The R36 is not a car to buy if you’re worried about running costs. Fuel costs are the biggest concern with both the estate and saloon versions averaging 27mpg while high emissions will mean expensive annual road tax. Volkswagen servicing isn’t particularly cheap either while insurance is equally as pricey. Consumables such as tyres and brakes are another factor to consider.

Performance cars such as the R36 are rarely kind to the environment and with CO2 emissions of 249g/km the Passat is no exception. It’s thirsty too – with an official fuel consumption figure of 27mpg, although hard driving will quickly see this drop to below 20mpg.

Volkswagen has a superb and well-deserved reputation for quality and its high performance Passat should be no different. The engine is a development of the well-proven 3.2-litre used in the standard car while build quality and interior finish are as upmarket as you’d expect.