Review: What's Good, Bad and Weird about the 2018 VW Passat R-Line

( www.TFLcar.com ) Review: What's Good, Bad and Weird about the 2018 VW Passat R-Line
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[@andreasmaher8749]

I'm a loooooong time VW driver and I just bought a new Passat R line and I must say I do agree with a lot of your comments on the car. Number one its a smokin' value compared to other comparable vehicles. I purchased it basically as a comfortable, understated "mature" car to drive back and forth to work in which it does very well. My only argument with the car is that the transmission seems to be always "looking" for the right gear. Driving in sport mode fixes the problem but in normal drive its a bit bothersome. Overall though its a thumbs up for value for your money.

[@mikeresendez5151]

Three interesting facts about ALL Volkswagens, all the way back to the very first Beetle. 1. It is impossible to lock your keys inside, it can only be locked from the outside. 2. The headlights are wired through the ignition, you cannot accidentally leave the headlights on. 3. The ignition switch has a locking mechanism in it preventing you from accidentally turning the key to the start position if it is already running.

[@MichaelSmith-kr9qw]

Great review Sarah !!!! You keep getting better and better with each review keep up the awesome work.

[@paronychia7299]

Rented a new 2018 Passat R-Line for our northeast trip. And yes I agree with you,it looks great,it's a good car and yes it does have a traditional Volkswagen interior but I really like the way Volkswagen makes their interiors. Amazing car!

[@JacobFrey]

Only here to see Sarah's video.

[@thedude2897]

I bought an r line myself. It's a great car. Yes it has the outdated interior look, but it doesn't have transmission issues like many are having with the 2019 Jetta. I'm not crazy about the 19 inch wheels and am disappointed they ditched the infamous clock inside, but overall very happy with it.

[@thedude2897]

Sean Taylor Outdated meaning VW has used the same interior since 2012. Most manufacturers switch it up every 3-4. Your truck is just antique. lol

[@EdwinBarreiro]

yeah, not sure why they ditched the interior analog clock. I like it in my 2014 Passat SEL.

[@RyTyme]

Sarah is getting very good at reviewing, keep up the good work! Also, love the turkeys lol.

[@RoboRope]

I must admit I only come here for the shock and awe that follows reveal.

[@thillyard1]

Great review Sarah you improve with each review. Your a beautiful person inside and out and keep it up!

[@dougd8511]

This is my favorite VW review. The little “Passat” on the dash caught my eye on the test drive, too. I love the quirky highlights in your review for quirky the VW brand. I also agree and like this clean look a lot more than some reviewers thinking Passat was too bland compared to competitors.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Whenever the US Passat is reviewed, there are comments decrying the fact that the European version of the car is so much better featured than the US version. A couple of points. First, at current exchange rates the European version of the car (top trim) would start at over $42,000. (That's deducting the VAT included in the European MSRP.) But more importantly, the top trims of the Euro version is available only with a choice of diesel engines. The V6 available in the SEL and GT trims of the Passat in the US is not available in Europe. Nor, of course, are VW diesel engines available in the US.

[@garysandhu5082]

Good video but I disagree with gloss black interior finishes. It’s the worst idea ever. Attracts dust and finger prints lie crazy and scratches become very visible.

[@alanrothschild9006]

I'm with you, but mostly because it also creates huge glare issues on a sunny day. On a really poorly designed dash (I rented a PT Cruiser with this problem) it can even turn other peoples' headlights into blinding flashes off your own dash.

[@MaxMax572]

Nice work hope to see more reviews.

[@RightWing1]

Why in USA do you have the older interior, the UK version with the revised dashboard, Digital Display, push button start, better sat nav, color coded inlays, footwell lighting and ambience door strips. I have the UK R-line estate and it is streets above the interior on this model in the video.

[@adithyaramachandran7427]

This car is really solid at high cruising speeds. Perfect economy car for the everyday Autobahn driver.

[@josemuniz2878]

Great review Sarah!

[@thejewbacabra4926]

Awesome review Sarah

[@joezafra8353]

Great review Sarah keep up the great job

[@alanrothschild9006]

Well, I now know how it looks, that it has a large back seat, and that it has a transversely mounted engine. I was hoping to find out how it rides and drives, how it handles, and how the controls work ergonomically. Good review as far as it went, but it missed some of the most important aspects of a car...

