Volkswagen has confirmed it will make a return to the performance sedan and wagon market with a barnstorming Passat confirmed for Australia. The new range topping Passat will utilise the same 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine from the Golf R that produces a healthy 206kW/380Nm. The extra weight of the Passat will mean a marginally slower 0-100km/h time in the vicinity of 5.5sec.
The 206TSI 4Motion is the fastest Passat to be offered by the German automaker since the R36 ceased production in 2010. The 206TSI 4Motion will boast similar performance to the R36, albeit with a significant improvement in economy thanks to the addition of a turbocharger and two fewer cylinders.
Unfortunately for R model fans, the 206TSI falls short of marque status and will not receive the R treatment, the omission of the R badge is good news for the bottom line however, with the larger Passat set to be priced similarly to the Golf R.
For those unwilling to wait until the end of the year, Volkswagen’s Czech representative, Skoda, have already released the Skoda Superb 206TSI which utilises the same engine and powertrain from the upcoming Passat. Priced from $52,690 the Superb 206TSI delivers performance and practicality well beyond its pay grade.
