Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Passat

The new Passat story has only just begun...! Last week, we brought you an on-the-road exclusive in VW's flagship 2.0-litre diesel model. Now we have driven the more modest 1.6 petrol edition to see if entry-level versions hold the same appeal. Exact details of the UK Passat line-up are yet to be confirmed, but the 113bhp 1.6 FSI is sure to be popular with buyers looking for an affordable way into the range.

There is no doubting that VW has created a superb all-round saloon in the shape of its new Passat. However, with a 1.6-litre engine it is let down by a lack of power. While the unit is fine on motorways, its sluggish acceleration may leave some frustrated.

The new Passat story has only just begun...! Last week, we brought you an on-the-road exclusive in VW's flagship 2.0-litre diesel model. Now we have driven the more modest 1.6 petrol edition to see if entry-level versions hold the same appeal. Exact details of the UK Passat line-up are yet to be confirmed, but the 113bhp 1.6 FSI is sure to be popular with buyers looking for an affordable way into the range. Shared with the Golf, the hi-tech unit has already proved itself economical and responsive, if a little underpowered.

In the bigger Passat, it has to work much harder to shift the extra weight, and can feel overstressed. It must be pushed to the upper end of its rev range to make swift progress, resulting in a boomy engine note in the cabin. VW claims an 11.4-second 0-60mph sprint, and the good news is that, once up to motorway speeds, cruising becomes far more refined thanks to a sixth ratio. The gearbox has a sharp and precise action, with a similar feel to the Golf's manual.

Despite its noisy engine, the Passat remains comfortable. It is less agile when cornering than rivals such as the Honda Accord, but is light and easy to drive, with a good ride quality. Economy is also impressive, with 37.7mpg an improvement over the previous 2.0-litre base Passat. That model managed only 35mpg in the combined cycle.

Prices are yet to be revealed, but it is thought entry-level cars will be around £17,000. Many drivers will expect greater performance at that cost, though, and might be better off sacrificing some brand image and opting instead for a mainstream family alternative.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,065 off RRP*Used from £14,895
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,459 off RRP*Used from £15,045
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,546
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

EV affordability alarm! Running costs are £6k higher than for petrol cars, say car clubs
BYD Atto 3 - front cornering

EV affordability alarm! Running costs are £6k higher than for petrol cars, say car clubs

Running costs for car share club EVs are £6k higher than ICE equivalents according to new data
News
8 May 2025
Bargain prices drive used car sales boom, but new cars struggle to sell
Used Renault Arkana - front action

Bargain prices drive used car sales boom, but new cars struggle to sell

Demand for pre-owned cars beats pre-pandemic levels as buyers seek out bargains
News
9 May 2025
BYD beats Dacia, Honda and Citroen: Chinese EV giant already outsells ‘big’ UK brands
BYD Seal - full front

BYD beats Dacia, Honda and Citroen: Chinese EV giant already outsells ‘big’ UK brands

EV sales were up slightly last month year-on-year, but overall car sales were down as buyers tried to dodge increased road tax
News
9 May 2025