VW Passat Estate 2.0 TDI

We’ve always preferred the Passat Estate to the regular saloon, and the current version is no different. But is the latest model about to be overtaken in the family car stakes by the Peugeot 508?

It’s honours even on the outside, as the VW takes a similar approach to its fresh-faced rival. Its clean lines and simple details won’t have bystanders craning their necks to get a better look, but it’s smart and well proportioned, with high-quality chrome trim. The cabin does stand out as something a bit different, though.

It’s no longer head and shoulders above the other cars in this test, but the attention to detail is impressive. Simplicity is the watchword here, and everything from the smart dashboard and classy instruments to the touchscreen stereo and logical heating controls are seemingly designed to reduce stress and make life easier.

Kit is in relatively short supply, however, and while SE trim does include a DAB digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity, the VW’s equipment count is dwarfed by the Ford, Peugeot and Skoda. The next rung on the Passat ladder is the Sport model, which costs an additional £1,510 and still doesn’t feature leather upholstery or heated front seats.

But what’s not in short supply is space – there’s plenty of room in the back, plus a practical 1,731-litre load area. Only the Superb has a bigger boot, and you can also opt for a powered tailgate (£315) to take the strain out of opening and closing the rear hatch.

Performance is on par with the Skoda, which shares its 2.0-litre TDI engine with the Passat. They have the same power and torque outputs, but the Passat is cleaner, thanks to the addition of VW’s BlueMotion Technology. Stop-start and brake regeneration trim CO2 emissions to 120g/km, making the Passat the cleanest model on test.

Not that you’d know it from behind the wheel, as the big estate was every bit as fast as the Skoda, sprinting from 0-60mph in 10.1 seconds and trailing only the Peugeot in our 50-70mph in-gear tests. On top of that, the slick six-speed gearbox, smooth engine, refined cabin and comfortable driving position mean the car is brilliant over long distances. And the chassis is surprisingly capable on A and B roads, too, where its composure and grip inspire confidence.
 
Despite this, it’s not much fun to drive, and enthusiasts will miss out on the kind of engagement provided by the Superb and Mondeo. The steering is light and uncommunicative, and doesn’t react with the same willingness or agility as the class leaders.

Instead, its suspension is tuned towards providing comfort, which is entirely in keeping with its efficient engine. At the end of our test, it had returned 42.2mpg, so it won this particular battle, but its margin of victory over the 41.5mpg Skoda was smaller than expected.

Details

Chart position: 2
WHY: Family model has just been revised, with a smarter interior and cleaner looks. It’s also the most efficient choice here.