New Volkswagen Passat R36 review
Author: David Miles
Published: 27 August 2008
Just as Audi has its S and quattro sports models, BMW has its M versions and Mercedes Benz their AMG variants, VW has RS derivatives and the latest are the RS6 Passat saloon and estate priced at £31,015 and £32,175 respectively.
Not only did VW need to add some performance spice to the staid Passat range but they also needed to have high performance ‘halo’ models in the range available to existing customers.
This stops buyers switching brands to Audi, BMW and Merc and also could attract new customers moving down from even more high cost performance brands.
The Passat R36 is going to be no big seller; you wouldn’t expect it to be. Only 250 units will come to the UK in a full year and VW expects 60% of those to be the estate version.
The Passat R36 is the third R model in the VW passenger car range joining the Golf R32 and Touareg R50.
The Passat R36 has a 3.6-litre, V6 petrol engine developing 300PS and 258lb ft (350Nm) from 2,400rpm. Top speed is limited to 155mph, 0-62mph takes 5.6 seconds for the saloon, the estate 5.8 seconds.
Emissions are high at 249g/km so £400 road tax and 35% benefit in kind company car tax will be burdens only the well off are happy to put up with.
For the record, average fuel consumption is 26.9mpg, my test car returned a reasonable 23.2mpg but it will get much lower than this if pushed really hard.
The R36 has as standard a six-speed semi-automatic DSG gearbox and VW’s 4MOTION four-wheel drive system which distributes power to the wheels with the most grip.
The interior of the car has been giving a sporting styling treatment but it sets no new standards and looks fairly bland but inoffensive.
Extended wheelarches, 18-inch alloy wheels, re-styled lights front and rear plus large bore exhaust tailpipes complete the exterior styling upgrades and larger brakes are also fitted.
I understand that VW need a high performance Passat but it will only be of limited interest. It isn’t such a strong performer, it is not as rapid or as sure footed as the Mercedes AMG or BMW M models comparable C-Class or 3 Series models but then it doesn’t costs anywhere near as much as those.
It is a good halfway house and could attract those moving up in the world and catch those coming down in the market.
Passat R36 MILESTONES
Volkswagen Passat R36 4MOTION Saloon
Price: £31,015
Engine/transmission: 3.6-litre, V6 indirect injection petrol, 300PS, 258lb ft (350NM) torque from 2,400rpm, 6-speed DSG semi-automatic gearbox, 4MOTION all-wheel drive
Performance: 155mph (limited), 0-62mph 5.6 seconds, 26.9mpg (23.2mpg actual), CO2 249g/km, VED Band G £400. Benefit in kind tax: 35%
Insurance group: 18E
For: Fills a niche in the Passat range, price compared to similar high performance Audi, BMW, Mercedes models, commendable performance
Against: Competent but not much fun in this class of sports saloons/estates
See Also:
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