The fastest VW Passat is now on sale in the UK.

The R36 is available as a saloon or an estate and comes with a 3.6-litre V6 engine that develops 296bhp and 258lb ft torque. With all-wheel drive and a six-speed semi-automatic DSG gearbox, the R36 saloon hits 60mph in just 5.6 seconds, with the estate only 0.2 seconds slower, making this the fastest car in the company's current line-up.

Compared to the rest of the Passat range, the R36 sits 20mm lower and has a host of minor changes to make it look very different. At the front, for example, it has a new bumper that incorporates three deep airdams as well as a chrome grille and bi-xenon headlights. Blue brake callipers gleam through the 18-inch alloy wheels and, at the rear, it has a small spoiler and twin exhaust pipes.

Inside, there are unique sports seats, while the steering wheel incorporates the paddles for the DSG gearbox, and the transformation is completed by new dials, aluminium trim on the dashboard and alloy pedals.

The car comes in four colours - silver, black, blue and grey - and prices start at £30,990 for the saloon and £32,150 for the estate.

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