- Doors and Seats
4 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.0T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
206kW, 350Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (98) 7.3L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto (DCT)
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2015)
2017 Volkswagen Passat 206TSI R-Line new car review
What is it?
The spiritual successor to the Passat R36 sports sedan. While it doesn't go quite to the sporty extreme of the R36, the 206TSI R-Line is suitably performance orientated.
Under the bonnet is the same 206kW turbocharged engine from the Golf R hot hatch and the R-Line treatment gives it a dynamic edge.
But Volkswagen has also tried to keep the car appealing to luxury car buyers instead of just grown-up boy racers. So there are plenty of creature comforts that makes the Passat a genuine alternative to the traditional German premium sedans.
Volkswagen Australia claims 25 per cent of 206TSI buyers are cross-shopping the likes of the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
How much does it cost and what do you get?
Not surprisingly the top-of-the-range Passat comes at a price premium. At $57,990 for the sedan (and $59,990 for the wagon) the 206TSI is more than $10,000 more than the 140TDI Highline, which is the next model down in the range.
You do get plenty of standard gear for the money though, including leather interior trim, heated front seats, tri-zone air-conditioning, an 8-inch colour infotainment touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The R-Line items included are a sporty body kit, 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, full LED headlights and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.
What's under the bonnet?
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine is shared with not only the Golf R hot hatch but also the Skoda Superb.
As the name implies there is 206kW of power available as well as 350Nm of torque. Like the Golf R, the engine is matched to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox and sends power to the road via VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive system.
Naturally there's a decent amount of punch when you step on the accelerator. For what is ultimately a small engine the Passat pulls strongly, so you don't miss the old V6 engine in the R36.
The dual-clutch transmission still needs some work though to smooth out its low speed operation. On several occasions it was caught out starting on an incline, tending to slip backwards a few centimetres before engaging the gear. It's a common ailment of dual-clutch 'boxes but it does detract from the premium image VW is trying to project.
What's it like to drive?
There are selectable drive modes - Normal, Comfort, Eco, Sport and Individual - so you can tailor the drivetrain characteristics to suit your mood.
There isn't much to split the various modes unless you're really paying attention. The engine is always willing to spring into action, but in Sport it feels more responsive than Comfort.
The settings also adjust the firmness of the adjustable dampers. But again, there isn't a dramatic change in character between the various modes. The sports suspension is 15mm lower and firmer than the rest of the Passat range, so the 206TSI feels more responsive when you push it through some corners.
Ultimately it feels sporty rather than a full-blown sports sedan, hence why VW hasn't labelled it a genuine 'R' performance model.
What's it like inside?
Photo: Lachie Hinton
Volkswagen has done a good job of elevating the Passat from mainstream to somewhere just below what you expect in a premium car.
The design is simple but well laid out and intuitive to use. The leather trimmed seats and nice mixture of materials lift the presentation and feeling of comfort.
Space is good for a mid-size sedan, with respectable room in the back for two adults.
Is it safe?
Aside from the usual stability control and airbag protection for all occupants the 206TSI comes loaded with low speed autonomous emergency braking, rear traffic alert, lane departure assistance, driver fatigue monitoring, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.
Would I buy it?
Photo: Lachie Hinton
I'd certainly consider the 206TSI, especially in practical wagon form. It doesn't miss out much in terms of luxury or performance to its more premium rivals. It's also a new alternative for those looking to move out of larger cars but don't want to sacrifice performance.
What else should I consider?
The most obvious rival is the Skoda Superb 206TSI 4x4 in its new Sportline trim. It is the same mechanical package but with a more roomy interior and costs $55,290 (sedan) and $56,990 (wagon).
The other related rival is its VW Group cousin, the Audi A4. The 2.0-litre all-wheel drive Audi starts at $69,990 so demands a hefty price premium. The BMW 320i starts at $62,500 and the Mercedes C200 is priced from $63,900.
The other 75 per cent of potential buyers are probably cross-shopping it against the Mazda6 Atenza (from $46,690), Ford Mondeo Titanium (from $47,490) and even the Kia Optima GT (from $43,990).
2017 Volkswagen Passat 206TSI R-Line pricing and specifications
Price: From $57,990 plus on-road costs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 206kW at 5600-6500rpm
Torque: 350Nm at 1700-5600rpm
Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 7.3L/100km