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Drive Thru Volkswagen

Drive Thru: Volkswagen Passat R36

VW Passat R36

The Volkswagen Passat R36 has been around for a while now. After a recent drive, though, I learned the R36 still remains a worthwhile option for those who crave performance from their family car.

Its mid-60s asking price makes it something of a performance bargain in the Volkswagen range. Although, compared to some rivals, the R36 does ask a premium.

Given its R badge, VW reckon this car has some go. And they’re right, too. The R36 is the fastest car Volkswagen currently sells in Australia. You’ll need just 5.6 seconds to propel the sedan to 100km/h, with a further 0.2 seconds in the wagon. At well over 1700kg this is no mean feat, but possible thanks to a 4motion all-wheel drive system and a sublime six-speed DSG transmission, which is mated to one of the most charming engines on the market.

The R36 is powered by a narrow angle 3.6 litre V6 offering 220kW. That’s around 300 horsepower in the old money. It’s an engine that can trace its roots back the Golf VR6 from the 1990s. And the R36 represents the last chance you have to enjoy its delights before Euro V emissions consign it to the history books. A fate that has already claimed the Golf R32.

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen Passat R36 now in Australian showrooms

Volkswagen Passat R36

Volkswagen’s high performance Passat R36 has recently been spotted in Sydney showrooms and on the roads (see more on Flickr). The R36, the third in the ‘R’ range, was created by Volkswagen Individual, and follows the Golf R32 and the Touareg R50. With a 220kW (300hp) 3.6 litre six cylinder direct injection petrol engine the R36 sedan is capable of reaching 100km/h from standstill in just 5.6 seconds, while the seriously cool wagon takes 5.8 seconds. This makes the R36 the fastest accelerating Volkswagen available in Australia. The uber Passat is available with a six-speed DSG transmission only and also comes fitted with Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all wheel drive system.