WHILE car sales slow at the same rate as the push for alternative fuels quickens, enthusiasts can still revel in a formula that has been around almost as long as the car itself.
Slotting a big engine into a small space is well proven, only now it comes with a responsibility to be clean and relatively frugal.
- IN A WORD
- MAKE: Volkswagen
- MODEL: Passat R36
- PRICE: From $65,590
- ROAD TEST: John Parry
This is the case with the Volkswagen R36, a naughty-but-nice, high-performance version of the mid-sized Passat.
In fact the R36 sedan is the fastest car in the VW stable and the wagon version is the fleetest load carrier.
The sedan is priced at $65,590 and the wagon $67,590.
As the numbers reflect, the R36 has a 3.6-litre V6 slotted into a space normally reserved for four-cylinder engines and a 3.2-litre V6.
The R is for Racing and the equivalent of M models from BMW and AMG from Mercedes Benz.
The engine has been tickled to produce 220kW and 350Nm, or 36kW and 20Nm more than the Passat's existing 3.2-litre V6.
This is enough to have the sedan version sprinting to 100km/h in a claimed 5.6 seconds and the wagon a fraction slower at 5.8 seconds, a full second quicker than stablemate the V10 turbo diesel R50 Touareg.
Yet fuel use on the combined city/highway cycle is a respectable 10.7 litres/100km. Marry this to all-wheel-drive, the rapid DSG (direct shift gearbox) six-speed automatic transmission, bigger brakes and stiffer suspension and the result is electrifying performance without attracting unwanted attention.
There are no outlandish wings, go-fast stripes or blinding fog lights, just purposeful modifications including a 25mm lower ride height, fat 18-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust pipes and R36 badges. The exhaust note alone is a symphony to an enthusiast's ear.
Fire it up and it crackles and growls and burbles with a ring of precision.
Throttle response is instant and linear with a constant shove in the tail with each upshift and the engine has enough torque to pull high ratios with ease.
Cosmetic differences over the normal Passat include a chrome grille, body colour wheel arch flares, different front and rear bumpers and bi-xenon headlights.
Inside there is more alloy trim including alloy pedals and scuff plates.
The interior is classy and co-ordinated and the controls are easy to master.
Head and legroom are generous up front and adequate in the rear.
Fit and finish are top quality and the car feels solid, durable and well integrated.
The suspension is set up for a firm, yet compliant ride and sharp predictable handling.
Traction and cornering grip are tenacious and there is just a trace of understeer from the 4Motion all-wheel drive system under full power.
Equipment includes eight airbags, stability control, parking sensors, a tyre pressure warning system, climate control, cruise control, 10-speaker six-CD audio, powered and heated sports seats, gear shift paddles on the height and reach adjustable steering wheel, a trip computer, electric park brake and a full-sized spare wheel.
Options include premium 600W audio, sunroof, satellite navigation, a rear view camera and an automatic tailgate on the wagon.
The R36 is the third in Volkswagen's R line, which includes the R32 Golf and the R50 Touareg.
