R36 First Drive

[thezoneR32]

Had my first drive in an R36 today. Just thought I'd quickly share my thoughts about the experience. It was a My10 demo bottom of the range no extras whatsoever.

First impression, smooth and quick. Very quick. Where I think it has an edge over my R32 is the mid to upper mid range grunt you can really feel it push you back in your seat. I also noticed that the dsg changed down with no hesitation unlike my dsg which only changes down if it has been notified in writing first.

I drove an R recently and I really prefer the R32/R36 kind of power, smooth and grunty. The sound is awesome. It definitely sounds better than the R and I think in a way it sounds better than the r32. Its not as raspy and in your face but its deeper and more ferrari like when you hit the upper end.

Looks like I've found my next car. Might have to wait a while to break this one to the mrs.

I do feel though, that the suspension is somewhat inadequate in comparison to the power and braking ability of the car. It was a bit trashy over bumps and a bit light in the front end making the steering feel a bit vague. It also too much lift during acceleration. The contisport wouldn't have helped I hate these tyres. Give me a set of RE050 a's any day. I will try an acc version or perhaps if I buy one would opt for some aftermarket coilovers. I wonder if HPA kw make some SHS to fit the R36...............

[jamesatfish]

Looks like I've found my next car. Might have to wait a while to break this one to the mrs.

Don't wait too long... the entire Passat range has reached end-of-life, and you can't order a new R36 (or any other Passat) from the factory any more. If you want one you'd better start talking to the Mrs sooner rather than later.

My wife and I went to look at the R36 wagon the other day as a replacement for her current 4WD - looked like a great option especially at the price but we then found out we can't order a new one from the factory, and there wasn't anything in stock that had the specs we wanted.

I believe the next Passat is due sometime next year, with the wagon about 12 months later and the R model a bit later again.

[G-rig]

Nice cars, the interior is a definite step up in class from the R32, love the standard seats too. Overall seems a bit more refined whilst still having the nice engine roar.

Haven't driven one but I personally feel you may want to tighten up the suspension a bit (as you've mentioned). Bigger cars would have worse body roll.

[ron]

yeah,they are finishing up the current model to concentrate on the next one.

Yes the new Golf R is just too boy racer, even more than the R32.

The R is just noisy and boomy, but boy its faster than both R32 and R36

[nivek]

yeah,they are finishing up the current model to concentrate on the next one.

Yes the new Golf R is just too boy racer, even more than the R32.

The R is just noisy and boomy, but boy its faster than both R32 and R36

The R36 is still faster by 0.1s , at least on paper - in straight line.

[ron]

The R36 is still faster by 0.1s , at least on paper - in straight line.

yeah i know on paper it is so. it took me by surprise on the way it comes on boost, very early and spins free till shift point, the way it squats on launch compared to MK VI GTi totally different car. to 100kph with on boost launch (not holding launch) it somehow feels like 5sec flat or just a tad over, and yes this was timed. zippy little car

[G-rig]

Yes the new Golf R is just too boy racer, even more than the R32.

The R is just noisy and boomy, but boy its faster than both R32 and R36

The R32 isn't a boy racer, it's more of a tourer (heavier and slower compared to the R and GTI)..