Volkswagen Australia to replace Passat R36

Volkswagen Australia will import the performance Passat 206TSI as a modern successor to the Passat R36 that accrued a sizeable fanbase locally, MOTOR has exclusively learned.

The Passat 206TSI mixes a 5.5-second 0-100km/h claim with the space of a medium sedan or (two-tenths-slower) wagon, and will be priced from an estimated $52,000 before on-road costs when it arrives in September.

That performance figure matches the old Passat R36, although the 3.6-litre V6 has been flicked in lieu of a drivetrain pinched from the scorching Golf R.

The same DSG six-speed dual-clutch automatic and 4Motion all-wheel-drive system carry over, and the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine makes an identical 206kW though with 30Nm less torque (an R36-matching 350Nm).

However where the R36 tipped the scales at a hefty 1726kg, the 206TSI weighs 1589kg according to official local documents obtained by MOTOR.

The 206TSI will look similarly athletic to the R36 thanks to an R-Line package featuring sports suspension, 19-inch wheels, bodykit and carbon Nappa leather upholstery, as is optional on the (pictured above) Passat 140TDI model grade.

Since the Passat switched to a new-generation model last year it has only been available with a choice of 140TDI 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and 132TSI 1.8-litre turbo petrol engines – the latter shared with Polo GTI.

Volkswagen sibling Skoda already offers the Superb 206TSI sedan and wagon with this Golf R drivetrain priced from $50,990 before on-road costs, but it is larger and slower (by three-tenths from 0-100km/h) than the Passat 206TSI.