Volkswagen Passat R-Line revealed

The Volkswagen Passat range has been extended to include a sporty R-Line specification and a new, more efficient 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine.

As with the VW Polo R-Line, the Passat gets a beefy bodykit with bigger bumpers and lowered sports suspension. There’s a set of 18-inch Kansas alloys, a subtle bootlid spoiler and tinted rear windows, while xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and R-Line badging complete the look.

The R-Line is based on the basic Passat S model, but still comes with Bluetooth connectivity for your mobile phone, a DAB radio and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. USB and iPod connectivity are also standard, as are steering wheel paddles for all cars fitted with the DSG automatic gearbox.

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Available as a saloon or estate, prices for the Passat R-Line start at £22,115 for the 104bhp 1.6-litre TDI diesel saloon with a six-speed manual gearbox. This is the most economical engine, capable of 65.7mpg and only 114g/km of CO2.

The Passat R-Line is also available with a higher-power 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel, priced from £23,230 for the manual gearbox or £24,970 for the six-speed DSG automatic. The new 158bhp 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged petrol costs from £22,470 but is only available in the R-Line, Highline and Volkswagen CC models.

First deliveries are set for June, with the practical estate model costing around £1,400 more than the equivalent saloon. The R-Line bodykit can be added to the Passat Highline and Passat Sport for £900 – with the price including all parts and fitting.

To view the full Volkswagen range, see the CarBuyer Volkswagen reviews page.