8 February 2011
In the same tradition of its popular V6 all-wheel drive Golf, the R32, Volkswagen have launched new 'R' versions of Passat and - believe it or not - Touareg.
With a 3.6 litre, direct injected (FSI) V6 shoehorned under the Passat's bonnet the R36 is offered in sedan or stationwagon (variant) body shapes and becomes the brand's fastest model ever.
The sedan will accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.6 seconds, the Variant in 5.8.
Despite its sporty capabilities, the R36 won't look like the upstart of the executive carpark, as the conventional Passat's 'premium family car' appearance has not been lost with the subtle visual enhancements.
A discreet rear spoiler enhances downforce while the 18-inch alloys and 25mm lower sports suspension improve the handling over the rest of the Passat range. An R36 specific front bumper with tasteful matte chrome finish, blue brake callipers further distinguishes the top model externally.
Interior benefits include sumptuous Alcantara heated upholstery front and rear, with pneumatic side bolsters for the front sports seats.
There's machine-spun metallic trimming and a leather steering wheel with paddle changers for the six-speed DSG gearbox.
All safety and creature comfort boxes have been ticked including Bi-Xenon headlights, eight airbags (front, front and rear side and curtain), front and rear parking aids, Stability Control and Electronic diff lock, a durable/waterproof ski through loading system, keyless access/start dual zone climate control, electric tailgate operation (variant only) and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
In fact you want for little from the plush surrounds of the cabin, though at $82,990 for the sedan and $85,990 for variant models, you'd expect nothing less. Given the R36 carries a $12,000 premium over a V6 4motion Passat, it doesn't come cheap.
You could say much the same about the current mark V R32 Golf however, which has sold 225 units to date in this country. Not bad for a $70,000 hatchback. Volkswagen is clearly hoping the R32's popularity will carry over to other R-line vehicles.
With 220kW @ 6000 rpm and 350Nm of torque, the R36 is quicker than it feels. The engine isn't as revvy as the hottest Golf model, but does deliver good throttle response for a large capacity six and coupled with the snappy DSG gearbox, overtaking is a simple point and shoot affair.
Fuel economy is also impressive averaging just 10.5 L/100km.
The hunkered stance and weighty all-wheel drive system give the R36 a rock-steady and safe feel on the road regardless of conditions; it's a perfect vehicle for the long haul. It's well damped for a performance car and doesn't embarrass itself on undulating, twistier sections; although it is evident this is not where the R36 excels. The brakes start to feel the strain of reigning in the considerable mass after repeated, heavy braking.
Also amusingly competent is the beefiest of the R line-up. The R50 Touareg.
You'd be mistaken for thinking the R50 was just VW having a laugh, after all, two and a half tonne of SUV and 'sporty' don't tend to go together. But the R50 is actually surprisingly handy through the bends, possibly more impressive considering its enormity, than the R36.
And with its five-litre V10 diesel developing 258kW @ 3500 rpm and a massive 850Nm of torque from just 2000 rpm, it will launch from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
Handling comes by way of an R specific version of the Touareg's electrically adjustable air suspension system, which adjusts firmness for sport or comfort, in addition to the ride height.
Filling the huge guards are impressive 21-inch alloy wheels, shod with 295/35 tyres which look amazing although one shudders at the thought of replacing them.
Standard equipment of the $179,990 R50 includes 12 way electrically adjustable front seating with memory, nappa leather upholstery, bi-xenon with active corner lighting, satellite navigation, park distance control (visual and acoustic warning) dual zone climate air, privacy glass, low-range 4WD and an electrically-actuated tailgate operation.
The R36 and R50 models share what's best about their Passat and Touareg counterparts, they're attractive and practical. But they bring the added attraction of blistering performance and a full compliment of luxury comfort features.
Obviously though, the purchase pricing and running costs endear the models to brand enthusiasts, more so than your 'typical' family buyers.