Design Car Volkswagen Passat

Design Volkswagen Passat

The Volkswagen Passat is still a classy large family car, even though it’s getting a little long in the tooth, and it remains a strong rival to the likes of the Ford Mondeo, Skoda Superb and Mazda 6.

As with any VW, it scores with its solid, upmarket image and impeccable interior quality, and it backs this up on the road with impressive refinement. As a result, the Passat is an excellent long-distance cruiser – so drivers who need a large car in which to clock up lots of motorway miles should take a closer look. They can choose from saloon and estate bodystyles, while VW offers a rugged Alltrack version of the estate, plus a four-door coupe based on the Passat, called the CC.

Despite its age, the Volkswagen Passat still looks quite sharp and exudes premium appeal. At the front is the latest Volkswagen family face, which comprises stylish headlights and a bold grille, while equally attractive tail-lamps and a smooth bumper give the rear end strong visual appeal. Even the entry level S comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, while buyers upgrading to the Highline or Sport get 17-inch rims, as well as chrome trim around the windows and bumpers. Racy R-Line models have 18-inch rims, xenon headlights and a sporty styling pack.

Engine Volkswagen Passat

Most Passat buyers are likely to choose a diesel, and the entry-level 104bhp 1.6-litre TDI engine – available in all models – is a quiet and refined performer on the motorway.

This engine is the only option in the BlueMotion, the four-door version of which promises 68.9mpg fuel consumption and low road tax bills, thanks to its 109g/km emissions (the estate claims 65.7mpg and 113g/km).

Only trouble is, the 1.6 TDI can feel slightly underpowered, so drivers wanting more grunt can go for a 138bhp or 175bhp 2.0-litre TDI. Petrol options comprise smooth and refined 158bhp 1.4 TSI and 207bhp 2.0-litre TSI engines, and the latter – only available in the top-spec Passat Sport – delivers an impressive 0-62mph time of 7.6 seconds. There’s also a choice of six-speed manual and six or seven-speed DSG automatic gearboxes.