R36 : need assist

[R34]

I would like to hear from someone about lane assist (don't recall too many comments from actual users) but this is probably in the "nice but not strictly necessary" category. Then again, there is research to suggest that straying off lane is a major contributor of serious accidents so if it saves you once....
I would probably recommend that you look at the CC as well, but I cannot imagine a CC with a towbar! (sorry if anyone has one on the CC....)

Yes I've got lane assist and it seems a bit of a gimic to me but as you suggest if it saves me once it's worth it but I'm normally an attentive driver so not sure of it's value.
I've tested it when no one is around and if you let the car wander it will correct the drift and send you back accross to the other side of the lane and then corrects sending the car back yet again. Anyone travelling behind would assume your drunk I guess.
So having taken one for the team I'd say save your money.
I think the CC looks fabulous and more modern than the R36 and if they did an R version of it I would have bought it in an instant.
But I wanted the more sporting ability of the R36 plus I can't stand leather seats (sorry each to their own Leagle)

As far as prices go the retail price of my car was around $85,000 with every option except DynAudio and I paid $77,000.
I had a lower price from PhillipVWdealer because stamp duty in ACT is a lot less than here in WA
So as I said talk to Phillip as he was straight forward and did a good deal without playing games.
You should aim for maybe 10% off retail

[Rocket36]

Couldn't agree more with R34! Would buy an R version of the CC in a heartbeat! And you can't go past the alcantara seats in the R36. They're simply amazing!

[Leagle]

There is a nice photoshop picture of what a CC R36 would look like....

Volkswagen Passat CC R36 - CarSpyShots

Personally I don't think the CC's sophisticated image suits an R version. I actually like the "stealth" image a little too. People don't know what to expect when they see a badgeless CC, puts a smile on my face when they realise this is no puny 1.8L pose mobile.

Having said all of that, the CC 3.6 is exactly the same motor as the R36, so if they ever brought out a CCR36 I would want it to have a twin turbo, or at a minimum a supercharger. Maybe a very, very discreet R badge. But nothing else to spoil the shape. Then I would buy one!

Rocket, I have read your comms about preferring the hardcore R36 (ie without ACC). Each to their own. If I was still in my 20s, I may prefer the more hardcore car too - indeed I would have gone for a more hardcore car such as a Mitsubishi Evo even.

But... the nice thing with ACC is that it does give you a real choice: hardcore (maybe not as hard as Rocket likes it) or soft (cruising over our bumpy roads). I guess the best thing as others have said is to drive both an ACC car and one without to decide.

R34 thanks you for your insight on the lane assist. I imagine it might be handy on longer drives. If you ever get to the stage where lane assist starts to kick in, you will probably appreciate that fatigue is starting to kick in and hope that you will then pull over for a rest!

R34, I agree about the leather seat thing too btw... there are leather seats and there are leather seats. I love the R36 alcantara, alacantra... ok suede seats too! The good thing with my leather seats is they are ventilated so not sticky in summer and nice and warm in winter. They actually feel more suede than leather funnily enough too!

[Rocket36]

I'm actually secretly waiting for the new WRX STi Sedan to come out... Could be a bit of a hypo change.

Yes, an R version of the CC should be supercharged. Better than turbos imo - no lag and if you don't want to use the power you get the same fuel economy as no sc. And I don't think the shape needs changing. Just sporty colours, lower, slightly different styling (i.e. lip spoiler, wheel arches, larger wheels) much like the difference of an R36 over the standard Passat.

[R36 Dreamer]

if you don't want to use the power you get the same fuel economy as no sc.

I dont know much about supercharging, but I know my wifes Mini Cooper S with the supercharged engine is rubbish on fuel - its current average is .12.9L/100kms (all city driving).... My Passat is 12/100 with similar city driving....

[wagits]

Does the CC have the same exhaust note as the R36. I dorve a CC a while back, and a R36 on the weekend. I dont remember the CC sounding that growly.

[Leagle]

Does the CC have the same exhaust note as the R36. I dorve a CC a while back, and a R36 on the weekend. I dont remember the CC sounding that growly.

The 3.6L CC sounds very nice when you put your foot down (the word "growl" is an apt description). But yea, its also a very quiet car when cruising. Whilst R36 owners may disagree, I think the regular Passat shape probably has more wind/road noise than the slippery CC hence the perception of more engine/exhaust noise in the Passat.