Volkswagen Passat 206TSI sedan axed
Flagship variant dropped to give Arteon more space
The Volkswagen Passat 206TSI R-Line sedan has been dropped from the line-up, leaving just the wagon with the top-shelf powertrain option.
Speaking with CarAdvice, Volkswagen Australia's public relations and brand experience manager, Kurt McGuinness, confirmed the changes, citing the introduction of the Arteon four-door coupe as the cause.
"The 206TSI Passat sedan has ceased production to reduce model complexity, given the arrival of the Arteon 206TSI," he said.
It's not just Australia that has seen the sedan-bodied Passat lose the 206kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo shared with the Golf R; even the Passat's home market of Germany has seen the same change.
Now, if you want a 206kW medium Volkswagen that isn't a wagon, you'll need to step up to the Arteon 206TSI R-Line, which starts at $65,490 before on-road costs – $7000 more than the outgoing Passat sedan with the same powertrain.
The Passat wagon continues to be available in 206TSI R-Line trim, however, priced from $60,490 plus ORCs.
Thanks to Damian for the tip!