Volkswagen Passat Estate



The new Volkswagen Passat has the quality, build and refinement to make it a premium-class rival. Volkswagen's big estate is breaking away from the mainstream.

Test Car Specifications

Model tested: Passat Estate 2.0 TDI GT 150
Price: £29,310 as tested
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel
Transmission: front-wheel drive, six-speed manual
Body style: estate car
CO₂ emissions: 110g/km (Band B, £20 per year)
Combined economy: 67.3mpg
Top Speed: 135mph
0-62mph: 8.9 seconds
Power: 150hp at 3,500- to 4,000rpm
Torque 340Nm at 1750- to 3,000rpm

What's this?

The new Passat Estate, one that moves the big wagon out of the mainstream and into the class above. The Passat has always been on the fringes of the premium class, but with this latest model it's right up there in terms of quality and desirability, if not driving excitement. Good looks, serene refinement and plentiful equipment help its case enormously, while the fact it's not a BMW, Audi or Mercedes-Benz arguably makes it more appealing, too.

How does it drive?

The Passat is never going to goad you into driving that little bit faster as a BMW 3 Series Touring or Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate might, but there's still a lot to like. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine is extremely quiet, its 150hp (or more importantly, its 340Nm of torque) makes for effortless, if not scintillating pace. The six-speed manual gearbox shifts decently, the steering is accurate and has nicely judged weight, making the Passat an entirely pleasant, if unremarkable drive. That's part of its appeal though, as there's simply no fuss and it rides better than its Audi A4 Avant rival too.

That and you're surrounded by an environment that's not far off the luxury class for tactility, neatness of design and visual appeal. There's plenty of space front and rear too, while you'll have to be very determined to fill the capacious and well-shaped estate boot.

Verdict

With premium now the mainstream the Passat's appeal is greater than ever. It looks superb - particularly in GT R-Line spec - has a beautiful interior, comes with a comprehensive standard specification and drives with the sort of serenity and ease that its high-mileage owners will really appreciate - not everyone's in a tailgating hurry, after all. It has always felt a cut above its mainstream alternatives, but it's now good enough to be elevated properly into the ranks of the premium players.

Exterior Design

Interior Ambience

Passenger Space

Luggage Space

Safety

Comfort

Driving Dynamics

Powertrain