R36 is new fast VW Passat

Introduction

Volkswagen has flirted with fast versions of its Passat family car range in the past. Everything from the so-subtle-you'd-miss-it V6 4Motion through to the swift - but too pricey - W8 has been offered up, but none has quite hit the mark. With the latest quick Passat, the R36 in saloon and estate shapes, Volkswagen is having another crack at the family car as performance machine. It's also hoping that this rapid Passat can finally take VW into direct battle with BMW and Mercedes.

What are its rivals?

Fast family cars are not exactly thick on the ground, but the top spec Ford Mondeo 2.5 T is as natural a competitor as the Passat has. Quick, composed and well made, the Mondeo is a sound bet. Or there's the outgoing Vauxhall Vectra VXR, which has more pace than the Mondeo to be a performance match for the VW, though the Vectra falls a little flat on the looks and driving front. More upmarket offerings with prices to match the Passat R36's come from Audi, BMW and Mercedes, all with sonorous six-cylinder engines and superb driving pedigrees. The BMW 3 Series is the benchmark here, so the Passat needs to excel to get on equal terms with this cream of the crop.

How does it drive?

Volkswagen has its own special projects department, called VW Individual, which was charged with creating the R36. Taking the Passat 4Motion as a base, it has lowered the ride height by 20mm compared to the standard car, fitted stiffer springs and shock absorbers, and added larger brakes all round. Coupled to the 18-inch alloy wheels that come as standard, the R36 makes a convincing job of turning the Passat into a very quick point-to-point machine. There's plenty of grip from the four-wheel drive transmission, while the six-speed DSG gearbox, which is included with all R36s, blends from one gear to the next with assured ease. On rumpled back roads, the R36 is taut yet civilised and suffers none of the jittery body movements of the W8 or other supposedly fast Passats from days gone by. Only the steering doesn't quite live up to the rest of the car, as it has an inert feel at all speeds. It's accurate enough and responds faithfully to driver inputs, but it doesn't let the driver know all that's going on in the way a BMW 3 Series' does. On the other hand, the R36 makes for a great long distance cruiser thanks to good refinement and top drawer comfort. Think of the Passat as an Audi RS6 for the common man and you're well on your way to understanding this car.

What's impressive?

At the core of the R36 is the 3.6-litre V6 engine that has been tuned to produce 296bhp, which is in the same realm as the Mitsubishi Evo X or Porsche Cayman S. So, the Passat R36 is no slouch and knocks off 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds as a saloon or 5.8 seconds for the estate. It also hits a capped top speed of 155mph, but it's the bits in between where the R36 is more impressive. It has deep reserves of overtaking grunt that elevates it from merely quick against the clock to very swift in the real world. The DSG gearbox helps make the most of the engine and the V6 is happy to rev through to its limiter without running out of puff. There's also the welcome side effect of a great V6 howl when the engine is pushed hard. Drive more sedately and the R36 reverts to being a subtle, cosseting family car - albeit it one that has a significant performance punch.

What's not?

The cost of putting an R36 on your driveway starts at a shade over £31,000 for the saloon, while the estate will relieve your wallet of a further £1,160. When talking about the likes of the BMW 3 Series and quicker Audi A4s, these are not unusual sums of money, but for a car carrying the VW badge it may be a request too far for many buyers. The subtle looks of the R36 will attract knowing nods from enthusiasts, but everyone else will just think you've spent an awful lot of money on a Passat. Fuel economy of 26.9mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 249g/km for both the saloon and estate are nothing to shout about either, placing the R36 in the highest road tax band and heavily penalising any company car driver who picks an R36.

Should I buy one?

A tricky question. In isolation, the Passat R36 is a very fine car: subtle in a way we love fast family machines and it's good to drive regardless of your mood or the road conditions. However, it isn't cheap and for some that much money for a Passat will be a cost too far. We reckon it comes down to how you perceive the R36. If you view it as an expensive Passat, it's not going to convince you. But if you look on it as three quarters of an Audi RS6 for less than half the price, the Passat R36 has real appeal. We like it.

Alisdair Suttie

Specs