[@RileyAaron90]

Nice review Sarah!

[@wagnerjean-francois942]

Good Review! Y'all Really Should Consider Posting Your Music Sources. Occasionally TFL Posts Some Nice Grooves. 😂😂😂

[@diogeneslamp8241]

The Passat logo at the center of the dash is a replacement panel for where a clock once was.

[@marlotamayo9127]

Great reviewer! very straight forward and detailed.

[@jrand2631]

Yay a new Sarah review!

[@kwedog2373]

Good review. A very indepth look at the Passat and I agree it shouldn't be called a R-line if it's primarily an appearance package.

[@takeomack2782]

Great review!

[@stephenmoxley3004]

Nice review, Sarah. I also like your choice of sound track and the fact that you included the wild turkeys in the video. Those guys are cool to see. Keep up the good work.

[@alk4pon3]

Stephen Moxley nice review lmao .. she sucks

[@timothyfogarty9007]

Her pointing to the brushed aluminum and scratching the faux zippy silver trim is oddly soothing. I hope she does more videos because she has a calming effect.

[@Nist12]

He* and yes he is a male dressed like a girl

[@ricknewman2417]

Great review, Sarah!

[@redjaden367]

Love your review!

[@poppa_da_corn]

Great review Sarah. THX!

[@pimpovic2]

Sarah, I might have missed it but I didn't catch you mentioning the engine size. Is this a 1.8T or 2.0T engine? No mention of the difference between the two, or how the car pulls. Is the engine adequate for a car that size? Gas mileage? Ride quality? Suspension tweeks to the R line package? Difference between the 2018 and previous years Passat R lines? Lots left on the table in this review.

[@xali2008]

3:13 it's 2 liter.

[@adibbehroozitv6447]

Great review

[@duosonic391]

Sarah dropping knowledge on which generations of Passat had longitudinal engine and transmission configurations, and which had / have transversely mounted. Also since the end of the PQ46 or colloquially VW B6 platform, the divergence of the European / RoW Passat and the North American model on differing platforms.... I totally agree with the reservation of R for top-tier performance and technology, as in Golf R. Call the sport appearance package something other than R-Line. For some reason, this is not as glaring for me with Audi and their S-Line trim, but is analogous.

[@MultiSenne]

I thing they sell a budget line in the us. In Germany .i am from. 90 % are sold as a Station Wagon wich start at approx 40.000 $ . In Germany its not a cheap car. Foe example the interior is much different ( more luxury ) than the one shown in the video ( please excuse my bad english) greets fron Germany.

[@Daniel-dl3tf]

wow, bis heute hab ich noch niemals so ein scheiss english gelesen

[@MultiSenne]

@@Daniel-dl3tf wer kann- der kann

[@ryanmccormick]

Gloss black piano is overused.... looks good for two days before turning into a fingerprint magnet.

[@gregorytrane7828]

Excellent review and good point on why we get the dumbed down version of the Passat contrary to the Euro version.

[@sowasaberauch6439]

In Germany you may get a better looking, nicer finished, better equipped and more dynamic Passat, but you will have to pay twice as much for it.

[@Nist12]

twice the price? lol then i would just go to another car segment at that point, like maybe get a luxury vehicle.

[@bigkeg9173]

Your review and editing skills are really becoming awesome 👍

[@bigkeg9173]

carl t How many times have I commented on any video and no one notices ? Meh !

[@timfox2344]

Center console needs something.... it looks nice on the exterior, then you sit down to a decent dash ... only to see a lonely gear selector surrounded be blank buttons “couldn’t afford any options?”

[@JosephJonesJRJ]

Totally agree, liked the older and more upscale Passats... but hard to argue with the price.

[@scottlittle3806]

She is so fun and relatable. And so fun! Great review.

[@chrisb2844]

Great job Sarah!! I am a VW fan and always love all of my VW's that I owned, and you look good in there Sarah, keep up the good work!

[@toni5937]

Hey Sarah, you missed alot of informations this time sup with that? Like engine and performance etc..

[@snowdog993]

Good Job! I do agree about the Rline being used to confuse the buyer. They should have had something like SA (sport appearance) to identify it as unique.

