VW is not known for producing sporty cars. They focus more on creating useful and dependable cars which can be driven by all sorts of people – hence the rough translation of the name. The brand on the whole may not be the shoutiest but they have bankrolled some insane cars such as the Bugatti Veyron, Bentley Continental and Audi R8. However this isn’t to say they haven’t done any over the years. The Golf GTI has been the hot hatch performance benchmark ever since it’s launch, and the R variant has been taking things a step further since the MK 4. Yet one car which is sometimes forgotten is the R36 Passat. Released in 2007, it played big brother in the “R” lineup before being killed off by greedy beancounters.
The new “R” lineup included the Golf R32 with a 3.2 litre VR6 and the Passat R36 with a 3.6 litre VR6. Both models had 4 wheel drive and a bunch of other enhancements compared to their pedestrian counterparts, including a chrome trim piece surrounding the front grills. That is the most recongiseable part of the models in my opinion. However unlike the Golf, the R36 Passat could be had as either a sedan or a wagon. Annoyingly, the R36 only lasted for one generation before being cut from the lineup, which in my opinion is a shame because the VR6 is a great engine. It’s a good fit for a large wagon and far more exciting than a turbocharged four banger.
This R36 is lowered and wears a different set of wheels compared to the standard car. It also has a widened stance, but I don’t know if that’s due to wheel spacers or thicker wheels and tyres. It could be both, but the tyres do seem stretched to accomodate a wider wheel. Another detail that I notice are the titanium exhasust tips, which suggests to me that the exhaust system has been upgraded. Whether it’s a full system or a catback is not immediately clear, although the catback would be the safer option.
I remember seeing the R36 at the Melbourne International Motorshow and it was quite a big deal. I didn’t know a whole lot about cars back then but there was something that really pulled me in when I saw it. Maybe it was the colour because it stood out amongst the other VW’s on the show floor. Maybe it was the stance and sporty appearance of the model, which did look far more exciting to my young eyes than a regular Golf. Or maybe it was dad’s comments because he loves wagons and this particular one ticked a lot of boxes. Either way, the R36 Passat left a lasting impression on me and I do get excited when I see one.
You may call me biased for liking this car, but I liked it well before a VW Caravelle came into my life. Fast wagons are always interesting to me, and this could be one of the most interesting due to it’s short production life, the narrow-angle V6 and 4 wheel drive system. Yes, the Arteon R is “technically” the successor but I don’t know if it provides the same kind of emotion as this car. If you’re sick of the big 3 German brands but still want something that will grab the attention of enthusiasts, buy this. It is not the most celebrated model from VW, but that’s for the better in my opinion. It keeps it’s reputation in check.
