R36 Stock

[R34]

Yep
The A4 is like 100mm longer in the wheelbase than the Passat and is a much larger car than the previous A4

[apom]

I went down this road but its like comparing apples with apple pie.

One is a sensible healthy option and the other one makes you smile from ear to ear every time you take a bite!.

[Steve]

I guess you haven't driven the S4

Too much $$$ and no wagon yet

[R34]

Sorry to say guys but I managed to spend a couple of hours in an R36.
Nice enough car with all the gear and I thought the side light coming on when turning corners was very useful.
BUT
It didn't do it for me. Thought it felt slow and doughy in the lower speeds.
More like the transmission was trying to save fuel by not shifting down.
The engine sounded OK below 4,000 but really thrashy above that.
Couple of times I booted it then backed of and the trans didn't seem to want to change up.
Handling was great and I loved that.
This car is probably quicker than my chipped A3 but didn't feel like it.
Theres a lot to be said for low end Turbo power.
I was confused by this drive as my impressions seem to be at odds with everything I read
Might just have to wait for a MK VI GTi

I think I have 335i tastes on a R36 budget

[R36 Dreamer]

Sorry to say guys but I managed to spend a couple of hours in an R36.
Nice enough car with all the gear and I thought the side light coming on when turning corners was very useful.
BUT
It didn't do it for me. Thought it felt slow and doughy in the lower speeds.
More like the transmission was trying to save fuel by not shifting down.
The engine sounded OK below 4,000 but really thrashy above that.
Couple of times I booted it then backed of and the trans didn't seem to want to change up.
Handling was great and I loved that.
This car is probably quicker than my chipped A3 but didn't feel like it.
Theres a lot to be said for low end Turbo power.
I was confused by this drive as my impressions seem to be at odds with everything I read
Might just have to wait for a MK VI GTi

I think I have 335i tastes on a R36 budget

Maybe the car wasn't run in, or maybe you needed to use "s" mode to get more out of it.

I know the exhaust note changes once the car has done a few kms, and gets deeper.

The trans. is adaptive, and so it can get confused with different driving styles. When my wife uses the car for a week, when I get it back it feels like it is changing for economy and takes some kms to get back to "drive it like its stolen mode".

Horses for courses I spose, it is not going to be for everyone, but I much prefer the power delivery of this than my MkV GTI.

And I agree the 335i is a great car, was on my shopping list but I prefer the lower servicing costs and practicality of the bigger Passat.

Good luck with your search.

Jon

[R34]

Thanks Jon
Car has done around 10,000kms
Like in my A3 I find the "S" mode great for track days but a bit too extreme for on the road "S and a half" would be a great setting

[Steve]

Just drive it with the paddles/gear stick. I've had my R36 for over a year and I don't think it's ever been in "S" mode and only gets put in "D" on long highway/freeway journeys.