headlights blending in the chrome radiator grille, chrome body highlights, 'Gloss Black' fog lamp surrounds. Adding to its appeal is the striking tornado line running from the front to the rear panel. Also, the chrome detailing on the lower front and rear bumper and doors look great. At the back, the 'Gloss Black' diffuser and LED rear tail light enhances the sedan's sporty side.

Colour options: Aquamarine Blue, Deep Black, Manganese Grey, Oxy White, Tamarind Brown, and Reflex Silver

Key exterior highlights:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• IQ LED headlight system with LED DRLs, incorporates dynamic headlight range control and dynamic cornering light with dynamic indicators
• LED taillights with signature lighting and dynamic indicators

Interior

The Passat R-line cabin feels very welcoming with its new aesthetics and high-quality touch-and-feel. The driver's arena gets a thicker flat-bottomed steering wheel and aluminium pedals. The black headlining along with black Nappa leather upholstery with carbon fibre-like pattern adds to the sedan a premium vibe. Further, the ambient lighting with 30 colour choices creates a sense of calm and a visually pleasing environment.

Key interior highlights:

• 'KESSY' keyless locking & starting system
• Driver seat with massage, memory, and electric support function
• 'Easy Open' sensor-controlled tailgate opener
• 3-zone 'Climatronic' system ensuring clean air and healthy air conditioning
• Air Care 'Climatronic' keeps particulates, pollen, and fungal spores at bay
• Rearview camera
• Manoeuvre braking senses objects up to 10 kmph and automatically brake the sedan

Connectivity

Everything is easy in a Passat and the R-Line only adds to the convenience of both the driver and passengers. So, be it making a call while driving, wanting to reach your destination using App-Connect, getting current traffic info, or listening to music, everything is possible with Passat's modern technology and that too in an easy, uncomplicated manner. With just a touch of a button, the driver can discover its intelligent connectivity.

Volkswagen has fitted the Passat R-line with a range-topping Discover Pro navigation system that includes a 9.2-inch colour touchscreen and wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Passat kit also includes an 11.7-inch digital instrument display that provides the driver with all the information important and needed. Furthermore, the Voice Control function allows the user to choose their favorite music beforehand while keeping eyes on the road.

Engine

The Passat R-Line model runs on the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that powers the Elegance trim. This mill churns out a maximum power of 190 PS from 4,180 to 6,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 320 Nm at 1,500 to 4,180 rpm. The power is sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed DSG wet dual-clutch gearbox with paddle shifters.

The Passat comes with Driving Mode Selection that includes Dynamic Chassis Control that allows the driver of the sedan suiting his personal driving style and current road & traffic conditions. Also, the new XDS tech lets the driver grip the road at sharp corners, thus ensuring a safe drive.

The sedan also offers an excellent combined fuel economy of 15.83 kmpl. With a fuel tank capacity of 66-litre, the Passat sedan can do 1,000 km per tank.

Safety

Like all Volkswagen cars, the Passat is enabled with best-in-class safety features that ensure great driving ease. Included in its long list of safety features are - Side Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Proactive Occupant Protection System, Automatic Post Collision Brake System, Rest Assist (Driver Alert System), six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, and ISOFIX.

Also Read: Ninth-gen Volkswagen Passat gets a new MQB platform; expected debut in 2023