Volkswagen Passat GTE review

Changes to the range of trim finishes and fabrics, plus coloured inserts on the dashboard, come as part of the Passat’s 2019 update, and while full equipment specs are yet to be announced, electric seat adjustment and adjustable lumbar support are likely to be available on the GTE. This should help any shape of driver to get comfortable. 

The dashboard is a real selling point for any Passat: it feels a class above those of rivals, such as the Ford Mondeo. Everything feels well finished and screwed together, with broad horizontal strakes running through the vents and soft-touch materials that help the Passat to look and feel really top-notch inside. Just bear in mind that the Audi A4 and BMW 330e are plusher still.

You get an upgraded 8.0in colour touchscreen as standard in the GTE. It’s one of the best touchscreen infotainment systems out there, being logically laid out and quite easy to use, even when you’re driving. All the connectivity features you could want are thrown in, too, including sat-nav, and you can step up to an even smarter 9.2in touchscreen if you pay extra for GTE Advance trim.

The switches for the standard climate control are a doddle to use, and the dials are very easy to read and see.