The 2017 Volkswagen Passat is arriving now, packing a few adjustments to equipment levels based on customer feedback – but the big news from the 2017 update is the addition of a Passat 206TSI R-Line hero model. The 206TSI traces its lineage to the legend 220kW Volkswagen Passat R36 models from earlier in the decade.
The incoming 206TSI utilises the Golf R’s two-litre turbo making 206kW of power and 380Nm of torque, with only a DSG automatic transmission to be offered here.
There’s standard 4MOTION all-wheel-drive included to put all that power down securely.
With the Golf R displacing the 0-100km/h sprint in five seconds flat, there is strong evidence that the Passat 206TSI won’t be more than a second behind it.
And at $57,990 for the sedan and $59,990 for the wagon, the 206TSI is shaping up to a cracking budget Audi S4.
Even some of the S4’s technology has ended up inside the Passat – including an Audi-style digital gauge cluster that Volkswagen calls the Active Info Display.
Only available as an R-Line – not a Highline as some predicted – the 206TSI also packs adaptive dampers, larger disc brakes and dual exhausts for extra performance cred.
A range of colours will be available and the sole option will be a panoramic sunroof.
Elsewhere in the Passat range, the Comfortline, Highline and Alltrack models gain 14-way, electrically adjustable front seats with a memory function. The R-Line adds the Active Info Display digital gauges and 18-inch Monterey alloys.
Additionally, the base model 132TSI steps up to 17-inch Soho alloy wheels and adds front assist with city-speed autonomous emergency braking.