Category: Large Family 
Price Range: £18,200 to £33,980
Quick; good DSG gearbox; refined V6 engine.
Firm ride; thirsty; concerns over quality.
The undercover R36 hides its power behind conservative styling .
With its 3.6-litre V6 generating 295bhp and 258lb-ft of torque, the Volkswagen Passat R36 is the most powerful Passat Volkswagen has ever built. It's also the fastest-accelerating Volkswagen yet, accelerating to 62mph from a standing start in 5.8 seconds, before pushing on to 155mph.
The engine is smooth and refined, yet it's raucous enough to raise a smile. Torque is particularly impressive from around 2,000rpm, making acceleration a breeze even in higher gears. Higher up the rev range, the engine isn't quite as capable, lacking the urge it has further down.
The DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox is the only transmission choice in the R36 but, as in other Volkswagen and Audi models, it performs brilliantly, shifting gears smoothly and quickly.
Brakes work well to rein in the speed generated by the powerful engine, but are a little too grabby at low speeds, giving a jerky halt even when applied gently.
Handling is aided by the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. Push hard into corners and the R36 remains fairly composed; there is some understeer, but it's well-controlled and there is plenty of grip from all four wheels as you exit a bend. It's not exactly in the same league as the Audi RS4, but the R36 performs pretty well.
