There are customarily two sorts of choices in life; get hitched or stay single, a Rolex or an Omega, a Harley or a Ducati, Trump or Clinton. But once in awhile, life cuts you some slack and eases your decision by presenting a best of two worlds. In the case of this writer's friend, it's a car buying decision.
Earlier this year, said friend wanted to purchase a large family sedan, which had a sporty R-Line bodykit and a turbocharged 2.0-litre motor. The only available option before, was the Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.0 TSI DSG R-Line. The sedan was sold in 1.8-litre Comfortline and Highline options back then.
Now, as many of us know, the wagon body style isn't most Singaporeans' cup of tea, unlike in Europe or Japan, despite them being practical and even looking quite stylish.
For local car buyers like said friend, who prefer the sedan but want more power, torque and a sexy R-Line kit, your prayers are now answered. Up close and Personal
If you find that this car looks familiar, that's because aesthetically, everything from the sporty R-Line bumpers and front grille with R-Line logo to the chrome-plated trapezoid tail pipe trims, are the same as the Variant 2.0 TSI DSG R-Line's.
But despite the Variant appearing to be much larger, the two share the same 2,791mm wheelbase, 1,832mm width and 4,767mm length, meaning leg and shoulder room are equally spacious. The sedan however, sits lower at 1,456mm.
What's different other than the Variant's obviously larger boot (650 litres versus 586 litres), is the sedan's 18-inch rims, which in our opinion are a sportier-looking set than the Variant's 19-inchers.
Inside, we found the luxurious cabin to be a display of Volkswagen's four decade-long pursuit of perfection with the Passat.
From the moment you sit comfortably in the 14-way adjustable driver's throne to when your fingers grace the cabin's knobs and panels, there is a German level of ergonomical detail that's exemplary.
As expected, fit and finish of the interior is of quality and more importantly, the dashboard's inclined design is remarkably driver-oriented and user-friendly.
Sensuous presence and more power aside, the $22,000 more that you pay for the Passat 2.0 TSI R-Line compared to the Passat 1.8 TSI Highline also buys you the steering-mounted paddle shifters and Active Info Display cluster, which presents a handy variety of information, including driving, vehicular and navigation systems.
The Drive
The car is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, 217bhp motor, which churns 350Nm of torque - that's 39bhp and 100Nm more than the 1.8-litre. If the 2.0-litre's power figures strike a chord, that's because it's the same four-pot used in the Golf GTI.
This extra 39bhp and 100Nm means this Passat gets from 0-100km/h 1.2 seconds faster than the 1.8-litre, taking just 6.7 seconds to get the job done.
1.2 seconds may not sound like much but as our extra sensitive 'bum sensors' have proven, the 2.0-litre car is much more of a monster in real world conditions.
And unlike the 1.8-litre's seven-speed, dry clutch DSG, this 2.0-litre employs a six-speed, wet clutch, which is known to be the more reliable box.
It also isn't just the extra muscle that makes the car a joy to drive, but how refined, responsive and linear the power band is.
The car is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, 217bhp motor, which churns 350Nm of torque - that's 39bhp and 100Nm more than the 1.8-litre. If the 2.0-litre's power figures strike a chord, that's because it's the same four-pot used in the Golf GTI.
This extra 39bhp and 100Nm means this Passat gets from 0-100km/h 1.2 seconds faster than the 1.8-litre, taking just 6.7 seconds to get the job done.
1.2 seconds may not sound like much but as our extra sensitive 'bum sensors' have proven, the 2.0-litre car is much more of a monster in real world conditions.
And unlike the 1.8-litre's seven-speed, dry clutch DSG, this 2.0-litre employs a six-speed, wet clutch, which is known to be the more reliable box.
It also isn't just the extra muscle that makes the car a joy to drive, but how refined, responsive and linear the power band is.
Plus, the tight and taut body means that you can utilise the power around bends and remain confident of the car's abilities to conquer them nimbly, which is an artistry that even the elevated Variant has proven.
But when you do drive in a more 'executive' fashion, the car displays its tamer side, gliding around town quietly, while soaking up bumps and rumps in the road delicately.Conclusion
The inclusion of the 2.0-litre TSI R-Line sedan into the lineup has given buyers the best of many worlds - comfort, refinement, space, the power of a GTI and a handsome face - justifying that you can have your cake and eat it too.
By the time you're reading this, one would have found itself a home at said friend's carpark - just not in this purplish paint we hope.
