First look: Passat goes R-rated

AFTER months of speculation, Volkswagen has taken the wraps off its second, and most potent, ‘R’ model yet – the Passat R36.

Joining the Golf R32 and to make its world premiere at next week’s Essen motor show, the Passat R36 – in both sedan and wagon form – is tipped to go on sale here in the third quarter of next year with pricing starting from around $65,000.

The highlight is a new 3.6-litre FSI V6 engine developing 225kW and endowing the sedan with a 0-100km/h time of 5.6 seconds. Top speed is 250km/h.

The engine is paired with a six-speed DSG gearbox channelling drive through all four wheels. In keeping with the car’s sports pretensions, spring and damper rates have been revised and more powerful brakes installed.