Editor's Picks - Stately Express - Volkswagen Passat Variant R-Line 2.0 TSI

Have you ever been caught in a spot where you would want something premium for yourself, yet you need the utility space, but going down the SUV route is simply not you? You are not alone really!

Our roads have more recently been peppered with these tall (mostly) “softroading” vehicles; and there are many who would extol the virtues of the added space, turning the SUV into the safe choice. You can however get the best of appealing-sporty styling, sedan handling coupled with similar cargo room you need; if you pick an estate vehicle… or in this case, a Variant in Volkswagen talk.

The Volkswagen Passat Variant R-Line 2.0 TSI is the brand’s premium estate vehicle. Styled with crisp-angular lines, and further enhanced by its R-Line body kit; the Passat Variant carries with it an air of sophistication, usually encountered in higher-end luxury brands. Its side profile, with its slightly tapered roofline; is complemented by a deep accent line, which visually stretches Passat Variant over its sedan sibling.

Features like the signature boot opening lever, incorporated into the rear VW badge, which hides the reverse camera, are clever touches.

As a visual treat, the Passat’s LED headlights are deep-set within their housings, and underlined by a row of LED daytime running lights, while rear LED tail lamps with their unique light scenes switch from a horizontal to vertical brake light structure when you depress the brakes, making them more preceptable when the brakes are activated.

Under the hood, the Passat Variant’s two-litre turbocharged engine delivers 216bhp, and a healthy dose of 350Nm of torque, from 1,500rpm. Drive through the front wheels is provided through a quick-shifting 6-speed Dual Sequential Gearbox (DSG). Acceleration is addictive, with the Passat Variant hitting the 100km/h benchmark ain 6.9 seconds.

Volkswagen has also included its premium Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) active damper technology into the Passat Variant, allows their estate car to deliver the best balance in ride quality and handling, with the system actively adjusting itself every millisecond to ensure optimal damping for all road situations.

Technologies used like vacuum-formed steel reduces the overall weight of the Passat Variant, helping to deliver the promise of a spirited driving experience. The lightened coachwork is beneficial especially when making multiple directional changes; where weight transference can often lead up to upsetting a car’s balance… The Passat Variant on the other hand, feels nimble, and delivers an engaging driving experience. The weighted steering is precise, with a good amount of feedback.

Within the cabin, there is room to easily fit five. Supple Nappa leather surfaces offers the comfort you will appreciate, especially on longer journeys. The driver’s ergoComfort 14-way electrically adjustable seat also has a built-in massage function, a little treat for you when clocking those miles.

The Passat Variant has its advantages when it comes to space, with 650 litres available, at the kick of a foot. Cargo room can be expanded up to 1,780 litres, with the folding of the rear row of seats. The two-stage automatic retractable cargo cover adds to the convenience of loading and unloading. For items which are a little taller, the adjustable boot floor is truly a thoughtful feature.

The premium ‘DYNAUDIO Confidence’ sound system, is specially created for the brand, and features a 16-channel digital amplifier and delivers the experience through 10 fine-tuned speakers with bassy notes provided through a neatly tucked-away subwoofer. Controlling the audio system is done through a 9.2” touch-sensitive gesture-enabled display which also features Volkswagen’s ‘Discover Pro’ SatNav. Mobile connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available.

The digital 12.3” Active Info Display not only delivers information to the driver with clarity, but also offers flexibility in how the information is delivered. A retractable head-up display which complements the instrument panel, helps you to keep your eyes on the road. As an added measure of safety, the Fatigue Detection System, which analyses driver’s behaviour, and sends an alert if a break is needed. A 360 birds eye view camera is standard, which not only makes it easier to park the car, but also helps to spot lower-down obstacles which you might miss.

The Passat Variant offers a truly sporty-yet-luxurious experience, with the plus of more room for your cargo; but do not just take my word for it! Head on down to Volkswagen’s showroom for a test drive, and experience the Passat Variant R-Line for yourself - an estate vehicle luxuriously built, like a German car should!

Check out the full range of Volkswagen cars here!

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