VW makes high-powered Passat

• 247bhp petrol for Passat saloon and estate
• Prices start at £24,695
• 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds

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• More powerful and frugal engines from VW

Passat buyers now have the option of a new, high-powered 247bhp petrol engine, available in the saloon and estate ranges.

In Sport trim, the 3.2-litre V6 engine is priced from £24,695 in the saloon, and £25,770 in the estate. Higher-specified SEL models are also available for another £685.

Volkswagen's 4Motion four-wheel-drive system is fitted for added traction, along with the excellent Dual-Shift gearbox (DSG), which allows drivers the choice of sequential or fully automatic gearchanges.

The new V6 is almost a second quicker to 62mph than the next most powerful Passat, the 197bhp 2.0-litre model, which costs from £20,475. Combined fuel consumption is, inevitably, worse, while the newcomer is in the top 35% company car tax band, seven groups higher than the 2.0-litre.

Saloon from £24,695
0-62mph 6.9sec
Top speed 153mph
Monthly company car tax bill for lower/higher-rate earner £157/£286
Combined economy 28.2mpg

Estate from £25,770
0-62mph 7.2sec
Top speed 151mph
Monthly company car tax bill for lower/higher-rate earner £164/£298
Combined economy 28.0mpg