VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT ESTATE FULL REVIEW

Volkswagen Passat Estate full 9 point review

Performance

4 out of 5 stars

There are three turbocharged petrol engines – the lively 120bhp 1.4 TSI, a muscular 158bhp 1.8 TSI and an even punchier 207bhp 2.0 TSI. The entry-level diesel is the 1.6 TDI, which has only 104bhp, but is impressively flexible and willing. There are also two strong 2.0 TDI units, with either 138 or 168bhp, as well as six-speed manual and six- or seven-speed DSG semi-automatic gearboxes to choose from.
Ride & Handling

3 out of 5 stars

The Passat Estate is at its best on the motorway, where it’ll happily sit for hour after hour. It’s undemanding to drive everywhere else, with light steering and supple suspension. You still feel too many bumps, though, and the steering offers little feedback, so don’t expect to enjoy driving your Passat. Body control could be tighter, too, although it’s not worth spending the extra on the optional Adaptive Chassis Control system.
Refinement

4 out of 5 stars

The Passat's diesel engines are smooth and quiet, while the petrols are easy on the ear unless they're worked hard. Road noise is well contained on all but the roughest surfaces, and although some wind noise is noticeable, it’s not intrusive. Laminated side windows – for an even quieter cabin – are a cost option.

Buying & Owning

4 out of 5 stars

The Passat is pricier than some rivals, but generous discounts are available, and resale values are above average for the class. Insurance and contract hire rates are par for the course and the economy and emissions of most versions are better than average.
Quality & Reliability

4 out of 5 stars

Volkswagen has a reputation for quality, and the Passat mostly lives up to this. It looks appealing and the switchgear operates with a precise action, but some hard plastics on the lower dashboard let the side down a bit. Volkswagen prides itself on a reputation for excellent reliability, and the previous-generation Passat finished a decent fourth in class in the 2011 JD Power survey.
Safety & Security

5 out of 5 stars

Every Passat has a full set of electronic systems to help you avoid a crash. Unlike many rivals, it has no driver's knee airbag, but there are front, side and curtain 'bags, and the front head restraints are designed to minimise whiplash injuries. A key that fits into the dashboard offers a degree of theft protection, and keyless entry and starting is optional.

Behind The Wheel

4 out of 5 stars

An extensive range of seat and wheel adjustment means almost anyone can get comfortable at the wheel, but the front seats could do with a bit more side support. The control layout is clear and logical, but some drivers will find the electronic parking brake and starter system fiddly.
Space & Practicality

4 out of 5 stars

The Passat estate can't match a Ford Mondeo Estate for interior space, but it's still huge. There's lots of leg, shoulder and headroom for four, although the hefty central tunnel does make life a little uncomfortable for a middle rear passenger. The 513-litre boot is well shaped and can cope with lots of family clutter, but folding the rear seats down is a faff - you have to remove the headrests and pull up the seat bases first.
Equipment

4 out of 5 stars

Entry-level S models come with all the basics, such as air-con, alloys and a stereo with a USB connection. The next step up is SE, which includes a digital radio, Bluetooth and a fatigue-detection system. Top-spec Sport versions have flashier trim and a touch-screen satellite-navigation system.