Volkswagen has revealed a sporty-flavoured variant of its newly facelifted Passat Estate.
On display at the Geneva motor show, the Passat Estate R-Line Edition will be limited to 2000 examples.
Buyers can choose either the Volkswagen Passat's range-topping diesel engine, the 237bhp 2.0 TDI, or the petrol 268bhp 2.0 TSI to go with the standard 4Motion four-wheel drive sytem, DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and Dynamic Chassic Control (DCC) adaptive damping.
The R-Line Edition is also the only version of the Audi A4 Avant and Volvo V60 rival that will enable drivers to disengage the electronic stability control (ESC) – for "driving on race tracks", according to Volkswagen.
The sporty-flavoured model is distinguished from the standard, Business and Elegance versions of the Passat Estate by new Moonstone Grey paint and a number of areas finished in high-gloss black. These are the roof, roof rails, roof-edge spoiler, door mirror housings, side window frames, rear diffuser and a new design of 19in alloy wheels named Pretoria. In addition, the LED tail-lights are also darkened.
The interior is similarly coloured and gains R-Line sports seats upholstered in nappa and 'carbon' leather, multi-colour ambient lighing and brushed stainless steel pedals and door sills.
Also standard are the 12.3in Digital Cockpit display and the larger (9.2in) of the two touchscreen infotainment systems available on the Passat Estate, which features a 360deg parking camera and wireless connection of iPhones to Apple CarPlay.
Volkswagen's newly upgraded Travel Assist is also fitted. This semi-autonomous driving function can control the car's acceleration, braking and steering at speeds of up to 130mph by combining the front-facing camera, automatic emergency braking, Park Assist manoeuvring sytstem, lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control. However, it constantly checks that the driver's hands remain on the wheel.
LED matrix headlights are also a standard feature of the R-Line Edition.
Orders for the variant will be taken from May. Pricing hasn't yet been announced, but it's expected to start at around £30,000.
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