Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has given the Passat R-Line an replace for the 2022 mannequin 12 months. The locally-assembled (CKD) range-topper, which sits above the Elegance, now retails at RM212,939 (on-the-road with out insurance coverage, inclusive of gross sales tax exemption), making it RM8,506 dearer than when it was first launched back in October 2020.
The value hike is justified by quite a lot of enhancements, with the principle one being an influence bump for the two.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine beneath the bonnet. The mill now serves up 220 PS (217 hp) from 4,500-6,200 rpm and 350 Nm of torque from 1,500-4,400 rpm, that are substantial will increase from the pre-update Passat R-Line that solely had 190 PS and 320 Nm – these figures have been shared with the Elegance.
Another change is the transmission, because the extra highly effective engine is now paired with a six-speed DSG moist dual-clutch unit as a substitute of the earlier seven-speed gearbox. This powertrain setup and its figures are curiously much like what you bought with the pre-facelift Passat Highline. You nonetheless get Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive dampers and an XDS digital differential lock, each of which aren’t discovered on the Elegance.
Inside, the Passat R-Line will get a brand new management panel for the local weather system that’s touch-sensitive and options haptic suggestions. There’s additionally a 700-watt Harman Kardon sound system with 12 audio system and 4 sound modes (Pure, Chill Out, Live and Energy), which is an improve from the earlier eight-speaker setup. It needs to be famous that each objects are lifted from the most recent Arteon R-Line launched in July 2021.
As for different features of the mannequin 12 months replace, the Passat R-Line now wears the most recent Volkswagen emblem, turning into the second mannequin to take action after the Arteon. The color palette has additionally been decreased from six to 5 colors, with returning choices being two pearl-effect hues – Deep Black and Oryx White – whereas metallic colors are Aquamarine Blue, Manganese Grey and a brand new Scale Silver (replaces Reflex Silver). Tamarind Brown has been dropped.
Beyond these adjustments, the remainder of the Passat R-Line’s spec sheet is unchanged from earlier than. Standard objects embody the R-Line styling package deal, 19-inch Verona alloy wheels, LED headlamps and taillights with sequential indicators, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, aluminum pedals, black headlining and black Nappa leather-based upholstery with a carbon fibre-like sample.
Also included is an 11.7-inch digital instrument show, a Discover Pro navigation system with a 9.2-inch touchscreen and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity, keyless entry and engine begin, Climatronic triple-zone local weather management, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, cruise management, a reverse digicam, 14-way powered entrance seats with driver’s facet reminiscence and therapeutic massage perform.
No adjustments in the protection division both, with normal package being six airbags, ABS with EBD and brake help, stability management, blind spot monitoring with rear cross visitors alert, a tyre strain monitoring system and ISOFIX youngster seat anchors on the rear.
Each buy comes with a five-year, unlimited-mileage guarantee, a three-year free service package deal and 5 years of free roadside help, the identical as earlier than. “The Passat is built on a successful combination of class and performance, which makes it the sedan of choice for the sophisticated both globally and locally. We have retained the unique features of the Passat R-Line but fine-tuned its performance, so that it becomes an ideal partner for the discerning driver,” mentioned Erik Winter, MD of VPCM.
