USED Volkswagen Passat Estate (05 - 11)

My car

I have the Passat Estate as a company car and chose it because of its value and looks. This is my first diesel.

On the road: At low revs it can wallow before the turbo kicks in. At medium and higher revs the power is good and when cruising it is quiet and relaxing with the 6th gear. Handling is fine but it is a big car. Early on I found the Electronic Handbrake hard to use - it can seem to 'lock' requiring you to depress the footbrake (not much fun on a hill start). I got used to it now but wonder if this will become an option in time.

In the cabin. My SE has some added extras like leather upholstry, rain sensing wipers, parking sensors, etc. The features are good and the car is comfortable for driver and passengers. The styling is modern with red and blue instrument lights. As an estate, the seats fold flat without too much trouble and luggage rails help to secure loads with the optional fixings. It's been fine as a load hauler, although the ceiling height drops off to the rear to give it racier lines. Ownership: Fuel exonomy has been good (well in excess of 40mpg over a mix of road use). Company car tax is reasonable.

Overall I'm happy. I worried at first about the electronic handbrake, but having overcome this everything else has met my expectations. I would say definitely consider the Passat.