[@SuperGoooooooof]

Sarah, I love you, and your own channel, but, yes, it's just you that's weird about the trip meter reset. :)

[@rowdyron4111]

Great review. Kind of a vanilla car, but as an econobox I guess it's ok. I was impressed with the backseat room though.

[@shmack757]

Thumbs up for the glasses on. Awesome review

[@coalieroller5663]

The Passat logo between the vents are cheaper than an analog clock in the old model

[@jamesbockenstette4332]

Nicely done.

[@eiji81]

Keyless Start is an option, but on the Passat SE model (maybe) others. Its strange that the more expensive R-line does not have it.

[@dragon81heart]

Love the weird parts! Good review overall, but the weird “Sarah” part are the best 😊 Weird and owns it! You rock!

[@adobewanjerkobi]

Whoooooa, when did Sarah get here!? I’m subscribed to your main channel :) Stay awesome!

[@MiegmaishMenas]

It’s amazing how behind the US Passat is compared to the B8 EU model.

[@johne6081]

You are so right about the dumbed down American version. You are also correct about the transverse engine. Even worse, there is no wagon version here in the US. This is why we are keeping our B5 Passat wagon.

[@PLATINUM2U]

This car may be long in the tooth with it's exterior styling.. but damn it looks sexy compared to the hideous hunchback 2018 Accord

[@Sebbe40]

PLATINUM The hunchback is fine, the previous generation might be the most boring car ever made along with the Camry though.

[@wills8291]

How is the fit and finish at this price point? I've felt like Volkswagen for years has suffered in this department, especially the Jetta. Trim falling off etc.

[@jbl500]

The reason why we got the American passat. Is because dimension wise it's bigger for the people here. Also in Europe and Latin America. VW is considered a premium car. The R line is just that an appearance line.. Also the motor position is due to American requirements for safety. I have my SE TECHNOLOGY package with the smaller 1.8 T is fast and very comfortable. I use it for work it has almost 60k in about 2 yrs. Never had a problem. I even put scaffolding 8' long inside this car and carried 5 adults each over 200 lbs going up the canyons with out problems.....I like your review. Not too much bashing just very objective. Good work.... Other passats have a clock instead of the passat logo

[@floridamaddogg]

Hi Beautiful Sarah! Nice review!

[@renzodelacruz7281]

Please do the 2018 toyota highlander hybrid limited on offroad and vs the 2019 honda pilot touring awd, so its like a hybrid vs v6 gas engine lol

[@gabrielruzzi4452]

Excellent review!! There is something about a car girl that I just can’t explain.. it is really interesting and sexy at the same time! Anyways, I enjoyed the review and I could not agree more with you; I too miss the last generation Passat and sincerely hope that the next generation will bring back the European flare that we VW fans know and love.

[@nilobeebee]

Is that the same as the VW Santana for the Asian markets?

[@steveottavaino3804]

My fear of deep woods exploration has been relieved if that's what a Sasquatch looks anything at all like. Excellent review young lady, please keep up the solid content . Be well.

[@Nist12]

Steve Ottavaino "young lady" yeah sure buddy 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@winstonbeck8623]

I love my Passat! More Her Please!

[@teovm]

They really stocked it out for US. Here in Europe the car is really different. The infotainment is newer, the outer look is cooler, the instrument cluster is newer and it has the digital instrument cluster as an option. The only good thing is that is dead cheap in US. In Europe is pretty expensive. If you get an R line here it will cost as much as a base Audi A6 with nearly the same options. Also the service prices are nearly the same as Audi's. They use the same engine oil, same transmission oil, same differential oil /for the 4motion variants/ , even the wiper blades . So you go and get an oil top up for a 30 euros for 1 litre of oil. In Europe we have a Skoda Superb which is the same as the US Passat in a different shell. Well the service is nearly the same but with a bigger warranty and cheaper to buy new. Great review.

[@marcusdavila5437]

Nice car. I got one as a loaner from my local dealership while they worked on my car. I did notice that the steering wheel is offset to the right. It felt uncomfortable while driving. I don’t know if VW fixed this issue with newer models. The loaner was a 16 or 17 Passat.

