What's the news?
Volkswagen has announced that, as of this weekend, the Passat CC will be offered with a new R-Line trim level. The new specification adds a £650 premium to the price of the equivalent GT version, but gives buyers a new body kit and interior tweak.
Exterior
Passers-by are going to struggle not to notice the differences made to the Passat CC R-Line. The striking looking bodywork additions comprise of an R-Line spec front grille, front bumper, side skirts and 18-inch 'Mallory' alloy wheels. The model also gets LED daytime running lights as standard, as well as R-Line badging front and rear.
Interior
Largely, the cabin of the CC R-Line mimics the already high-quality interior found in the GT version. Additions to the R-Line model include branded trim pieces and a new steering wheel.
Mechanicals
To keep up with the sporty look, Volkswagen has made the CC R-Line available with the company's 210hp, 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine, which returns to 38.7mpg on the combined cycle despite its punchy power. For those buying the car with a sensible head on the 2.0-litre, 177hp TDI unit can also be specified; returning an impressive 58.9mpg thanks to its BlueMotion technology and stop-start system. Both engines can be had with either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG automatic transmissions.
Anything else?
Order books for the new Passat CC R-Line opened on Saturday 9th November with prices starting at £29,505 for the 2.0-litre petrol model with the manual gearbox. First deliveries are not expected until January.
James Giddings - 10 Nov 2013