Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 170 Sport DSG

This is the car that Ford had in its sights when developing the new Mondeo. Launched in 2005, the Passat set new class standards – not least because it was so much bigger than anything else around. In saloon guise, it’s more than 100mm longer than either the equivalent Vectra or Accord.

But when creating the estate, VW decided not to enhance the car’s proportions any more – it grew by only 9mm. In comparison, the Accord Tourer is 85mm longer than the four-door, the Mondeo estate boasts an extra 52mm and Vauxhall added a whopping 228mm to the Vectra.

There are no packaging miracles at work inside. Lift the tailgate, and the Passat seems small. This is partly due to the tinted back windows which darken the interior. But more fundamentally, the VW’s boot simply isn’t that wide, thanks to the intrusive wheelarches. This limits overall volume to 513 litres, and although there are deep wells either side, there’s no under-floor storage – unless you count the inside of the full-size spare wheel.

Flip the backrests down, and you get a near-flat load floor, so we can’t see many people being bothered to flip up the bases – especially as doing so reduces overall length. With the seats lifted back into position, not even the Mondeo can match the air of comfort and quality that greets the Passat’s passengers. There’s lots of space, while the materials and design are the best here.

With attention to detail like this in less important places, it comes as no surprise that the driving environment is also among the finest in this class. The clear layout, well planned switchgear, excellent cubby space and attractive dashboard prove that the Passat still has a few lessons to teach the latest Mondeo. It’s easy to live with day-to-day, and as soon as you climb aboard, the feelgood factor hits you straight away.

The engine isn’t quite so good-natured. We’ve criticised the 2.0-litre diesel unit in the past – particularly this most potent 168bhp version
– for its sudden rush of torque low down. And while the trait isn’t so noticeable here – thanks to the optional DSG sequential manual gearbox – acceleration is still rather abrupt at low speeds after an initially hesitant throttle.

But the instant shifts and 350Nm torque output mean the Passat is swift and capable when you’re overtaking – 30-70mph took only 7.3 seconds, which is two seconds faster than the Mondeo.

Opting for the DSG box adds £1,320 and pushes the car up four tax brackets, yet if you can cope with the financial implications and the slightly poorer economy, it’s a great system. The Passat sprints from 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds, although the brakes weren’t that effective at slowing the car’s 1,534kg – the VW took the
longest to stop from 60mph, at 37.2 metres.

Our testing also reinforced the idea that adding weight improves ride quality. With a boot full of gear and three people on board, the Passat was less upset by broken road surfaces. When empty, the suspension doesn’t have the same level of control and composure as the Ford’s, and the handling isn’t as light or agile. Ultimately, the chassis lacks sophistication – a pity, given the high-quality cabin and overall air of luxury.

You don’t have to pay too much to buy this VW, though. The Passat is nearly as well equipped as the Mondeo – although cruise control and a multifunction wheel cost extra – and in estate form is a thoroughly competent and desirable family car.

Details

Price: £23,657
Model tested: VW Passat 2.0 TDI
Chart position: 3
WHY: Passat is large, comfortable and well built. We test the top-of-the-range 2.0-litre diesel model.

Economy

Considering the VW’s power and DSG gearbox, 38.8mpg is a fair result. Gentle A-road driving regularly gave 50mpg, but this fell quickly when we pushed on.

Residuals

Buyers are still not sure about the DSG set-up, so manual versions of the 2.0 TDI 170 retain one per cent more. Still, it loses £993 less than the Ford over three years.

Servicing

A total in excess of £1,000 for three garage visits is steep, but variable intervals should ensure the Passat covers the optimum distance between service stops.

Tax

The high-powered Passat is the only car here not to sit in the 21 per cent band. Emissions of 177g/km put it four brackets higher – meaning roughly an extra £250 in costs.