R36 for Christmas

[Passat R36]

Nice! Wheels look massive!

[snerlo]

In Australia, I think this dash trim was fitted to the earlier pre-facelift R36es (ie red MFD).

I don't think the swirls ever came to Aus. I have an early 08 and it certainly doesn't have the same surrounds. Mine has like a really classy brushed aluminium look. Maybe different countries got slightly different options. For example, I have seen overseas models with an R36 badge directly above the dash display, whereas the aussie versions (well at least mine is and I have seen plenty of others) just have the plain jane Passat badge as per lower models. It's a little bit weird from VW considering that I would've thought that it would've been a lot cheaper to make them all the same rather than swapping bits and pieces depending on what country they are building for!!! Anyhow, I am open to being corrected if I am wrong!! Enjoy your new ride mate. I like the rims. They really suit it actually. They aren't my favourite rim in the world but they look sweet on yours mate.

[kleung]

I don't think the swirls ever came to Aus. I have an early 08 and it certainly doesn't have the same surrounds.

You could be right. I may have mistaken the 'dark brushed aluminium inserts' for the swirled effect trim.

Mine has like a really classy brushed aluminium look.

It's not a 'look' - it IS aluminium. The only criticism I have is that the chromed area around the gear selector can cause glare if the sun is at the right angle.

Maybe different countries got slightly different options. For example, I have seen overseas models with an R36 badge directly above the dash display, whereas the aussie versions (well at least mine is and I have seen plenty of others) just have the plain jane Passat badge as per lower models.

It's a little bit weird from VW considering that I would've thought that it would've been a lot cheaper to make them all the same rather than swapping bits and pieces depending on what country they are building for!!!

Not really - VW have made it easy for themselves because their cars and parts are so modular. Being an international manufacturer, they need to have the ability to customize per country anyway, due to differing compliance requirements and market positioning.

[Passat R36]

Is there a PASSAT anywhere on R36?

The R36 badge above the dash is more likely an aftermarket sticker.

[snerlo]

Only on the dash mate. Well at least on mine, that is the only place

[Netrover]

I've had the car for about 3 weeks now, and absolutely love it. The road I mostly drive is winding over hills, and gives me the opportunity over about 30km to test the power and handling of the car. Great ride and features - couldn't be happier with it.

I have ordered the DRL's that Snerlo posted up recently, plus interior LED's, puddle light LED's and R36 badged centre wheel caps and valve stem dust covers.

Will get a VW towbar fitted at some stage, but I need to be sure of a tidy install before pushing the go button. Have seen a few ugly looking results. There were some pics recently on a thread about exhausts that just happened to show a very tidy towbar install. That's what I'm after.

[Timlin]

Man, I love the "Cargo Management System", I'd love to know why NZ got this option and the AU cars didn't...

Great looking car mate, same colour as mine too - I reckon its the best colour for these cars, but, I AM biased!!


AT

[Netrover]

Man, I love the "Cargo Management System", I'd love to know why NZ got this option and the AU cars didn't...

Great looking car mate, same colour as mine too - I reckon its the best colour for these cars, but, I AM biased!!


AT

Yes the CMS is great. Some guy in an office at VW Australia probably didn't tick the box on the standard spec sheet - could be as simple as that.

Initially I wasn't too fussed on the Icelandic Grey and I didn't have any choice, but it has grown on me and I really like it now. My other car is bright yellow so I'm not averse to the bold colours, although I don't think yellow would work on the R36. Jakeys Candy White looks really nice, and Biscay Blue also looks good. It's a great car whatever colour you've got!

[Netrover]

Still loving my R36. No problems except other people damaging it.

Will be ticking over 100,000 km this week.