Wow: This Is Still The Best Car Volkswagen Makes (Volkswagen Passat R-Line Wagon 2023 Review)

Full review and details of the 2023 Volkswagen Passat 206TSI R-Line wagon, including engine, DSG, handling, ride quality, fuel economy and boot space.

The Volkswagen Passat is a large family car available in sedan overseas but only station wagon format in Australia. A number of 2.0-litre turbo engines are offered including the top tune, a 206kW (276 hp) R-Line model that is a fantastic all-round car offering excellent performance, a supple ride, good handling and excellent build quality.

The Passat competes with the Mazda 6, Toyota Camry, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, while Volkswagen also sells the Arteon liftback for those that do not want a wagon.

Time codes:
0:00 - What is the Passat 206TSI?
0:20 - The Passat is special
0:35 - The 206TSI model
0:45 - Styling
0:55 - A well-balanced car
1:08 - Pricing
1:25 - In this video
1:45 - Budget Direct
1:55 - Older-school interior
2:18 - Interior design
2:30 - Better than new VWs
2:38 - Touchscreen
2:50 - Digital instruments
3:07 - Steering wheel
3:20 - Real buttons
3:41 - R-Line interior
3:50 - Black leather
4:00 - Seat heating
4:08 - Elegance model
4:20 - Build quality
4:38 - Interior storage
4:50 - Flock door bins
4:58 - A big car
5:10 - You don’t need an SUV
5:18 - If you need a third row
5:30 - Headroom and legroom
5:43 - Sun blinds
5:50 - Air vents
6:03 - Net system
6:25 - Emergency services use
6:40 - Styling
6:50 - Long but not wide
7:00 - Chrome touches
7:13 - Lapiz blue
7:28 - Tail lights
7:40 - Tailpipes
8:00 - Power tailgate
8:10 - 650 litres of boot space
8:20 - Folding seats
8:42 - Fuel economy
9:03 - Servicing plan
9:20 - Warranty
9:27 - Insurance
9:44 - Test track drive
9:57 - Standard AWD
10:13 - MQB platform
10:54 - EA888 2.0T engine
11:06 - Power and torque
11:20 - 0-100km/h test
11:35 - Performance
11:52 - Brakes
12:04 - Handling
12:30 - Wagons are better than SUVs
12:50 - Passat is in danger
13:11 - Exhaust sound
13:38 - Ride quality
14:01 - Passat vs Golf R
14:30 - Wet and snow grip
14:52 - Road noise
15:03 - IQ Assist safety tech
15:44 - Verdict

As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct.

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[jpjbassking]

Literally picking up this exact car in around 12 hours time- you've just made my night releasing this!

[kingjulian]

We’ve had a 206 r-line now for 6 years. It is truly a great car to drive and it is superb on a long country drive. Far better than any SUV or horrible Ute based wagons. Not a single thing has gone wrong and no rattles or things breaking. We also have a Cupra Formentor VZx and as good as that is we can’t part with the Passat due to its practicality and comfort.

[robertavell]

We bought this car 2 years ago off the back of your previous review in 2021, (traded in our Pajero which didn’t see a day of off road use). We are in Canberra and our limited traffic means we get significantly better than the 11 litres per 100km quoted here, we average about 8.5. Couldn’t be happier with this car, brilliant and honest review.

[joem]

Mate i bought this car during COVID without even test driving it - largely off the back of your original review - have not regretted one day - absolutely love driving this thing - as you point out - its just a bloody fun car to drive!!!

[darrenprior]

I loved it when Hertz and Europcar used to hire the Passat Wagon out. I drove from the Gold Coast to Cairns once a month and loved the diesel version because it wasn't just fast and comfortable but it only required one fuel stop. Damn thing did 1300kms on a full tank. The more powerful petrol versions were another step up. Outstanding car. After you've driven one of these things you really do have to question why anyone would need a SUV

[Adrianek]

I own passat sedan 2.0 tdi 148bhp TDI 2015 automatic and i love driving, i moved from audi a3 sedan with sport suspention, omg what a different, so soft now, drive like a dream

[green_comet]

We've had our 206tsi wagon for 3 years and I love the thing, It ticks all the boxes (imo). It's quick, quiet, comfortable inside, decent on fuel, drives great and has heaps of space without being overly big. Excellent review Tom!

[quoddles]

Hi Tom. I don’t expect you to remember, but I commented on how much I loved my 2014 Passat 130tdi a few years ago, and how I unfortunately ended up with a Discovery Sport. Well I’ve managed to dispose of the Disco, which I never enjoyed, and took delivery of a Passat 206tsi 3 weeks ago, and dude, what a car…!!! It’s just so fuckin’ good….and I haven’t even taken it for a belt through the hills yet, something I’m looking very forward to doing..!!
Thank you for ringing the Passat bell….I hope people hear it loud and clear, coz you’re so right about what an awesome car it is..👌
Keep up the good work, mate..!!

[droidfloid]

Hello here a field representative who drives a VW Passat in Germany thousands of kilometers a week :)

The VW Passat is a hit in Germany, you would think a car that starts in this country at 38, 000 € is not seen so often, but more than 50% of new registrations in Germany each year are company cars and pool cars or commercial holders (companies) and the VW Passat is THE company car. Many black VW Passat wagons drive daily on the highway mostly very fast, these are in most cases company cars and therefore the car has a reputation that combines seriousness, elegance and the driver does not have to pay for the fuel himself in most cases. The VW Passat is also one of the most efficient and cheapest diesel, which companies pay close attention to when choosing company cars.
In addition, these company cars are later resold as used and VW Passat's with very good technology can be found cheaply on the used car market in masses in Germany.

[Goatman-wlnk]

Great review Tom, couldn't agree more! Owning this exact car and the previous model before it, you can't ask anymore from a car. Great handling, good grunt, heaps of space, luxury, safety and tech. Ticks all the boxes and more. Similar priced SUV's can't even get close for sheer driving enjoyment and as you say, good luck getting all this at similar price from Audi, BMW, Merc!

[JemaKnight]

As a B8 Passat 206TSI owner myself I might be a little (or maybe a lot) biased, but I think this is absolutely one of the most underrated vehicles on the market

[MariusPetrus]

That is the best VW and this is one of the most honest and true car channels on youtube. It takes honesty and even courage these days not to push for EVs all day long. Thank you! You are doing a great job!

[lukegilbert]

A lightly used one of these for $35k is amazing value! Great power and practicality! I might have to finally grab one now.

[josephwilliams]

I have a 6 yr.old Passat 206 R Line - LOVE IT, only bought it second-hand 2 years ago because I couldn't wait for the new wagon thanks to covid. I find excuses to drive it, and would love to afford the latest wagon.

[hinsonberger]

Great review as always Tom! Yours are the best car reviews on the net! Not a petrol R-Line, I've got a 2018 BiTDi Alltrack, 176kW, 500Nm, fantastic car & I love it! Having previously had SUVs, I love that it's not one!

[azadr]

Excellent review as always. And, as a vocabulary nerd, I totally indulged in the high quality of narration. Masterful use of English.

[jordanamber]

Canada needs to have these wagons. Absolutely gorgeous.

[Kev]

I'm glad they keep the instruments and centre display within the dash rather than a tablet tacked ontop like bmw have gone, it looks better thought out.

[ferdinandlifewarrior]

I love the passat ...4 times that my father brought a Passat.And now he has got His fifth one❤

[dzat]

Been driving my 2018 1.8tsi passat for the past 5 years....Very comfortable & smooth car....mine clock 70k km already. Waayyy more comfortable than my newly purchased mk8 golf gti. 😀...for everyday usage, passat will be my choice.