VOLKSWAGEN has introduced the sportiest of all Passat models to cater for the insatiable demand for increasingly powerful family cars.
Despite political correctness and speed cameras on almost every corner, increasingly high-powered cars are being brought to market at a remarkable rate of knots.
BMW has its M Series models, Mercedes-Benz boasts AMG versions of its otherwise relatively ordinary saloons and Audi has just added the awesome RS6 saloon and Avant models to its line-up.
Now comes the Passat R36 to follow in the tyre tracks of the Golf R32 and Touareg R50 as the company continues to roll out R versions of its cars across the range.
As the moniker suggests, power comes courtesy of a 3.6-litre engine which is linked to a six-speed sequential shifter sending power to all four wheels when needed.
Floor the throttle and the car will nip to 60mph in about five and a half seconds, with the top speed being electronically limited to 155mph.
A set of 18-inch wheels housing Volkswagen 'R' blue brake callipers and a ride height lowered by 20mm distinguish the R36 from lesser Passats.
Cosmetically there is a new front bumper, a trio of deep air dams plus a chrome grille with the 'R36 badge' in the centre.
At the rear is a set of twin tailpipes routed to either side of the bumper plus a subtle lip spoiler.
Inside are different front seats with greater lateral support and a sculpted sports steering wheel with paddles for the DSG gearbox.
A set of recalibrated 'R' dials are fitted alongside turned aluminium dashboard highlights, alloy pedals and sill plates bearing the 'R' logo.
Prices start at £30,990 for the saloon and £32,150 for the estate model.