[@Disk-Etiquette]

Sounds like a wheel alignment issue

[@patrickcandelaria4745]

@@Disk-Etiquette I actually have this car and no, the steering wheel is slightly off center towards the right and it's strange, but I got used to it

[@lordvader5200]

Nice ride. The car looks pretty good too.

[@Jacobk66]

I miss theEuro Passat too :-( At least we are getting the swoopy version in the Arteon :-D

[@porscheguy09]

VW is following in Audi’s footsteps with their trim lines. Audi has their S-Line which is mainly an appearance package and that’s what VW is doing with their R-Line trim level. BMW is doing a similar thing with their M Sport packages.

[@acchaladka]

They “cheaped out” a really nicely appointed cabin: the infotainment is from last generation Golf / GTI, the key vs the ignition button (which I prefer actually), etc. The transverse layout is a really good point. Passat sits in a weird market position vs the Jetta, and they should get rid of or differentiate the two much more. If the Passat were really nicer, they’d price it at $60k and compete with things like the Infiniti you tested a couple of months ago though - and they’d like lose. One suggestion for future reviews: compare size of cars and cost to own for say the first 100k miles. Thanks Sarah!

[@97I30T]

VW is such a weird brand in the US. They sell bottom of the barrel cars like base model Golfs, Jettas, and Passats. I know nobody would pay $60k for a VW sedan. Ask them how the Phaeton worked out. But on the other hand people will happily plunk down $60k for a Touareg or $45k for an Atlas.

[@JacobFrey]

Sarah, would love to see you drive the Passat GT.

[@dyoutubechannel8218]

The North American Passat is built in Tennessee, in the city of Chattanooga (love that name). It's just weird that VW did not incorporate the passat to the assembly plant in Puebla, Mexico (where Golfs, Jettas and Beetles are pumped out). Great review Sarah, really like them, in fact you are the only one I watch on TFL. For the back seat drama posters, just remember that only 7% of people don't wear underwear or go commando on a regular basis (www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/commando-vanity-fair-_n_4936041).;)

[@DEZ1172]

Good to see you in a dub Sarah ! :) , great review getting better every time and stunning pair of legs .....

[@Quagmire88]

I had a 2013 VW Passat. That was back with the 2.5L i5. I really liked that car. The newer ones feel cheap and under powered.

[@cm.5023]

That's one hot sasquatch! I agree with most of her comments on the car, my 06 Passat is in my opinion much better built than the new models. You an tell where corners were cut and if you are coming from a pre American Passat you can certainly tell. VW can we get a Wolfsburg edition again please?

[@SG-sz5vh]

I do not get the big deal about push button start. Whether you have a key or just a fob for push button start you have to have the fob with you. So, what is the big deal with putting a key in a slot?

[@thedude2897]

S G The lazy generation hates no push start lol

[@spook5756]

S G I don't get it either. Must be a cool factor or something.

[@zacharyjohnson5569]

Saving yourself 2 second. People spoiled by convenience.

[@drwisdom1]

Push button start is a gimmick but car makers have to include it because of young people like the reviewer. They have been convinced that is how cars are supposed to work. Over time we will discover that push button start causes vehicle deaths. In the past, when a vehicle with an automatic transmission went into unintended acceleration, the driver would just quickly turn the car off with the key. But with push button start, the emergency off switch has been deleted. The push button start either won't turn off the car, or to prevent accidental use requires too much time to activate. This is especially pernicious in rental cars where the driver is unfamiliar with the button location. When it happens, blame will always be placed on what caused the unintended acceleration rather than the deletion of the safety mechanism that protects against it.

[@EdwinBarreiro]

From someone who just recently got my first push starter, I just like not having to deal with the key. As long as the key is in my pocket, I can open, start, and lock the car without ever taking the key out of my pocket. I don't have to touch the key at all. It's just a convenience, and once you've experienced it for a while you begin to appreciate it. Not a big wow but nice nonetheless.

[@jacobyo99]

You’re right, I miss the slightly luxurious Passat! But I understand that they needed more sales.

[@Harrock]

Is it size wise comparable to the A6 or A4 ?

[@MichaelD8393]

Probably closer to the A6. The A4 might be a bit smaller and closer to the Jetta.

