2017 Volkswagen Passat 206TSI R-Line Review – Performance Sedan Is A Quality All-Rounder
In more ways than one the Volkswagen Passat 206 TSI R-Line represents the future of large performance sedans once Australian manufacturing winds up later this year.
With a claimed 0-100km/h of 5.5 seconds and a $57,990 plus on-road costs pricetag, the fast flagship 206 TSI closely rivals the dying $56,750 (plus orc) Holden Calais V8. And yet the Passat’s 206kW/350Nm outputs and all-wheel drive powertrain mostly mirrors the future fully imported Commodore’s 230kW/370Nm V6 and all-paw format.
In Europe the Volkswagen closely challenges the Opel Insignia; or our next Holden. Both mainstream brands are also acutely aware that premium brands such as BMW are pushing downwards in price and up on extra features and technology.
In short, ‘mainstream’ is threatened by ‘premium’ for the first time ever. Can this German-produced sedan nab an early win for the former group?
Vehicle Style: Medium sedan
Price: $57,990 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 206kW/350Nm 2.0 4cyl turbo petrol | 6spd dual-clutch automatic
Fuel Economy Claimed: 7.3 l/100km | Tested: 10.0 l/100km
OVERVIEW
Rewind five years and, in Australia, the previous 220kW/350Nm 3.6-litre V6-engined Passat Highline claimed 0-100km/h in 5.5sec and cost $55,990 (plus orc). Today’s 206 TSI R-Line uses a 2.0-litre turbo engine that makes less power than the old model, identical torque and with an unchanged sprint time. Plus, it’s $2000 pricier.
By comparison a BMW 325i back in 2012 offered a 160kW/250Nm 2.5-litre non-turbo, managing an 8.6sec sprint with a $71,900 (plus orc) pricetag. Now, a BMW 330i uses a 2.0-litre turbo to match the Volkswagen for torque, with a 5.7sec sprint and all for $2000 less than before. Plus, there’s a notably improved equipment list.