A new performance Passat is en route to Australia, with VW confirming a Golf R-powered version of its mid-size sedan and wagon will arrive in November.

The all-wheel-drive 206TSI R-Line will headline the Passat’s MY17 model updates, landing Down Under with a $57,990 sticker price, or $59,990 for the wagon.

The order books are now open for the 206TSI R-Line, powered by the 206kW, 350Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre from the brand’s current performance powerhouse, the Golf R. The 206TSI R-Line is being touted by VW as the spiritual successor to the V6-powered R36 Passat, last sold in Australia in 2010. 

The performance Passat arrives with VW’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system as standard, helping propel the sedan to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds, with the wagon nipping at its heels in 5.7 seconds. Both the sedan and wagon will be equipped with VW’s six-speed DSG transmission as standard, along with an adaptive chassis control system with several driving modes.

The R-Line is a genuine performance car – not just a sports kit.

Outside, the 206TSI R-Line will wear the same 19-inch alloys and bodykit as the other R-Line variants, but arrives with dynamic LED headlights and new badging. Inside, you’ll find VW’s Active Info Display, along with leather-trimmed seats, alloy pedals and a flat-bottom wheel winged by paddle shifters. 

“The R-Line is a genuine performance car – not just a sports kit. It’s both a worthy successor to the R36 and a car to throw a fright into the prestige brands,” said General Manager of Sales for Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles, Ryan Davies.

The MY17 updates will also see a number of smaller revisions to the Passat range, including new 17-inch Soho alloys and city AEB offered as standard on the 132TSi, while the driver’s seats in the Comfortline, Highline and Alltrack trim levels will get a memory function.

The R-Line style pack will add Active Info Display, and will get different 18-inch Monterey alloys. 

Volkswagen is yet to confirm pricing on the rest of the updated Passat range.

2016 VW Passat 206TSI R-Line list pricing

Passat 206TSI R-Line - $57,990
Passat 206TSI R-Line - $59,990

Would a rather quick Passat tempt you away from an entry 3 Series or A4? Tell us what you think in the comments below.