Skip advert
Advertisement

Safest saloon car

Volkswagen Passat

Safest saloon car

The revised Passat only arrived in showrooms late last year, and it immediately secured some Euro NCAP silverware. 

Under the skin, the latest VW is largely unchanged from its predecessor, but it’s a strong design that delivers impressive protection for occupants. Externally, a reprofiled nose has helped boost 

the big saloon’s score for pedestrian safety. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

As you’d expect, there is a raft of electronic safety aids as standard, including ESP and ABS. A fatigue detection system is fitted to range-topping models, and buyers are also offered the option of a £410 lane-keep assist set-up.

Elsewhere, the Passat is solid rather than spectacular. Beautifully built and extremely refined, it’s a relaxing long-distance companion. Better still, 2.0-litre diesel BlueMotion models deliver supermini-rivalling running costs. 

However, in this closely fought sector, we’d opt for the Skoda Superb. Not only is it more spacious, better equipped and sharper to drive, it also matched the VW’s safety credentials when it was rated by Euro NCAP in 2009.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,700
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £14,650
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month
Cupra Terramar - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra’s Terramar for under £300 a month

The Cupra Terramar is an appealing family SUV that looks stylish but offers plenty of practicality. It’s our Deal of the Day for July 5
News
5 Jul 2025
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
Volvo XC60 facelift - front tracking

New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life

This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi
Road tests
4 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025