Sporty VW Passat R-Line Edition version announced

To celebrate the launch of the facelifted Volkswagen Passat, a limited-run R-Line Edition has been launched. Only available with the two most powerful engines in the range, this version comes with minor aesthetic tweaks to make it look sportier and a wealth of standard equipment. The car is likely to be shown at the Geneva Motor Show and the order book for the 2,000 available will open in May.

The Passat R-Line Edition comes exclusively in a new ‘Moonstone Grey’ paint colour with a number of contrasting black elements, including the roof, roof rails, rear spoiler and wing mirror caps. VW has also thrown in tinted tail-lights and black 19-inch Pretoria alloy wheels - they’re optional extras on the Volkswagen Golf R and T-Roc R.

Geneva Motor Show preview

Inside, visual changes include new R-Line sports seats trimmed in two types of leather, brushed stainless steel pedals and threshold plates, and a choice of ambient lighting colours.

The limited-edition car comes with Volkswagen’s new Travel Assist feature, which combines the adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and a number of cameras and sensors to allow the Passat to drive itself in certain circumstances. It’ll also park itself, although you will have to keep your hands on the steering wheel even with the system on. It’s likely to be an optional extra across the rest of the Passat range when it goes on sale.

The R-Line Edition comes loaded with equipment. On top of Travel Assist, it also includes VW’s Digital Cockpit (replacing dials with a configurable screen), a 9.2-inch glass touchscreen with professional sat nav and Apple CarPlay, the latter of which is fitted for the first time. Matrix LED headlights, which bend light around other cars so you can have full beam without dazzling other drivers, are also fitted. As the R-Line Edition is intended to have a sporty feel, it also features adaptive dampers and a button to turn the traction control off.

There are two powerful engines to choose from - a 2.0-litre petrol with 268bhp or a 238bhp diesel of the same size. Whichever you choose, VW’s 4MOTION four-wheel drive system is fitted as standard.

Read more about the facelifted Volkswagen Passat, or see where the current Passat features on our list of best estate cars.