Sporty new limited run Volkswagen Passat R-Line Estate revealed

Volkswagen has shown its new limited edition Passat R-Line estate at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Production will be restricted to just 2,000 units when it reaches the European market in May, fielding a choice of two engines and a range of R-Line design tweaks and trims.

Buyers will be able to choose from either a 233bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel or a 264bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Both powertrains are mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission and Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system.

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Exterior updates for the new Passat R-Line estate include a set of gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels, a new rear diffuser, new LED Matrix headlights, black mirror caps, a black roof and smoked LED tail lights. Each model will be finished in Volkswagen’s “Moonstone Grey” paint.

Inside, the new estate gets a set of brushed stainless steel pedals, customisable ambient lighting, a digital instrument binnacle, a 9.2-inch infotainment system, a leather multi-function steering wheel, stainless steel door steps and a pair of R-Line sports seats, trimmed in Nappa leather.

The most significant technology update for the Passat R-Line is the addition of Volkswagen’s new Travel Assist system. This semi-autonomous driving mode allows the car to assume control of its own steering, brakes, and throttle at speeds up to 130mph, providing the driver’s hands are on the wheel. It uses the car’s existing safety technology (such as Front Assist for detecting obstacles and Park Assist for steering control) to monitor the road.

Whether or not the Passat R-Line estate will make it to the UK is yet to be confirmed. Pricing and full specification for the new model will be released in due course.

Now read our review of the standard Volkswagen Passat estate. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section…