Used Volkswagen Passat R36 (2008 - 2010) Review Review by David Ross on 27 Aug 2008 Last Updated: 20 Oct 2014 4 Volkswagen is well known for its hot hatch Golf GTI, but when it comes to the Passat, practicality and reliability tend to be the attractions rather than performance. That's not the case with the R36 version. Summary Driving & Performance Equipment Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Owners' Reviews Also Consider Facts & Figures Gallery Sleek understated looks, very quick, excellent build quality, comfortable ride Thirsty engine, not particularly exciting to drive, engine strangely muted New price range: £34,354 - £35,626 Used price range: £4,075 - £8,985 View all used prices Summary Parkers Rating: 4 out of 5 Volkswagen is well known for its hot hatch Golf GTI, but when it comes to the Passat, practicality and reliability tend to be the attractions rather than performance. That's not the case with the R36 version. Available in both saloon and estate bodystyles it's powered by a 300bhp 3.6-litre V6 engine and uses a four-wheel drive system (called 4MOTION) to provide excellent traction.There's no manual gearbox however - only a six-speed automatic DSG transmission which uses two clutches to deliver super fast gearshifts - and it certainly works, with the R36 able to accelerate from 0-62mph in less than six seconds. Thanks to a different suspension set-up it handles better than the standard Passat with sharp steering and strong brakes.But while it's undoubtedly quick it's found wanting in terms of driver enjoyment. Parkers Ratings Overall 4 out of 5 Performance 4.5 out of 5 Handling 4 out of 5 Comfort 4 out of 5 Practicality 4 out of 5 Behind the wheel 4.5 out of 5 Safety 4.5 out of 5 Reliability 4.5 out of 5 Running costs 2 out of 5 Green credentials 1.5 out of 5 Buying used 3 out of 5 Selling 4 out of 5 Equipment 4 out of 5 What owners say... “ It is a big comfy estate, i do a lot of walking and climbing, so it is easy to fit my dogs, gear and friends in the car. With the seats down also there is loads of room for my mountain bikes. ” 5 out of 5 Mark Fisher , 12 Jan 2011 ... read more See all Owners' Reviews Read the full facts and figures about this car Compare this car to other cars Next steps View 1 used Volkswagen Passat R36s for sale Get an Insurance QuoteRead 1 owners' reviews Tweet Other Volkswagen reviews Continue to: Driving & Performance
“ It is a big comfy estate, i do a lot of walking and climbing, so it is easy to fit my dogs, gear and friends in the car. With the seats down also there is loads of room for my mountain bikes. ” 5 out of 5 Mark Fisher , 12 Jan 2011 ... read more