Could the Mitsubishi Evo X have a new rival? This aggressive-looking VW Passat R36 is the scorching R36, and it’s ready to go head-to-head with the Japanese super-saloon.
With a 296bhp motor, four-wheel drive and a quick-shifting semi-automatic gearbox, the newcomer certainly has all the ingredients. And unlike the Evo, the German model is available as both a stylish saloon and practical estate.
Externally, the R36 is distinguished by a deeper front bumper, bi-xenon headlights, side skirts and twin exhausts at the rear. Further adding to the sporty new look is a 20mm lower ride height and 18-inch alloy wheels that hide large, blue painted brake callipers.
Climb aboard and you’ll find heavily bolstered sports seats embossed with the ‘R’ logo, while aluminium covers the dashboard, door trims and pedals. The overall effect is much more luxurious that the stripped-out, racer feel of the Mitsubishi.
But the big news is underneath the tweaked bodyshell. Here you’ll find a 296bhp 3.6-litre V6 connected to six-speed dual clutch gearbox. As a result performance is blistering, with the sprint from standstill to 60mph taking just 5.6 seconds for the saloon and 5.8 for the estate. Both versions have a top speed electronically limited to 155mph.
Also included are lowered, stiffened suspension and the German firm’s 4motion all-wheel drive transmission. This should mean high grip levels and handling that’s much sharper than the standard car,
Prices for the scorching Passat start at £30,990 for the saloon, rising to £32,150 for the versatile estate.
