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. 

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.