[@howardkerr8174]

Good review, I really liked the way you broke it down into good, bad, weird. BTW, Ford has adopted this LINE nomenclature as a sort of sub brand to a few models. The LINE cars, as you correctly noticed, are more APPEARANCE than PERFORMANCE. I think there are other brands besides Ford and VW doing this, too. And I am only halfway through the video but have found 3 places so far where VW "cheaper out". No keyless start, a stereo unit with (what appears to be) a CD player, and the gooseneck trunk hinges....very cheap. The European Passats are SMALLER in and out, and as you noted they would be more expensive. And yes, the longitudinal engine would make the Passat "unique", but it would dilute the uniqueness of sister Audi. O.O RESET IS zero.zero reset. As in zero.zero miles.

[@machyne82]

You in Sierra Vista?

[@AG-jh1ky]

Whats wrong with the so called watered down north american passat? The euro passat will set you back about 45 thousand euros for an R line. I payed 21thousand usd. For my 2017 watered down passat.

[@edipires15]

balkan avenger for 21k$ you won’t even get a Golf in Europe

[@AG-jh1ky]

Edi Pires..thats exactly the point i'm trying to make. The N.A. passat is a great bargain...and you still get some of the Euro b8 goodies like the excellent ea888 engine and a hint of gti dna. If one day if we do get the euro passat its probably going to be too expensive and cant compete with accord or camry even though the euro passat is a fantastic premium car.

[@andreasmaher8749]

I agree, I paid just north of $21,000 for my brand new R line with the LED light package , trunk lip spoiler etc.....For me its not worth the extra $ for a bunch of superfluous bells and whistles.

[@yippie6862]

I want the Euro Passat back too!

[@robsudden24]

I have a 2018 r line passat n I love it.

[@julianmukerji9371]

Absolutely agree with you on the Passat being American, I have a B6 (08) 2.0T and absolutely love the car its built so much better then the new American passat, I recently went to the dealership for some regular maintenance and even they agree the new passat is a complete down grade. Give us the euro Passat!!

[@alfu6180]

Does anyone know the name of the intro song? Thanks

[@sandraflores8630]

Al Fu I think it’s called acting cool

[@noelebbert9322]

I think the dash would have looked better with the panty shot option. Blue looks much better than gray

[@Sacapuntas69]

I agree with you, once they downgraded the Passat just for more sales, I lost interest and didn't purchase the newer model.

[@ericshutter5305]

That backseat needs some loving 😎

[@smgs921]

I think the R line is a throwback to the R36 passat. I completely agree about the US version of the passat. I had the B6 which was the last of the euro version and been in the models after. Theyre still nice but feels more camry like in driving than a VW should. The soul is missing

[@jwjones91]

smgs921 they’ve been using the R Line across their entire line up for years now. It’s not just a Passat thing. The Tiguan, Passat, Jetta, Touareg, and CC all got the R Line packages

[@cctvspystore]

Same finish trim is referred to as Monochrome btw

[@dmacsopinion]

1:50 omg me too!!! That’s the only thing that I don’t like. Everything else is so nice 👍🏾

[@VWWorld]

LOVE IT! But Can't Wait For The Next Generation! PASSAT FOR LIFE!

[@LGaragem]

I like this car, the "fake Passat", the North American model, but personally, I prefer the German B8 Passat as it is more modern and already based on an updated platform (MQB).

[@ted101975]

Radar cruise control?

[@97I30T]

ted101975 I seriously doubt it has that.

[@edwu8253]

Great car to lease

[@joes.7536]

If you're crazy enough to pop your hood when you're driving, you're probably crazy enough to crack your door at 60 mph to hit the latch too. Lol.

[@SilverracerKH]

I just bought a passat se with texh pack, it has push to start and countless features. I for one apperciate the looks of the passat its beautiful and clean not overstyled and ugly like todays sedans (the rediculous civic for example) i litterally looked at EVERY sedan . the passat is the nicest in its class and price range by a mile. It drives like a Benz ,comes with an excellent warrenty and all for the price of the horrid civic or Kia rivals.

[@jhaddix07]

so i watched your sarah n tuned channel and i see why you pause for thought on tlf reviews a lot. You have to keep it somewhat clean and on your channel not really filtered which i find you hilarious.

[@MDHenry4]

Nice review R Line is confusing and like the classy style

[@greenfire919]

You should give the cars you reviews a Sarah score.